If you’re considering laser hair removal therapy, the aftercare is a really important part of the treatment. Here are some tips to help you get the best possible results from your treatment.
Laser hair removal is a very popular method of removing unwanted hair. It works by using the laser’s light energy to heat up the pigment in the hair follicle, which destroys the hair and follicle without damaging the surrounding skin.
If you’re considering laser hair removal, London and other cities will have plenty of reputable salons for you to choose from. You may also be able to find a salon near where you live, but it’s worth looking out for a personal recommendation or good online reviews.
The treatment is suitable for use on your face, underarms, bikini line and legs as well as other areas of the body. You’ll need a number of treatments, and the level of discomfort depends on the area being treatment and also varies from person to person.
You will also need to take good care of the area being treated both before and after your appointment. The aftercare is simple and your therapist will give you detailed instructions which you should follow precisely.
Before your first Laser Hair Removal Session
It’s important to prepare your skin for your treatment. This means not using bleach or depilatory cream for at least 4-6 weeks before your first session and throughout the duration of your treatment plan. Avoid waxing, plucking or threading for at least 4 weeks before your first session until your treatment is complete.
You can still shave the area being treated, and should do so 24 hours before each session. You can also use an AHA scrub on the area, but not in the 24 hours before your treatment. And it’s important that the area being treated has absolutely no residue of fake tan.
There may be other advice that your therapist will give you before your first laser hair removal session.
Immediately after your Laser Hair Removal session
Straight after laser hair removal, the area treated may feel slightly warm and swollen, and your skin may be red. This is a normal side-effect of the laser and could last a few days.
The redness and swelling may be more pronounced in the early stages of laser hair removal. But as you get towards the end of your treatment plan, you should find that it’s less of a problem.
Wearing loose-fitting cotton clothes is the best way to care for your skin while it’s recovering from the laser treatment. Try to remember to take something suitable along with you to wear after your appointment.
24-48 hours after treatment
It’s really important to avoid touching, picking or scratching the treated area, as this can cause infection. You should also make sure to use whatever aftercare products your therapist has provided.
In the 24 hours after your treatment, you should avoid very hot showers or baths, and use luke warm water instead. Avoid using deodorants as well as staying out of saunas and steamrooms. You should avoid chlorinated swimming pools for the first 48 hours after treatment.
If you have had laser hair removal treatment on your face, ideally you should not apply make up for the first 24 hours. The exception to this is mineral-based make up, which may be used after your treatment.
And you should continue to wear loose cotton clothing to let your skin breathe and prevent irritation or infection.
In between treatments
Laser hair removal is a long process, and can take several sessions depending on your skin and hair. So it’s really important to keep up your aftercare and take good care of the area being treated between your session.
You may find that some redness, swelling or itchiness can last for up to 7 days after the treatment. Try to keep the area cool and avoid tight clothing like tights or jeans. Soft, loose cotton clothing is best, as it will protect the skin and feel more comfortable.
Three days after your treatment you can use an AHA/BHA exfoliator on the treated area. This will remove dead skin cells and help smooth and brighten the skin.
It’s important that you use a broad spectrum SPF at all times, and you should avoid sun exposure for the first 7 days after a treatment session. And it’s also important to avoid any other treatments such as chemical peels or injectables on the same area.
If you want to remove hair from the area, remember that waxing, bleach, threading or depilatory creams should be avoided throughout the course of your treatment. Also remember that you need to shave the area 24 hours before your next appointment.
Following these simple steps and your therapist’s tailored advice will help to prevent any adverse reaction to your laser hair removal treatments so that you can simply enjoy the results!