How to Care for the Skin After Laser Hair Removal

If you are spending the money to have laser hair removal, you should do everything you can between sessions to ensure your skin stays healthy. While the procedure may only take a few minutes, you should still take care of the area to recover quickly and avoid further discomfort.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen

1. Check the area for any abnormal reactions. Your skin will be red and possibly swollen, but the pain should be minimal. A cold compress can help soothe the area immediately after laser hair removal.

2. Apply moisturizing cream to the treated area. This may soothe any redness, but it also helps keep your skin healthy between treatments. Antibacterial lotions are not necessary and cause dryness. Ask your clinician to recommend a product if you do not have something handy.

3. Wait a couple of hours before showering after treatment. When you do shower, soap and other skin products are perfectly fine to use. Just avoid rubbing the area dry--instead, pat it dry with a soft towel. Underarm areas that have been treated should be cleaned with alcohol every few hours for the first day.

4. Start shaving the area after 3 or 4 days have passed. Plucking, waxing and bleaching should be avoided altogether. Just take care not to irritate the area while shaving. Harsh soaps and shaving gels may cause your skin to dry out.

5. Stay out of the sun. Even a small amount of sun exposure can cause severe burns and irritation. If you cannot avoid the sun, use the highest SPF sunscreen possible at all times. Remember that you cannot have additional laser treatments with even the smallest amount of color added to your skin.

6. Scrub the treated area with a gentle exfoliating soap to help with the shedding process. Your hair will gradually shed for a few weeks following treatment, and exfoliating can help this process along.

7. Continue to care for your skin even after the redness and shedding stops. The healthier your skin is for your next treatment, the more successful it will be. Keep exfoliating and using moisturizer.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your laser hair removal appointment. The treated area will be red and swollen and feel mildly sunburned.
• Notify the laser clinic immediately if there is any blistering or crusting. This is a sign of a burn and it may need medical attention. If this occurs, you should also discuss your options with your clinician if further treatments are recommended.