Posted by Laser hair removal is a professional skincare method that employs a concentrated light beam to remove unwanted hair.
During the procedure, a laser produces a light that targets the pigment (melanin) in hair follicles. The light is transformed into heat energy, which destroys the hair follicles (tube-shaped sacs) that give rise to hair. This damage either stops the hair growth or delays it.
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Laser hair removal treatment can be performed on the face, armpits, chest, back, legs, and bikini lines. As per the 2018 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over one million laser hair treatments were performed between 2018 and 2019, and around 760,000 laser hair removal procedures were performed in 2020 in the United States.
Studies suggest that recent advancements in long pulsed lasers can address dark hair on lighter and darker skin tones. Your dermatologist will find the best lasers according to your skin color and hair texture. Despite these advancements in laser technology, the procedure remains a complex skin treatment that needs thorough attention to aftercare.
The laser procedure for hair removal is considered safe when trained skin professionals perform it in a clean environment. However, people can expect temporary side effects like pain, redness, pigment changes, irritation, and swelling. To ensure safety, research the best laser hair removal facilities near you. For example, if you reside somewhere around North Carolina, you might want to consider BodyLase as it is the best & safe laser hair removal clinic in Raleigh, NC. They will ensure that your unwanted hair is removed safely and effectively, so do not risk your health just to save a few bucks.
Read on to learn about some dos and don’ts for laser hair removal treatment aftercare to ease discomfort and potential pain following the procedure and turn your furry limbs into soft and supple ones.
Do’s:
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Use Prescription Creams:
Your dermatologist may prescribe some creams, including a steroid cream, to reduce discomfort or pain following laser hair removal treatment. You can also use anti-inflammatory medication if you experience pain after the treatment.
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Use Lukewarm or Cool Water:
Hot water can cause blisters and burn your skin after the laser treatment. Avoid hot tubs, steam rooms, and hot showers to prevent your already sensitive skin from sweating and chlorination. Instead, use lukewarm or cold water when you wash your face or take a shower to improve your blood circulation. Once you are done showering, gently pat your skin with a towel rather than rubbing it.
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Cool Compresses are Great for Laser Hair Removal Aftercare:
A washcloth soaked in cold water is one of the best ways to minimize your redness, swelling, irritation, or itchiness in the treated area. Compress the laser-treated skin with a cool cloth for a couple of minutes; however, make sure you use distilled water and a clean cloth to avoid further irritation in the skin.
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Keep Hydrated:
Laser hair removal treatment might cause your treated area to dry out. Medicated moisturizers can help hydrate your skin and smoothen it. But avoid applying products that have acids or retinol during the first twenty-four hours of your treatment to prevent irritation and redness.
Don’ts:
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Avoid Sun Exposure:
Laser hair treatment damages the hair follicles. Your body might react to this and experience irritation and redness in the affected areas. The skin may feel tender or even tingle. Because of the sensitivity after laser hair removal, your dermatologist may recommend protecting your skin from the sun. Avoiding direct sun exposure from one month before the treatment to one month after the laser can help prevent your skin from damage. After one month, ensure using sunscreen on the treated area every day.
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Avoid Using Body Scrubs:
If your hair is removed through laser treatment, it is essential to avoid applying body scrubs to your laser-treated area for at least a couple of days (1 week recommended). They can cause irritation and the hair follicles to become sensitive, leading to inflammation and increased pain. It may even affect the efficacy of your laser treatment.
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Do Not Use Tanning Products:
After the laser hair removal procedure, your treated skin will be sensitive, so we recommend avoiding using any kind of tanning products for at least two weeks following your laser removal. Self-tanning products can irritate your skin, so it is better to avoid applying such products while your skin is recovering from the laser treatment.
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Avoid using Perfumed beauty products:
Fragrances and perfumes contain chemicals and can be harsh on your skin, leading to discoloration and redness if applied after a laser hair removal procedure when your skin is sensitive.
It is best not to use any detergents, fragrances, perfumes, or other perfumed products for at least a week after laser hair removal. If you have had your facial hair removed through laser, use fragrance-free cleansers to protect your face from skin problems, such as redness, itching, and irritation.
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Do Not Go Swimming:
Swimming pool water contains chlorine, which removes oils from your skin and causes your pores to open, leading to dry skin. Excessive chlorine exposure can cause rashes, which, in turn, lead to blisters if further exposed to chlorine.
Since your skin is already sensitive after laser hair removal, coming into contact with a swimming pool’s chlorinated water can adversely affect your skin. You must at least wait forty-eight hours or longer after a laser treatment.
Conclusion:
Laser hair removal technology has become one the fastest growing and most effective procedures in dermatology. The treatment targets the hair follicle pigment with energy from an intense beam of light (laser) to impede the growth of unwanted body hair. Laser hair removal is used for many areas of your body, including the face. The procedure is safe when performed by trained and licensed professionals. Although patients may experience some side effects, such as pain, redness, and swelling, the side effects are short-lived and mild. With some aftercare tips for laser hair removal mentioned above, you can minimize the risk of possible damage and side effects and enjoy hair-free, smooth skin.