Laser hair removal is one of those beauty treatments that packs a powerful punch. But how you care for your skin after a session (several are needed to get fully fuzz-free) impacts your results more than you may realize. With laser hair removal, a laser device is used to emit energy that destroys the hair follicle and prevents future hair growth, and with that comes tender skin, some mild redness, swelling, and discomfort. The skin requires special TLC to avoid unwanted side effects and damage. Following the proper laser hair removal aftercare protocol is essential to make the most of the treatment, no matter where you choose to zap away unwanted hair.
The Importance of Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
After laser hair removal, the skin can be pink or red, feel slightly uncomfortable, or experience signs of minor swelling. To nurture the skin back to its normal state of health, it’s essential to follow all of the instructions given after a laser hair removal treatment. Unfortunately, not paying close attention to the dos and don’ts of laser hair removal aftercare can compromise the skin and cause adverse reactions.
What to Do Immediately After Laser Hair Removal
Since numbing cream is used during laser hair removal to make the process more comfortable, your skin may still feel numb after the treatment, and that’s okay. Immediately following the procedure, you’ll want to apply cold compresses or ice or an ice pack wrapped in a dry rag or cloth to the treated area, which will help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. Do this for about 10 minutes at a time, several times throughout the day.
Your pre-treatment instructions will likely advise you to show up to your treatment wearing loose-fitting clothes, which you’ll want to continue wearing for the rest of the day. By keeping fabric away from the skin, you can avoid friction and skin irritation so that the skin can heal properly.
Wetting the area where hair was treated is okay as long as you use lukewarm water. Hot water can cause the skin to blister or burn and become irritated. Just make sure to keep the treated area clean, dry, and free of all beauty products.
You can also take aspirin to help with any post-treatment sensitivity or discomfort. Usually, any mild pain subsides after a few hours.
Essential Laser Hair Removal Aftercare Tips
During the first few days after laser hair removal, it is imperative to follow the proper aftercare tips even if your skin is on the road to healing, looks healthy, and feels totally normal. Remember that the skin is still sensitive and susceptible to damage, so taking good care of it is crucial.
- Always avoid the sun and exposure to heat for at least one week. If you spend time outdoors, it’s crucial to use sunscreen and reapply so that the skin does not receive unnecessary sun exposure.
- Don’t use self-tanner for a while to avoid any rashes, burns, bumps, or irritation.
- To prevent redness and skin discoloration, avoid lotions, creams, and any other products containing perfumes and fragrances for at least a few days.
- Avoid body exfoliators, scrubs, and all types of peels for at least one week. Exfoliating agents can make the skin more sensitive and cause irritation and redness.
- Stay out of the pool, ocean, and lakes. Pools contain chlorine that can irritate the skin, while bodies of water tend to carry bacteria that can cause infections.
- Gloss over shaving after laser hair removal, even if a few stray hairs exist, since shaving can cause the skin to become itchy, red, and swollen.
- Wait to book cosmetic treatments in the treated area for at least two weeks since some, like chemical peels, lasers, and microneedling, are far too harsh for the skin after laser hair removal.
You’ll also want to wait at least four weeks between laser hair removal treatment sessions so that the skin has ample time to heal for optimal results.
The Best Skincare Products to Use for Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
Using the right ingredients and products on your skin after laser hair removal is an important part of the recovery process. Anything too abrasive, harsh, or exfoliating can damage the skin and compromise your results. Instead, stick to gentle, hydrating, and calming products that contain soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or hyaluronic acid to help calm the skin and heal it.
Long-Term Maintenance to Keep Your Skin Fuzz-Free
Even long after your skin has healed from a laser hair removal treatment, you’ll want to take good care of it to maintain your results. Limit sun exposure as much as possible, and always consider your skin’s health.
Since not every hair is fully zapped away during laser hair removal, you may require touch-up treatments occasionally to get those last few ones that pop up.
