People who don’t enjoy the repetitive nature of shaving or waxing often turn to laser hair removal as a permanent option for removing unwanted body hair. Laser hair removal is so popular, that is has topped the list as one of the most requested cosmetic procedures performed in recent years. While relatively safe, it’s important to follow a few simple aftercare guidelines to ensure that your skin is protected and the healing process progresses quickly.
Treating Discomfort after the Procedure
Immediately following your laser treatment, you should apply ice packs to the area to calm the irritation and reduce redness. The area treated will feel like a mild sunburn and looks about as red. The ice packs are a great way to combat swelling and ease any pain. Make sure to always cover your ice pack in a towel to prevent aggravating the skin, apply the ice to the treated area in 10-minute blocks of time, with a one hour gap in between.
Soothing Skin after Laser Treatment
Raw Aloe Vera is a great way to calm redness and swelling after a laser treatment. This plant is good for the skin and encourages healing. If you are not able to find it in its raw, form, check the skincare aisle at your local market for the gel form. Simply apply cooled gel to the treated area and allow it to be fully absorbed into your skin. This can be repeated several times a day until the skin is healed from the procedure.
Reducing Pain from Laser Hair Removal
In most cases, laser hair removal is painless, but if you are facing higher levels of discomfort, you can take an over the counter pain relief aid such as Tylenol or Advil. If you are still feeling high amounts of pain more than 24 hours after the initial treatment, it’s important to get in touch with your doctor right away.
How to Protect Your Skin after Laser Hair Removal
Protection from Light
It’s important to protect your skin from the sun and harmful UV rays all of the time, but following a laser hair removal treatment, you will need to be extra vigilant. When you go outside, cover the treated areas with fabric or clothing, if your treatment area was on your face, wearing a hat is a great way to protect your skin from the sun. Avoid visiting tanning booths until your skin has healed completely, and stay out of direct sunlight for at least 2- 6 weeks following your procedure. Make sure to always use sunscreen, with a minimum SPF of 30.
Protection from Heat
Heat is used to kill the hair follicles and prevent your hair from re-growing in the treated areas. It’s important to limit or avoid exposing those areas to high amounts of heat for at least 2 days following your laser hair removal procedure. That means no extra hot showers, hot tubs, or saunas.
Skin Care Products to Use Following Laser Hair Removal
Skip harsh or overly scented soaps while your skin is healing, instead choose mild cleansers that are designed for skin that is sensitive to clean the treated areas while they heal. Use a moisturizer that doesn’t have harsh additives to replace lost moisture and reduce irritation. This will help keep the pores open and encourage quicker healing. For facial laser treatments, you should avoid wearing makeup and other skin care products until your skin is healed, typically 24-48 hours after the procedure.
For more information on aftercare for your skin, or to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians, give Atlantis Clinic a call at (905) 237-1354 today.
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