Laser hair removal promises smooth and hair-free skin in the long term. But in order for the treatment to do its magic, you also have to do your part of observing correct aftercare. You should be aware of some dos and don’ts after the treatment to make sure that your journey to smooth skin won’t hit a snag.
In this post, we’ll share with you some reminders and expert tips as you prepare for your laser appointment. Keep reading to see what other laser clients tend to do wrong – mind you, some of them don’t realize that they are committing these blunders!
What you should DO after getting laser hair removal
Right after your laser hair removal session, it’s important to take extra care of the treatment area. Remember that your lasered skin will be tender, reddish, and slightly swollen, which means it’s susceptible to infection without the right aftercare.
With that said, here are the steps you need to do after the procedure:
- Do keep the area clean. You can use a gentle cleanser and water to cleanse the treated area at least 12 hours after the treatment.
- Do keep your skin moisturized. A fragrance-free moisturizer will keep your laser-treated skin hydrated and itch-free.
- Do stay hydrated. Enough hydration will do wonders on your skin, especially on the treated areas.
- Do wear loose clothes. If you had laser treatment on areas other than your face, say a bikini laser hair removal, make sure you put on loose and breathable clothes. This is to avoid chafing, which will irritate and potentially infect the area.
- Do apply a cold compress. You can ice the treated area to reduce the swelling and discomfort. However, you should only do so 10 minutes at a time and wait for about an hour before reapplying the ice pack.
What you should NOT DO after getting laser hair removal
Many laser hair removal clients inadvertently sabotage their results because of these mistakes. With that said, make sure you keep these in mind:
- Don't expose the area to heat. This means avoiding hot showers, sauna baths, tanning machines, direct sunlight, and other heat sources for at least 24 hours or more. Heat makes you sweat, which can cause irritation and infection.
- Don't use harsh products. For a few days after your treatment, you should avoid exfoliants, retinoids, and harsh skincare products that may potentially irritate your laser-treated skin.
- Don't perform intense exercise. Skip the gym for 24 to 48 hours to avoid excessive sweating on the treated area.
- Don't apply makeup right away. Wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup to the treated skin to avoid potential infections from the tools and products you’ll use.
- Don't apply pressure on the treated area. For a few days, avoid rubbing, picking, scratching, or applying any pressure on the treated area. Wait for your skin to heal completely before using your favorite body scrub.
Expert tip: only trust licensed laser specialists!
Whichever part of your body you want to treat, you should only get the procedure from a licensed laser hair removal professional. These experts know how to personalize the treatment based on your skin type, skin condition, and desired results.
Aside from that, they use industry-recognized equipment, such as the Candela technology, to remove unwanted hair safely. Unlike shady spas, licensed laser technicians will also conduct follow-up checks to make sure that you’re on track for smooth and hair-free skin. Above all, make sure you follow all the aftercare instructions your licensed provider will give you.
