Lack of adequate care before and after laser hair removal sessions leads to a poor treatment impact. Laser hair removal before and after care is extremely important at all times. Lack of care generally happens due to lack of knowledge. However now you don't need to worry about this at all.
This content will make numerous doubts clear for you and help you in getting the right information regarding prior and later care of laser hair removal sessions. Laser hair removal treatment is a thing that requires intense care before and after the treatment. It is quite crucial to understand the matter in detail. Here we go :
7 Things to Do Before Your Laser Hair Removal Session
There are 7 things that you need to do before your laser hair removal session. Here is what to do before laser session:
Stop Plucking, Waxing or Electrolysis for about 4–6 Weeks Prior
The laser treatment aims at the hair root or the follicle. Plucking, waxing or using creams takes away the follicle. This creates hurdles in the effective laser hair removal preparation and results.
Shaving the Part to be treated about 24–48 Hours prior
You should shave the area about 12 to 24 hours before your laser hair removal session begins. This makes the laser aim at the hair follicle and it also doesn't have any negative effect on the overall skin.
Avoiding Sun Exposure & Tanning for about 4–6 Weeks Before the Session
You need to know that the sun can have a negative effect on the overall skin. Avoiding direct tanning beds and sun exposure for about four to six weeks before the hair removal session is important. Skin discoloration and burns are normal if this care is not taken.
Avoid Skincare Products on Treatment Day
Remember that you should be avoiding creams, lotions, perfumes, deodorant or makeup to the treatment region on the day when you are going to undergo the treatment session. Such products will not make the treatment fully effective.
Avoid using perfume or deodorant prior to the treatment
Don't forget that you cannot use deodorant or perfume before the laser hair removal session. Your session doesn't get you the desired results if you use these products because these products have chemicals that can interfere with the treatment results.
Consider getting a patch test
This is also what you should do before undergoing a laser hair removal session. Getting a patch test can give you a better idea of what exactly happens to your skin after the treatment.
Stop Using Harsh Active Ingredients
Avoid using salicylic acid, glycolic acid, topical retinoids, or chemical peels on the treatment part for weeks during the laser hair removal preparation.
5 Things You Must NOT Do Before Laser
There are some things that you need to avoid before your laser hair removal session. Here we know :
Waxing, Plucking, or Electrolysis
All these treatments remove the hair root that the laser has to target so that the session gets the best results.
Avoid using tanning beds and spray tans before the session. Sunburned or tanned skin broadens the risk of side effects like skin lightening, burns and blistering.
Using Retinoids and Harsh Chemicals
Don't use topicals that have glycolic acid, retinol, or salicylic acid on the area to be treated for some days to a week prior to the laser hair removal session to prevent high sensitivity.
Using antibiotics without informing
Don't use any antibiotics without informing the clinic if you feel that your laser hair removal treatment should be a grand success.
Applying Topicals on the Day of Treatment
You should also be keeping products like lotion, deodorant, perfumes and makeup away from the area of treatment. Using such products interferes with the results of the treatment.
What to Expect During the Session ?
The laser hair removal session is a complicated process involving some complex methods and minute attention to before and after care. The process is normally safe and is even professionally handled. The process involves a handheld device that emits pulses of light to aim the hair follicles. It feels like a warm snap of a rubber band. Here is what you can expect during the session as a part of the treatment :
Preparation
The region is cleaned in a hygienic way and potentially shaved if at all you miss it. You will also receive a protective eyewear to wear during the process.
The Session Process
The technician presses a handheld laser device over your skin, which can be held taut. You can feel a warm pinprick sensation or a rubber band snapping over the area.
Cooling
A built-in cooling tip or cooling gel or on the laser is used during the entire process to avoid any damage to the skin and protect the skin.
Time
Tiny areas like the upper lip take a few minutes, while larger areas like the back and legs consume more than an hour.
Post-Session Care-The First 24 Hours
There are some things that you need to take care of during the first 24 hours of the laser hair removal session.
Apply a cold compress or refrigerated aloe vera gel to the treated area. This helps in reducing the swelling, redness and sensitivity.
Do not apply perfumes, deodorant, scented lotions, or intense skincare products to the selected area.
Stay away from steam rooms, hot showers, void saunas, and high intensity exercises after the session. All of these can irritate your skin and add to sweat-related infections. Avoid opting for intense workouts or gym after the treatment.
Don't use any fragranced cleanser after the laser hair removal session. You should wash the treated area with lukewarm water for effective results. Go for loose clothing after the laser hair removal session. This helps in managing the side effects of the treatment well.
Do not tweeze, wax or scratch the area where the laser hair removal session is performed. All these things can increase itching or scarring over the area. Redness is normal after the treatment but you should avoid waxing or tweezing. This is an important part of post laser skin care.
Post-Session Care-Days 2–7
Post laser skin care is truly important after the hair removal session. Consider applying a pure aloe vera gel or scent free moisturizer regularly to keep away from flakiness and dryness.
Go for SPF 50 mandatory and careful cleansing. This will help you in preventing post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
You need to know that a bit of hair shedding is normal during this period. Another thing to know is that avoiding active skincare products is truly important during this time. Don't go for consistent shaving during this period. Shaving consistently during this time can increase tenderness and redness.
Long-Term Skin Care Between Sessions, laser hair removal before after care
Laser hair removal before and after care generally requires a due, confident, gentle and knowledgeable approach from your part. If you consider some basic things and apply it to your post session skin care then it is sure that your laser hair removal treatment provides the best results.
The very first thing that you should practise is moisturizing on a daily basis. Go for SPF and aloe vera gel for a wonderful result. Also don't pluck or wax during the post laser hair removal after care India session. Also you can talk to the technician and know about the duration between the treatment sessions, it should normally be between 4 to 6 weeks.
