Removing hair by shaving daily or waxing can be time-consuming and uncomfortable. What if we tell you that there is a long-lasting solution? Laser hair removal is an effective way to eliminate unwanted hair growth. Whether it is facial hair, ingrown hair from shaving or frustration of waxing every few weeks, laser hair removal offers a convenient and long-lasting alternative. It uses high-intensity light to penetrate the skin and target melanin in the hair follicle. Melanin absorbs the laser energy, damaging the hair follicle and preventing future hair growth.
Before undergoing the procedure, you must know the dos and don’ts of skin care after laser hair removal to achieve and maintain the desired results. Let’s get started!
A] What You Should Do After Laser Hair Removal
1. Apply Moisturiser Twice A Day
After your hair removal session, your skin will be red and sensitive; apply moisturiser twice daily to help calm and heal your skin. Ensure that the perfume is fragrant-free to avoid skin irritation.
2. Use Mild Cleanser
After laser hair removal, your skin will be sensitive, so you should avoid exfoliating, shaving, and plucking new hair. Cleanse your body gently with a mild cleanser so as not to irritate your skin further. It would be best if you also avoided harsh massages on the treated area for the first five days post-treatment.
3. Wear Loose-fitting Clothes
After the treatment, you should wear loose-fitting clothes like a t-shirt, cotton shorts or track pants to let your skin breathe and recover. The hair follicles often retain heat from the laser for a few days, so wearing loose clothes helps avoid friction and skin irritation.
4. Avoid Sun Exposure
One of the vital skin care tips after your laser treatment is to avoid sun exposure. Your skin will be sensitive after the treatment, so you should avoid UV exposure to prevent dark spots and hyperpigmentation. If you need to go out, wear a wide-brimmed hat and reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially during the first week after your session.
5. Wait for Four Weeks Until The Next Treatment
Your next laser hair removal session should be after four to six weeks, depending on your hair growth, and not anytime soon. A good gap between two laser sessions is important so your skin can recover and get optimum results. You should talk to your skin specialist, who will help you to make a laser hair removal treatment regime depending on your hair growth and include an optimised resting period.
If you are looking for laser hair reduction in Mumbai, we are here to help! Our experts create a personalised treatment plan according to your needs and concerns to deliver your desired results.
B] What You Should Avoid After Laser Hair Removal
1. Avoid Sauna and Hot Baths for Several Days
Heat can cause increased sensitivity and cause redness or irritation to your skin after laser hair removal. Do not take hot baths, saunas or steam rooms for at least 48 hours. Choose cold showers to soothe your skin.
2. Avoid Fragrant Lotions and Fragrances
A skin care tip after laser hair removal is not to use fragrant lotions and perfumes, as they are harsh on the skin and can cause redness and discolouration. The skin is sensitive and can cause a reaction, so it is best to avoid these products. Do not apply deodorant to the underarms if the laser hair treatment targets this area, as it might cause skin irritation.
3. Avoid Going Swimming
Chlorine can irritate your skin and delay healing after laser hair removal. You should avoid swimming for at least 48 hours to reduce the risk of irritation. If you need to swim, ensure that you thoroughly have a bath to remove the chlorine, and use ice packs or soothing gels to avoid irritation.
4. Avoid Body Scrubs
Your body needs time to heal, so avoid using body scrubs or exfoliating products that can affect the healing process. Avoid using them for at least a week to prevent any damage or unwanted reactions. Use gentle cleansers to avoid irritation and help heal faster.
C] Managing Common Side Effects
After your treatment, the area may show some redness and swelling around the follicles, which may look similar. After the first session, you can see a 10 to 40% reduction in hair. During the healing stage, the area must be treated delicately. Do not rub or scratch, and if a crust develops, let it fall on its own. You might also have dry skin after laser hair removal, so apply a thin layer of aloe vera or the prescribed ointment to the treated area to keep it moist. Your skin would be susceptible, so wear loose fabrics and avoid harsh chemicals. If you need to wear makeup on the treated area, apply and remove it carefully without trying to irritate your skin.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal offers a lasting solution to unwanted hair, but the success of the treatment depends significantly on how well you care for your skin afterward. Adhering to the suggested dos and don’ts of skin care after laser hair removal can help prevent common side effects like irritation, redness, or discomfort. Proper after-care will leave the skin smooth and healthy and ready to enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal for the long term.
If you are looking for a dermatologist in Mumbai, Auro Skin Clinic is here to help. Our experts use laser technology for laser hair removal to help you get prolonged results. We create personalised plans to help you get your desired hair-free skin. Schedule an appointment with us now!