Pre & Post Treatment Care for Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal
*Please note: blonde, red and grey hair are not able to be treated.*
Pre:
Please shave the treatment area within 24 hours of appointment.
No waxing, epilating or plucking, or hair removal creams 4-6 weeks prior to laser treatment.
On the day of your appointment, skin should be clean. Avoid applying lotions, oils, deodorant, or makeup on the treatment area.
Avoid sun exposure & tanning for at least four weeks prior.
Avoid sunless tanning lotions and tanning creams before, during and after treatment.
Patients with a history of herpes or cold sores are reminded to take medication if they choose.
Stop using retinoids, hydroquinone, and strong exfoliants in the treatment area Retinol, tretinoin, glycolic acid, and AHAs can make the skin more sensitive.
Stop at least 5-7 days before your appointment.
Avoid certain medications that cause photosensitivity
Examples: antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones), Accutane (must be off for 6 months), some acne medications.
Post:
Cool the Treated Area
Apply a sanitary cold compress or ice pack (wrapped in a clean cloth) to the treated area if you feel heat or discomfort. This can help reduce redness and swelling, which are common after laser treatments.
Avoid hot showers, saunas, or intense heat sources for at least 24-48 hours after the procedure.
Moisturize the Skin
Hydrate the treated skin by applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or a soothing post-procedure balm (such as aloe vera gel or hydrocortisone cream). This helps calm the skin and prevents dryness or peeling.
Be cautious with products that contain alcohol or other irritating ingredients, as they can increase sensitivity.
Sun Protection
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 1-2 weeks following your treatment, as your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays.
Always apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to the treated area if you need to be outdoors. Reapply every 2 hours, especially if you sweat or go swimming.
Wearing protective clothing or a wide-brimmed hat can help shield the skin from the sun.
Avoid Scrubbing and Exfoliating
For at least one week, avoid exfoliating or scrubbing the treated area. This includes harsh scrubs, loofahs, or abrasive sponges, as they can irritate the skin.
You may also want to avoid products that contain retinol, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid, which could cause irritation during the recovery period.
Shaving Between Treatments
You may be advised to shave the treated area between sessions if necessary, but avoid waxing or plucking. Laser hair removal targets the hair follicle, and waxing or plucking can interfere with the process.
If you're experiencing hair shedding (which can occur 1-3 weeks after treatment), do not try to force the hairs out; they will naturally fall out.
Avoid Intense Physical Activity
For the first 24-48 hours after your treatment, try to avoid strenuous exercise or activities that cause excessive sweating. Sweating can irritate the treated skin and lead to discomfort or increased risk of infection.
No Hot Tubs or Swimming Pools
Avoid swimming in hot tubs, pools, or lakes for 24-48 hours after treatment. Chlorine or bacteria in water can irritate the treated skin and increase the risk of infection.
Avoid Tight Clothing or Friction
Refrain from wearing tight clothing, especially in the treated area (e.g., tight bras, leggings, or waistbands), as friction can irritate the skin and make it more sensitive.
Monitor for Side Effects
Mild redness, swelling, or bumps in the treated area are common after laser hair removal and should subside within a few hours to a few days. However, if you experience blisters, scarring, or severe swelling, contact your practitioner immediately.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water in the days following your treatment to keep your skin hydrated and support the healing process.
Laser Hair Removal
*Please note: blonde, red and grey hair are not able to be treated.*
Pre:
Please shave the treatment area within 24 hours of appointment.
No waxing, epilating or plucking, or hair removal creams 4-6 weeks prior to laser treatment.
On the day of your appointment, skin should be clean. Avoid applying lotions, oils, deodorant, or makeup on the treatment area.
Avoid sun exposure & tanning for at least four weeks prior.
Avoid sunless tanning lotions and tanning creams before, during and after treatment.
Patients with a history of herpes or cold sores are reminded to take medication if they choose.
Stop using retinoids, hydroquinone, and strong exfoliants in the treatment area Retinol, tretinoin, glycolic acid, and AHAs can make the skin more sensitive.
Stop at least 5-7 days before your appointment.
Avoid certain medications that cause photosensitivity
Examples: antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones), Accutane (must be off for 6 months), some acne medications.
Post:
Cool the Treated Area
Apply a sanitary cold compress or ice pack (wrapped in a clean cloth) to the treated area if you feel heat or discomfort. This can help reduce redness and swelling, which are common after laser treatments.
Avoid hot showers, saunas, or intense heat sources for at least 24-48 hours after the procedure.
Moisturize the Skin
Hydrate the treated skin by applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or a soothing post-procedure balm (such as aloe vera gel or hydrocortisone cream). This helps calm the skin and prevents dryness or peeling.
Be cautious with products that contain alcohol or other irritating ingredients, as they can increase sensitivity.
Sun Protection
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 1-2 weeks following your treatment, as your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays.
Always apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to the treated area if you need to be outdoors. Reapply every 2 hours, especially if you sweat or go swimming.
Wearing protective clothing or a wide-brimmed hat can help shield the skin from the sun.
Avoid Scrubbing and Exfoliating
For at least one week, avoid exfoliating or scrubbing the treated area. This includes harsh scrubs, loofahs, or abrasive sponges, as they can irritate the skin.
You may also want to avoid products that contain retinol, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid, which could cause irritation during the recovery period.
Shaving Between Treatments
You may be advised to shave the treated area between sessions if necessary, but avoid waxing or plucking. Laser hair removal targets the hair follicle, and waxing or plucking can interfere with the process.
If you're experiencing hair shedding (which can occur 1-3 weeks after treatment), do not try to force the hairs out; they will naturally fall out.
Avoid Intense Physical Activity
For the first 24-48 hours after your treatment, try to avoid strenuous exercise or activities that cause excessive sweating. Sweating can irritate the treated skin and lead to discomfort or increased risk of infection.
No Hot Tubs or Swimming Pools
Avoid swimming in hot tubs, pools, or lakes for 24-48 hours after treatment. Chlorine or bacteria in water can irritate the treated skin and increase the risk of infection.
Avoid Tight Clothing or Friction
Refrain from wearing tight clothing, especially in the treated area (e.g., tight bras, leggings, or waistbands), as friction can irritate the skin and make it more sensitive.
Monitor for Side Effects
Mild redness, swelling, or bumps in the treated area are common after laser hair removal and should subside within a few hours to a few days. However, if you experience blisters, scarring, or severe swelling, contact your practitioner immediately.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water in the days following your treatment to keep your skin hydrated and support the healing process.