Most people prefer laser hair removal to get rid of unwanted hair without plucking, waxing, or shaving. It’s a popular choice because it’s effective, doesn’t hurt much and result is long lasting.
To get the best results, it’s important to take good care of your skin after treatment.
In this post, I will walk you through the important aftercare tips that will help you maximize the effectiveness of your treatments.
What to Expect After Laser Hair Removal
While laser hair removal is non-invasive, your skin may still experience minor reactions, especially in the hours and days following treatment.
Immediately after your session, the treated area may look slightly red, as seen after a sunburn. This is perfectly normal and should subside within a few hours to a day. Some people also experience slight tingling or sensitivity, depending on skin type and the area treated.
You may notice hair shedding in the treated area over the next few weeks. This doesn’t mean new hair growth—it’s a sign that the laser effectively targeted and treated the follicles.
Now, let’s get into the essential aftercare tips to ensure you experience smooth recovery and optimal results.
Avoid Sun Exposure
It’s very important to avoid sun exposure in the treated area. Your skin becomes more sensitive after the laser treatment, and sunlight can cause hyperpigmentation (dark spots), burns, or irritation. Sun exposure can also reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Avoid sun exposure on treated skin, and use sunscreen with SPF 30+ if you go outside.
- Wear loose, protective clothing that covers the treated area when possible.
- Avoid sunlight for two weeks before and after each session.
Skip Hot Showers and Baths
After the session, your skin may feel more delicate than usual. Hot showers, baths, or saunas can aggravate your skin and lead to irritation or discomfort. The heat from these activities can also exacerbate redness and swelling.
What to Do Instead:
- Avoid very hot or very cold water on your skin for at least 24 to 48 hours after your laser hair removal treatment. Stick to lukewarm water instead.
- Avoid steam rooms, saunas, and hot tubs because these can intensify inflammation in the treated areas.
Soothe with Cool Compresses
If your skin feels particularly sensitive or warm after your session, applying a cold compress can help reduce discomfort and minimize swelling. Cold therapy is great for calming any immediate redness or irritation, making your recovery more comfortable.
How to Use Cold Compresses:
- Take a clean cloth, wet it with cool water, and gently press it onto the treated area. However, avoid rubbing or scrubbing your skin.
- Leave the compress on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Repeat as needed throughout the day.
Avoid Scratching or Picking at the Treated Area
It’s natural for your skin to feel slightly itchy or dry after laser hair removal, but it’s essential not to scratch, rub, or pick at the treated area. Doing so can irritate the skin and, in some cases, cause scarring or infections.
Instead, focus on keeping the area moisturized with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion (more on this below). If your skin starts to peel or flake, let it do so naturally—picking at it will only slow the healing process.
Moisturize Regularly
Keeping your skin hydrated is important after laser hair removal. Using a gentle moisturizer without any fragrance will keep your skin soft, prevent dryness or itching.
Best Practices for Moisturizing:
- Choose a moisturizer that is hypoallergenic and alcohol-free to avoid further irritation.
- Apply the moisturizer as needed, especially if your skin feels dry or tight after the session.
- Continue moisturizing daily to keep your skin smooth and to support its recovery.
Stay Away from Harsh Skincare Products
Your skin will be more fragile and easily irritated after laser hair removal. It’s essential to avoid using any harsh skincare products that could irritate the treated area. This includes products containing retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide.
Avoid for at Least One Week:
- Exfoliating scrubs
- AHA/BHA-based products
- Acne treatments
- Strong astringents or toners
If you’re unsure whether a product is safe to use after laser hair removal, consult with your provider for recommendations on gentle skincare options.
No Sweating or Intense Workouts
Although exercise is good for your health, it’s best to avoid activities like heavy lifting or intense workouts for the first one or two days after your laser hair removal treatment.
Excessive sweating can irritate the treated area and increase your risk of infection, especially in areas like the underarms or bikini line.
Keep It Low-Impact:
- After your treatment, you should do light activities like walking or gentle stretching instead of intense exercise.
- Wait a few days before returning to high-impact workouts like running, weightlifting, or spinning classes.
Be Patient with Results
One of the most important things to remember about laser hair removal is that results take time. While you may notice some immediate shedding, full results typically become visible after several weeks. It can take anywhere from two to six sessions (depending on the area) for optimal hair reduction.
Don’t be discouraged if you still see some hair growth after your first session—each session targets a different growth cycle of hair, and it’s normal for some hair to persist until your full treatment course is complete.
Avoid Additional Hair Removal Methods
In the days and weeks following your laser hair removal, it’s essential to avoid other hair removal methods like plucking, waxing, or epilating. These methods can remove the hair follicle and interfere with the effectiveness of the laser.
What You Can Do:
- You can shave between sessions, as it doesn’t affect the hair follicle. Feel free to shave the treated area if needed, but avoid waxing or plucking at all costs.
- If you’re not sure about hair removal, consult your doctor before your next appointment.
Follow Up with Your Provider (H3)
Follow your provider’s advice to get the best possible results. Most patients need multiple treatments and four to six weeks for the best results.
Your provider can also offer additional aftercare tips tailored to your skin type and the specific area treated.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal is a good way to remove unwanted hair, but it’s important to take care of your skin after the treatment to get the best results. By following these essential aftercare tips—such as avoiding sun exposure, keeping your skin hydrated, and staying patient with the process—you’ll be able to on your way to successful, long-lasting results.
R·MEDYᴹᴰ Aesthetics helps people remove unwanted hair using laser technology. Contact us if you have any questions.