Care for the Skin After Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal is quickly becoming a popular choice for women of this day and age who quite possibly don't have the time to wax or are sensitive to the same. Also for those who are tired of continuously shaving.
Steps
- Put on sunscreen. All the areas treated by the laser hair removal must be covered with plenty of sunscreen because this skin may be sensitive to darkening, especially for those who have skin that is already sensitive or are dark skinned.
- Make sure that right after the treatment you apply cream or ice or something to keep the area cool and numb to minimize discomfort even though the person in charge will definitely make sure of this.
- Even though this is extremely rare, there are chances of having something like a boil which may leave a mark. In that case, contact your doctor immediately and they will tell you what to apply on that area and send them pictures of the mark(s) if you cannot visit them in person.
- Scrub a week after your treatment. This will not only make the hair fall out faster, but keep your skin smooth. However DO NOT scrub if your skin burns, itches or hurts.
Tips
- Buy special hypo-allergenic moisturising cream just to use after laser hair removal.
Tips
- Women- Try to avoid scheduling treatments during your period (or even a few days before). This is the time when your skin is the most sensitive to pain.
- When getting your underarms done, try to schedule an early morning treatment so you can avoid wearing deodorant before the treatment. In addition, do not apply deodorant until at least one hour after the treatment.
- Avoid exposure to heat. This includes time spent in the sun, bathing/showering, cooking, saunas etc.
- If sensitive ask your doctor to suggest a local anesthetic cream to apply before the procedure so that after and during the procedure there is less pain (Taking 2 Tylenol about 30 minutes before the treatment can be helpful too).
- You will pay less per session if you book them as a course, usually of about six sessions in all.
- Some hair may never completely go away. Stubborn-hair areas may need "touch-ups" once or twice a year.
- Do NOT get laser hair removal done if you've started taking an antibiotic-regimen. Wait at least 2 weeks until after your are done with your regimen.
- If you have sensitive skin, rub ice continuously on the area which will numb it down before or after the procedure.
- Depending on the area being done, and the number of past session, the time between session may be between 4-12 weeks.
- Do NOT wax, use tweezers, nor thread the area in between treatments. When you notice hair regrowth, shave the area instead. Yes, this includes your face.
- If you can handle the pain, ask your technician to move the laser faster. This does not affect the hair growth in any way but it does reduce the amount of time you spend in distress while getting the treatment.
- If getting your face done, apply a thin layer of Mederma on your face after the treatment to keep your skin from scarring. This layer will dry quickly and will start peeling. Thus, avoid company immediately after treatment.
- If getting your face done, avoid the use of any prescription/topical medication (for acne etc).
- Use sunblock that is waterproof, Neutrogena is a good brand, with SPF 15 and above (Usually best to stick with SPF 50 or above).
Warnings
- Make sure your technician knows what he/she is doing (check/ask for certification).
- Laser hair removal works best on dark hair+light skin. If you have light (blond) hair and are light skinned, your results may not be nearly as good as someone with dark (brunette) hair and olive skin.
- It is possible as listed above for you to develop a boil or something of the sort if your skin is sensitive but it is not a major concern as it is incredibly rare.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen (SPF 50 and above, waterproof).
- A good doctor available for consultation.
- A good understanding of the type of laser being used. Usually, the newer lasers cost more but hurt considerably less.
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