Laser hair removal aftercare is perhaps the most common concern for those who undergo this procedure. Although it is a progressive, outpatient and mostly painless treatment, it is true that the skin can develop some sensitivity that if not treated correctly can cause discomfort or even stinging.
Despite this, you can return without problems to your daily activities after each session. However, being an atypical treatment for the skin of any area to be treated by the laser, it is likely that there are a number of signs that, although natural, should not be ignored. These are generally:
- Redness
- Ardor
- Inflammation
- Perifollicular edema
- Focused temperature increase
- Temporary pigmentation changes
If the after effects of the laser hair removal session are different than before and include other signs and symptoms such as blistering or textural changes, it is time to see your doctor.
Therefore, if you are interested in this procedure, but first want to learn about laser hair removal aftercare, stay with us and pay attention to the following information.
What is laser hair removal?
The procedure known as laser hair removal involves exposing the body to pulses of laser light, which destroy the hair follicle, in order to remove unwanted body hair.
Although it is also known as permanent hair removal, the reality is that it does not apply in all cases, since the duration of the effects of this procedure depends on many factors, including genetic factors. Even so, it is preferable and much more effective than other similar procedures that consist of removing the hair by the root, such as waxing, threading or tweezing.
Although this would be more of a recommendation before having laser hair removal, it is important to remember the importance of putting yourself in the hands of experts. This means that you should always check the certifications of the people who treat you, ranging from doctors to estheticians.
Suggested reading: 5 things you should know about laser hair removal services
What to do after laser hair removal?
Now, if you have completed your permanent hair removal process or are in between sessions, there are some recommendations you may want to know about for best results. Let’s take a look at them below.
How to treat skin swelling after laser hair removal?
As part of the aftercare following laser hair removal are the physical means that can help us to counteract the burning or swelling that prevails during the first hours.
Cold compresses are recommended for this purpose, which will reduce not only the swelling, but also the pain or discomfort caused by the laser. If you do not have cold compresses available, you can also use cold towels or ice covered with one. However, you should never place ice directly on the skin, as this may aggravate the discomfort.
How should you cleanse the skin after laser hair removal?
The first 48 hours are crucial for laser hair removal aftercare. Therefore, the person performing this procedure will most likely instruct you to clean the area with room temperature water and mild soap.
Also, when drying, try to be gentle. Instead of rubbing or pressing as you normally would, you should pat dry with a soft towel.
Suggested reading: Laser Hair Removal – Is It Permanent and How Much Does it Cost?
When can I shave after laser hair removal?
According to recent studies, a single laser hair removal session removes only 10% to 25% of the body hair in the area you wish to remove. Therefore, after a first session you may be able to establish with a little more certainty the number of sessions you need for total hair removal.
Shaving after laser hair removal is not bad, but it is not recommended either. Remember that if you have just exposed your skin to a treatment that can cause the skin alterations we mentioned at the beginning, the last thing we want is to exfoliate the treated area even more.
It is therefore more than obvious that, with the exception of the razor, any other type of hair removal that involves pulling the skin, such as waxing or tweezing, is prohibited for the duration of the treatment.
If the necessary post laser hair removal care is not taken and cracks develop, you run the risk of developing blisters and even skin infections.
Suggested reading: Is waxing better than shaving?
On the use of cosmetic products such as lotions or body fragrances
If the first 48h are important, the first 24h are even more so. The skin will be sensitive not only to touch, but also to any external factor or element that may alter the integrity of the skin.
For this reason it is necessary that within the post laser hair removal care also include not to apply creams, lotions, deodorants or any cosmetic product that may cause irritation. It is best to seek professional advice in case you want to use a cream or lotion, whose specific function is to soothe and repair the skin.
The importance of using adequate sun protection
Sunscreen should be a must-have in anyone’s skin routine. However, for laser hair removal aftercare it should be even more so.
When all sessions are finished (and as is evident, in the period between sessions), it is necessary to deprive yourself of direct exposure for at least two months. This is to avoid stains or re-irritation of the skin.
Laser Hair Removal near me at Salon Deauville
Now that you have a more complete perspective on laser hair removal aftercare, you have no excuse to have amazing, hair-free skin without losing the smoothness and luminosity that characterizes it.
So if you’re looking for where to get laser hair removal in Montreal, it’s time to schedule an appointment with us. If you want to witness a true before and after laser hair removal, there is no better place for you than Salon Deauville.
We are waiting for you!