What To Expect With Laser Hair Removal: Before and After
Laser hair removal is the ultimate long-term solution for eliminating unwanted hair. In addition to offering smooth, silky skin for months or years, it also provides anti-aging properties to keep your skin looking and feeling youthful.
Before signing up for a series of treatments, let’s look at what you can expect before, during, and after your laser hair removal sessions!
How to prep for your first laser hair removal treatment
Preparing your skin for laser hair removal will set you up for success. Here’s how to care for your skin for the best possible results:
Stay out of the sun
Whether you opt for a spray tan or a long weekend at the beach, darkening your skin can reduce the efficacy of your laser hair removal treatment. That’s because these devices typically target melanin. The greater the difference between your hair color and skin tone, the better.
However, there’s another reason to avoid sun exposure in the weeks leading up to your appointment. UV rays can make skin more susceptible to damage, meaning you could see more severe side effects from your treatment.
Stop plucking and waxing
Since lasers seek out and destroy excess melanin, you’ll get the best results when the dark roots of your hairs are intact. You’ll want to stop waxing and plucking at least one month before your laser appointment to ensure the device can locate–and eliminate–your follicles.
Shave the treatment area
While waxing and tweezing can adversely affect your laser hair removal treatment, shaving is a necessary step for success. Once again, this is because the device must be able to recognize your hair follicles. Shaving the day before your session will help reduce interference for optimal results.
Exfoliate
Just as hair and debris can inhibit laser hair removal, so can dead skin cells. Gently exfoliate one or two days before your scheduled appointment.
Cleanse your skin
Starting with fresh, clean skin will minimize the risk of complications by removing dirt, oils, and bacteria from the treatment area. Your skin should be free from all chemicals and products, so a proper cleanse will do the trick.
What to expect during your laser hair removal session
Many people worry about discomfort during laser hair removal, lengthy appointments, and what to expect from the process. Here’s a guide to help you feel prepared on the day of your treatment:
What does a laser hair removal appointment look like?
Before your initial appointment, you’ll meet with your doctor or laser specialist to discuss your goals, any medications you’re taking, and other skincare procedures you’ve had, such as dermal fillers. If you’re a good fit for treatment, they’ll get you on the books!
During your first laser session, you can expect your esthetician to apply a numbing cream or cooling gel before getting down to business.
How long does laser hair removal take?
The size of your treatment area will make a big difference in how long laser hair removal takes. For example, a session to zap your upper lip may only take about ten minutes, while full legs can take closer to an hour.
How many treatments will you need?
Each person responds differently to laser hair removal. Your genetics, hair growth cycle, and treatment area will also make an impact. However, most people can enjoy long-term results that last months or years within six to eight sessions.
Laser hair removal aftercare tips
Following each laser hair removal appointment, you must prioritize proper aftercare to avoid uncomfortable side effects. Here’s how to care for your skin after treatment:
Avoid prolonged sun exposure
Stay out of direct sun for the duration of your treatment series and after your final appointment. Just as UV rays can make your skin more sensitive to laser hair removal, the procedure will also make your skin more susceptible to damage from sun exposure. Failing to protect your skin from the sun could result in burns and pigment changes.
Avoid heat and excessive sweating
Excessive heat will promote an inflammatory response and increase redness, swelling, and other side effects. Additionally, sweat can introduce harmful bacteria into your tender skin and cause infection.
Be strategic about other hair removal methods
Give your skin a minimum of three to four days before shaving again. After all, your skin will need time to recover. Additionally, you must avoid waxing and plucking to achieve optimal results during your next session.
Avoid swimming
From swimming pools and hot tubs to the open ocean, water carries harmful bacteria that can damage your post-laser skin. Wait until your skin is completely healed–at least a week–before taking a dip.
Stay away from harsh products
Skincare treatments like chemical peels, retinols, and potent active ingredients can irritate sensitive skin. Avoid these products for at least two weeks before and after each session to prevent adverse reactions. In the meantime, you can apply cold compresses and aloe vera to promote healing.
Exfoliate
Starting about one week after laser hair removal, you should exfoliate the treatment area several times a week to encourage those recently zapped hairs to dislodge. This will also help prevent pesky ingrown hairs.
Schedule your laser hair removal consultation at Balanced Health and Wellness!
Whether you’re ready to take the plunge and try laser hair removal or simply looking for more information, Balanced Health and Wellness is here to help! Contact us today or book a consultation to get started!