Navigating Post-Laser Hair Elimination: Essential Tips for Aftercare in Fur-Real Outcomes
Ready to rock your hair-free life? Get the inside scoop on what to do – and what not to do – after laser hair removal for smooth, dreamy skin.
Bid farewell to unsightly hair with the most effective method to date: laser hair removal. Whether you're zapping your bikini line or your armpits, here's your game plan for post-laser perfection.
So, now what?
Laser hair removal treatments are usually carried out by skin pros. The process involves intense beams of light focusing on hair follicles, dismantling their roots in a painless (well, relatively at least) procedure.
Once you've stepped out of the laser chamber, the real work begins. Keep these steps top of mind to reduce side effects and ensure the best results:
- Cool it down. Use an ice pack or cold cloth to combat swelling.
- Med up. Your doc might prescribe a steroid cream or other treatments to soothe pain and speed healing.
- Slather on SPF. Keep your new skin outta the sun for at least one month. (And remember, you should also avoid sun for a month before, too.)
New beginning for hairless heaven
Your dermatologist will consider factors like your skin and hair type, lifestyle, and medications before selecting the perfect laser for your treatment.
When the beams stop flashing, it's still go time for your treated areas. Give them the TLC they crave to decrease the risk of side effects and maximize results.
Even if you're the poster child for obedience, expect these regular side effects post-procedure:
- swelling
- redness
- discoloration
- tingling sensation
These issues should fade within 1 to 3 days, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA).
A blink and you'll miss it
Call your doc if you experience more severe contractions, like:
- increased swelling
- burns or blisters
- persistent pain that doesn't respond to meds
- scarring or pigmentation changes
- signs of infection (pus, discoloration, or redness)
- side effects that last longer than 3 days
Post-laser hair removal 101
Laser hair removal appears noninvasive, but a little lovin' goes a long way. Take these pro tips for prepping, treating, and safeguarding your skin post-procedure:
Curb the heat
The lasers cooked your skin. Now let cool water and soft cloth be your besties. Repeatedly apply a damp, soft cloth or ice pack to lower temperatures and discomfort.
Take your meds like a champ
Whether your doc prescribes a steroid cream or advises over-the-counter painkillers, swallow that pill (or rub that cream) at the suggested times. Always touch base with your derm before starting any new meds, however.
Shield your skin from the sun
Delay your beach vacation for a full month. Since your treated skin will be extra sensitive, shield it from UV rays for 1 month prior to and 1 month after your procedure.
Beware of at-home lasers
At-home laser hair removal aftercare shares the same general rules. Just remember, consulting a professional is crucial for selecting the best laser and laser type for your particular hair and skin type. DIY means you're playing a guessing game that may result in more serious side effects.
However, certain at-home kits have FDA approval, and a 2015 research review suggested they're "moderately effective."
Missteps to avoid after laser hair removal
Now that you're schooled on the basics, familiarize yourself with these don'ts:
- Reschedule your treatment sessions at least 4 to 6 weeks apart.
- Avoid waxing, tweezing, tanning, or any other skin irritant in the lead-up to and after the treatment.
- Stay out of sun, tanning beds, or pools for at least a week.
- Skip hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms for at least 48 hours.
- Don't use exfoliating scrubs, tanning lotions, or fragranced products for at least a week.
- Stay far away from deodorant (if you got laser treatment on your underarms).
- Give body scrubs a pass for about a week.
- Avoid super-hot showers or scalding baths.
- Steer clear of pools or hot tubs for at least a week.
Time to trim?
Still encountering stubborn hairs after laser hair removal? That's normal. Your first session removes about 10 to 25 percent of hairs in the treatment area.
Although tweezing and waxing are not recommended, feel free to carefully shave after around a week – once any swelling, discomfort or discoloration subsides first.
Never shave skin that's:
- inflamed
- red
- discolored
- painful or irritated
According to the AADA, the average person needs six sessions to achieve total hair removal.
Skincare for the laser-treated
Your skincare routine may need a facelift while your skin heals. For at least a week after your procedure, remember to:
- Use cold water to cleanse your skin gently.
- Stick with fragrance-free, gentle cleansers and moisturizers for sensitive skin.
- Postpone shaving cream usage.
Follow these guidelines to ensure a speedy recovery, reduce side effects, and enjoy smoother skin.
tl;dr
Here's your post-laser hair removal cheat sheet:
Do...
- Keep cool with ice packs or cold cloths.
- Take or apply medication as directed by your doc.
- Steer clear of harsh chemicals, fragrances, or exfoliating products.
- Report any concerning signs to your dermatologist.
Don't...
- Use tanning beds, harsh skincare products, or self-tanners for at least a month.
- Take steamy baths or saunas.
- Engage in strenuous activities.
- Use an ice pack or cold cloth to combat swelling, promoting quicker healing and reduction of side effects.
- Follow your dermatologist's instructions regarding prescribed medications to help alleviate pain and facilitate healing.
- Apply SPF on your new skin to protect it from the sun, ideally for a month before and after the treatment.
- Keep an eye out for more severe side effects, such as increased swelling, burns or blisters, persistent pain, scarring, pigmentation changes, signs of infection, and side effects that last longer than 3 days, and call your dermatologist if you experience any of these.
