Taking care of your skin and preparing it for a laser session is an important step that most people tend to skip. Taking care of your skin before a laser treatment session is just as important as taking care of it on a normal sunny day.
It’s crucial to follow a specific set of guidelines to ensure optimal results and the safety of your skin. Below are the guidelines for the before-and-after care of the skin to prepare for the best laser hair removal results.
What to Do Before a Laser Session
To prepare for laser hair removal, you should follow the rules described below:
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning.
It is suggested that you avoid direct sun exposure and refrain from tanning before a laser hair removal session. Sunburn can damage your skin, which may increase the chances of laser burns. Start avoiding the sun at least two weeks before the procedure. - Stop waxing and tweezing.
You should stop waxing and plucking your hair at least 15 days before you book your laser hair removal session. This is suggested because the hair follicle is targeted during a laser session and burned from the root. Removing the hair follicle through waxing or tweezing would not give you the best results. - Avoid topical irritants.
It is recommended that you avoid using cosmetic or skincare products that contain AHA/BHA, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide. You should also avoid products that dry out your skin because they can cause irritation during the laser hair removal session. Avoid drinking alcohol and coffee 24 hours before the session, as they also tend to dry out your skin. - Shave your body.
Shave the areas on which you intend to get the treatment, rather than waxing or plucking, at least 24 hours before the session, so that no irritation is caused during the laser hair removal session.
What to Do After a Laser Session
The aftercare after a laser session includes:
- Apply cool compresses.
Immediately after a session, it is recommended that you apply a cooling gel, such as aloe vera, or an ice pack wrapped in a paper towel. This can help cool down the burning sensation you may feel or avoid the burning altogether. - Avoid sun exposure.
You should avoid sun exposure and tanning at all costs. Although it may seem harmless, skin that has undergone a laser treatment session can experience bumps, burns, or rashes. - Avoid body scrubs.
Avoid using harsh body scrubs for at least a couple of days. It is suggested to do so because the skin is already very sensitive and can be irritated by using a body scrub. - Apply prescription creams.
Consult your aesthetician or doctor and ask which creams are safe to use after a laser hair removal session. They may recommend something containing steroids to minimize the pain and discomfort following your treatment.
To Sum It Up
A person must prepare before a laser hair removal session so that it doesn’t cause any irritation later on. Similarly, taking care of your skin after a session is equally important.
Contact Reserve Salon and Spa and consult our board-certified doctor for your laser hair removal session. Indulge yourself in the refined and peaceful beauty regimen at our salon and experience the extraordinary range of services that we provide.