Laser Hair Removal is one of the most effective treatments to permanently remove unwanted hair. But after undergoing this treatment, it is very important to follow a proper skin care routine to promote recovery and avoid potential side effects.
In this article, we give you the best tips to care for your skin after a laser hair removal session and thus get the best results.
Before Laser Hair Removal
The first step is to prepare the skin well before the laser treatment:
- Let the hair grow for at least 3-4 weeks before the session so that the laser hair remover can work better.
- Gently exfoliate the area 1-2 days before to remove dead cells.
- Avoid sun exposure without protection for 4-6 weeks prior.
- Moisturize the area daily in the days leading up to it, so it’s in the best condition.
After the Laser: The First 5 Days
Once you have undergone the laser hair removal session at a good beauty center, these are the care steps for the first few days:
- Apply ice locally right after the laser to soothe the area and reduce inflammation.
- Wash only with water and pat dry. Do not rub.
- Use a soothing and decongestant cream to relieve any tingling or stinging sensation, if present.
- Take oral anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen if you experience discomfort.
- Do not expose yourself to the sun in the first 48 hours after laser hair removal.
- Avoid very hot baths, saunas, or intense exercise that increases sweating.
- Do not shave or use depilatory creams for 2 weeks after the laser treatment.
Care During the First Week
During the first 7 days after laser hair removal, you should:
- Continue cleansing the area with only water and pat dry without rubbing.
- Apply a gentle moisturizer 2-3 times a day.
- Avoid aggressive treatments like peels or exfoliants.
- Take short baths with lukewarm water without scrubbing the treated areas.
- Wear loose, soft clothing that does not irritate the sensitive skin.
- Protect the area with a very high SPF sunscreen when going outdoors.
- Do not use deodorants or comedogenic cosmetics on the laser-treated underarms.
Skin Care 2-4 Weeks After Laser Hair Removal
In the following 2-4 weeks after laser hair removal, you should:
- Continue applying a gentle moisturizer abundantly.
- Gently exfoliate only the shedding area with a glove or sponge.
- Avoid intense physical activity that causes excessive sweating.
- Do not expose the treated area to direct sunlight, always use SPF 50.
- Do not visit thalassotherapy centers, Turkish baths, saunas, or similar facilities.
- Pluck only loose hair, do not forcibly pull out hair.
- Do not rub the treated areas vigorously when drying after bathing.
- If scabs appear, do not pick them and apply a healing ointment.
More Care in the First Month After Laser Hair Removal
Until you reach 1 month, follow these recommendations:
- Watch for any hair growth, as this could be hair in the resting phase that was not treated. This is normal.
- Use a lotion to prevent hair growth and moisturize.
- If your skin is still very sensitive, use fragrance-free gentle products.
- Gently exfoliate once a week if needed.
- Start using your regular deodorant if there is no more irritation.
- You can resume your regular exercise routine.
- Sun exposure is now safe if you use SPF 50, but avoid midday sun.
When Will I See the Results of Laser Hair Removal?
The results of laser hair removal are not immediate; they begin to show after the third session, generally. They will be more visible once you complete all the sessions recommended by your doctor, usually between 6 and 10 approximately.
For permanent hair removal, several sessions are needed, as the laser can only treat hair that is in its active growth phase. This way, the entire follicle is progressively destroyed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Laser Care:
We will now resolve the most common doubts about skin care after laser treatment:
Can the treated area be shaved between laser sessions?
Ideally, do not shave the area with a razor or depilatory cream in the 4-6 weeks between sessions, so that the growing hair can be better eliminated during the next laser session.
How long after laser hair removal can I be exposed to sunlight?
It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight for the first 48-72 hours. After that, you can be exposed to sunlight by applying a very high SPF sunscreen and avoiding peak sun hours.
Can ice be used to soothe the skin after laser treatment?
Yes, gently applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth helps soothe the laser-treated area. There are also cooling, soothing gels available.
Is it advisable to use a moisturizer after laser treatment?
Yes, moisturizing the area with a gentle, delicate after-shave or body cream in the weeks following treatment is essential for better healing and preventing itching.
Is it normal for scabs to appear on the skin after laser treatment?
Redness, scabbing, or slight inflammation may appear as part of the skin’s normal reaction to the laser. Do not forcibly remove the scabs; they will fall off on their own in a few days.
When can I shave with a razor after laser treatment?
It is advisable not to use a razor for 2 weeks after laser treatment to avoid irritation. After 3-4 weeks, you can gently resume shaving in the treated areas.
Can any moisturizer be used after laser treatment, or does it need to be special?
You don’t need a special cream; a gentle, emollient, fragrance-free one will suffice. The important thing is to moisturize the area well to soothe it and accelerate skin regeneration.
In conclusion, by following these simple tips, you can enjoy laser hair removal while obtaining the best results and properly caring for your skin before, during, and after the laser treatment.
