How to Care For Skin Before Laser Hair Removal

If you're tired of shaving your legs, laser hair removal may be just the thing for you. If done by a professional, it's safe and painless. Most patients' hair doesn't grow back for a long time. For some, it's gone forever. Laser hair removal can be done on your face, upper lip, chest, underarms, neck, abdomen, bikini area, back and legs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Stay out of the sun before treatment. Laser hair removal shouldn't be done on anyone with a suntan or sunburn. If you tan before the procedure, the practitioner will have to turn the laser power down and the treatment won't be as effective.
2. Shave 1 to 3 weeks before the treatment to make it more effective and quicker. Shave as close as possible so the laser can reach the follicle and not waste energy on the hair growth.
3. Avoid plucking or bleaching the hair for 4 to 6 weeks before you get laser hair removal.
4. Take medicine if you're susceptible to cold sores or herpes.
5. Discontinue all forms of beta carotene. It's found in vitamin A supplements, carrots, squash and other vegetables, It makes your skin look orange or yellow. This pigment absorbs the energy from the laser and will keep it from reaching the hair follicle.
6. Get a detailed list of instructions from your doctor during a consultation.

Tips & Warnings

• Laser hair removal is only effective if your hair is darker than your skin.