Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
Laser hair removal is the leading form of hair removal for those who want to have permanently smooth skin via cutting-edge technology. Skin Technique uses revolutionary treatments that target the melanin in each hair follicle to disrupt the growth process. When you receive your laser hair removal treatment(s), you’ll want to know how to take care of your skin after the process to ensure optimal results.
Our Experience with Laser Hair Removal
The Skin Technique team is highly experienced in laser hair removal techniques, especially with the Forever Bare BBL™ system and treatments. Dr. Pavlou leads the clinic with many accolades, including a Bachelor of Medicine, a Bachelor of Surgery, and multiple “Best of Vancouver” awards for Skin Technique’s successful cosmetic and laser hair removal procedures.
Why You Should Care About Aftercare
Just like taking the proper steps to prepare for your laser hair removal procedure is key to a successful treatment, knowing the aftercare steps you need to take and taking them ensures optimal results and long-term smooth, glowing skin. If you don’t follow proper aftercare instructions provided by the Skin Technique team, you could risk damaging your skin.
Potential Side Effects
The most prominent side effects that come from improper laser hair removal aftercare are due to prolonged direct sun exposure occurring too soon following your treatment. Some side effects to exposing your newly lasered treatment area to the sun unprotected include blisters, burns, and scarring. These blisters and scars can, in turn, turn into an infection that can cause hyperpigmentation on the skin and put you at risk for deeper health issues.
Things You Should Do After Laser Hair Removal
To avoid any of these side effects after your laser hair removal treatment, follow these steps to enjoy long-term smooth skin.
Use Cold Compresses
After your treatment, it is likely that you will experience some redness and bumps in the treatment area. This is very common and can last for a few hours post-procedure. To reduce any warmth and sensitivity, apply a cold compress to the area until it is soothed.
Cleanse Mildly
For the first 48 hours following your laser hair removal treatment, you should wash the treatment area gently with a mild soap free of harsh chemicals and fragrances. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing.
Let Yourself Shed
You will see stubble appear within 5-30 days following your treatment – this is the dead hair being shed from the follicle. It is normal to appear and will fall out quickly, so don’t be embarrassed – the shedding will be barely noticeable.
Exfoliate
When the shedding occurs, it means the dead hair is pushing its way out of your follicles. You can encourage the hair to come out more easily by using a washcloth or exfoliating cloth and shaving the hair away from the treatment area.
Things You Should Avoid After Laser Hair Removal
Avoid doing these things after your laser hair removal treatment to ensure you heal fully and enjoy optimal results.
Avoid Makeup & Lotions
You will need to keep the treatment area clean and dry for optimal healing results. If you experience redness or irritation for a prolonged period of time, do not apply makeup, moisturizer, or deodorant to the treatment area until the irritation has subsided and it has been at least 48 hours.
Don’t Go In The Sun
Direct sun exposure can cause blisters, scarring, and redness, so avoid prolonged sun exposure for the first 2 months following your treatment. If you need to go out in the sun, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and be weary once you return to suntanning – burning or heat damage can cause hyperpigmentation.
Don’t Wax or Tweeze
Do not use hair removal methods other than shaving on the treated area during the course of your treatments. Your hair is going to shed on its own, and shaving should only be used to promote this shedding. The treatment area will soon be smooth and hairless permanently – so throw away the wax strips and enjoy your results!
Avoid Picking At Your Skin
You may feel the desire to pick or scratch at shedding on your skin, or crusting due to your skin’s reaction to the laser heat and sun. If there is crusting, apply an antibiotic cream and do not pick at it. Picking at your skin can cause scarring, infection, or hyperpigmentation. Be patient and you will heal before you know it.
Be Patient
As mentioned, patience is key. After your laser hair removal sessions, you will be able to enjoy smooth, razor bump-free skin for the rest of your life – so waiting a few months to heal fully is definitely worth it!
When to See a Professional Post-Treatment
If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned side effects, including blisters, burns, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and/or infection, please contact your family doctor or the Skin Technique team. Additionally, if you require more laser hair removal sessions due to having thicker, more stubborn hair, please schedule a follow-up appointment with Skin Technique.
Laser Hair Removal After Care FAQs
How long do laser hair removal results last?
The recommended amount of sessions will vary depending on your hair pattern, thickness, and the treatment area you are targeting. However, after 1-6 sessions, your laser hair removal results will be permanent.
When can you shower after laser hair removal?
It is best to wait 24 hours before showering after your laser hair removal treatment to avoid hot water hurting the treatment area or cleansers irritating your skin.
What products should I avoid after treatment?
You should avoid any products that contain harsh chemicals, such as makeup, exfoliants, scented cleansers, or serums and moisturizers for the first couple of days following your treatment. It is best to stock up on chemical-free, gentle products that you can use during the first week following your laser hair removal to get the best results.
Book a Laser Hair Removal Consultation
Skin Technique’s laser hair removal experts are ready to guide you through the laser hair removal process, from your initial consultation to your appointment(s) and aftercare instructions. Throw away your razors, wax strips, and hair removal creams and enjoy permanently smooth, bump-free skin with laser hair removal treatments from Skin Technique. Book your laser hair removal consultation today!