Failing to follow laser hair removal aftercare instructions causes complications. Researchers have found that poor adherence to aftercare guidelines can lead to pain, burning, and redness. In more severe cases, not adhering to the dermatologist’s recommendations can cause blistering, crusting skin, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. We want to help our patients avoid these side effects, so we created this guide. Keep reading to learn the do’s and don’ts of laser hair removal aftercare. Also, find answers to the web’s most-searched questions like “Can I shower after laser hair removal” and “Can I shave after laser hair removal” in our FAQ section.
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare Don’ts
After laser hair removal, patients receive a list of aftercare instructions to follow. These instructions can help prevent discomfort and potential complications. They also ensure the skin heals properly. Keep reading for the top things to avoid following a laser hair removal session.
Avoid UV Light on Skin
Avoid the sun, tanning beds, and other sources of UV light for at least 2 weeks and up to 3 weeks following laser hair removal. If patients must go into the sun, they should wear SPF 50 sunscreen or higher (more on this below).
The skin is extra vulnerable to UV rays while healing from the procedure. Exposing it to sunlight or tanning beds can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Avoid Heat
Avoid exposing the skin to hot water, including steam rooms and saunas, for at least 48 hours following laser hair removal. Heat can dry out, burn, and generally aggravate healing skin. This can slow the recovery process.
Also, avoid swimming in cold chlorinated pools as the chemicals can irritate the treatment area.
Avoid Excessive Scrubbing
Avoid excessive scrubbing or exfoliating during the first 4–5 days following laser hair removal. Irritation, blistering, and infection can occur if the patient starts exfoliating too soon.
However, most dermatologists recommend gentle exfoliating starting a week after treatment. Gentle exfoliation with a soft sponge can reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and speed up hair-shedding.
Avoid Shaving
Avoid shaving for at least 72 hours following laser hair removal. It may slow the healing process and irritate the skin. After the procedure, patients with swelling or skin crusting should wait until their symptoms clear up to start shaving.
Avoid Exercising
Avoid exercise and moderate to intense physical activity for the first 48 hours after laser hair removal. Excessive sweating can irritate the skin. Increased heart rate may prolong the healing process.
If patients must exercise, they can take part in light activities such as walking or gentle stretching. Wear loose clothing to avoid chafing the area.
Avoid Cosmetic Products
Avoid wearing makeup and other cosmetics for at least 48 hours after laser hair removal. Patients receiving laser underarm hair removal should also avoid using deodorant for at least three days. These products can irritate the skin and delay healing.
Patients with broken skin should avoid cosmetics until their condition clears up. Makeup and other cosmetics may cause allergic reactions or infections.
Avoid Tanning Oils
Avoid self-tanning products for at least one week and up to two weeks following laser hair removal. The chemicals in self-tanner can cause burns, rashes, and eczema. They can also slow healing.
Avoid Chemicals
Avoid exposing the treated area to chemicals for 48 hours following laser hair removal. This includes chemicals like chlorine, skin peels, hair removal creams, perfumes and fragrances, and hair bleaching creams.
These chemicals can irritate the healing skin, causing discomfort. They also increase the risk of infection and scarring if patients scratch the irritated area.
Avoid Pressure on the Area
Avoid scratching, rubbing, or otherwise putting pressure on the treated area for 2–3 days following laser hair removal. Also, avoid exercise and other physical activities and tight clothing that may put pressure on the area.
Pressure on the area can cause discomfort. It may also lead to infection of broken skin, which will prolong healing and potentially cause scarring.
Avoid Waxing, Tweezing, or Threading
Avoid waxing, tweezing, and threading for however long you are receiving laser hair removal treatments. These activities pull hair out from the follicle, which can decrease the effectiveness of laser treatments.
Additionally, waxing, tweezing, and threading may break the skin. Broken skin can increase the risk of infection and scarring.
Avoid Cosmetic Treatments
Avoid all cosmetic and dermatological treatments for at least two weeks following laser hair removal. Even non-invasive treatments are too harsh for sensitive skin.
This “don’t” only applies to the area where the patient had laser hair removal. So, say a patient gets laser leg hair removal. In this case, it may be safe to undergo cosmetic treatments to the face.
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare Do’s
Dermatologists have come up with a list of things patients can do to speed up the healing process. We curated and compiled our top tips below, so keep reading to learn what to do after laser hair removal sessions.
Apply a Cool Compress
Patients may experience swelling, redness, and irritation after laser hair removal. Applying a cool compress to the area can help reduce discomfort.
Remember to avoid using too much pressure when icing the area. Also, do not ice the area for longer than 10 minutes. Too much cold can delay the healing process and prolong recovery.
Use Aloe Vera
Patients should avoid fragranced lotions and heavy creams after laser hair removal. Instead, use a fragrance-free aloe vera gel for up to three days following the procedure.
Aloe vera gel can ease any skin discomfort or itching. It also has wound-healing benefits. Aloe vera’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties may speed up recovery.
Wear Loose Fitting Clothes
Tight-fitting clothing can irritate and even scar sensitive skin after laser hair removal. Patients should instead choose loose-fitting clothing made of smooth fabrics to reduce irritation.
Go for fabrics made of wood pulp, such as viscose, lyocell, Tencel, and modal. Cashmere, silk, and tightly-woven cotton and linen fabrics are also ideal options following laser hair removal.
Use Cool and Lukewarm Water
Hydration is essential following laser hair removal. It will speed up healing and reduce the risk of irritation and discomfort. Bathing is one way to deliver more moisture to the skin.
However, patients should only use cool and lukewarm water on the area for the first 48 hours. Hot water can increase sensitivity, as well as directly damage the healing skin. This may prolong healing and potentially lead to scarring.
Wait 4 Weeks Until the Next Treatment
Most patients need at least six laser hair removal sessions before seeing full results. Dermatologists do not advise getting treatments back to back. Instead, patients should wait at least four to six weeks between sessions.
Laser hair removal only works when hair is in the growth phase. Not all hair follicles enter this phase at the same time. So, patients need multiple treatments to target all the hair follicles in a particular area.
Waiting 4–6 weeks between sessions allows more hair to enter this growth phase. Additionally, this waiting period gives the skin time to heal and reduces the risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation.
Apply Vitamin E for Discoloration
Patients can apply vitamin E oils or creams to the treated area to reduce the risk of discolouration and hyperpigmentation. This may be due to vitamin E’s UV-protectant benefits. Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help speed up healing.
Drink Plenty of Water
Keeping the skin hydrated requires an inside-out approach. Patients should consume plenty of water following laser hair removal. Experts recommend getting in more than the minimum of 2 litres of water per day.
Increasing water intake delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the healing area. It will also remove bacteria, damaged cells, and other debris from the site. Both of these effects can speed up healing.
Patients should consider getting hydration from a variety of sources. In addition to water, reach for hydrating beverages like electrolyte elixirs and tea. Hydrating fruits and vegetables can also increase daily water intake.
Use SPF Sunscreen 50+ With Zinc
Laser hair removal can put healing skin at risk of discolouration when it comes in contact with UV rays. Wearing a high-SPF sunscreen for at least 2 weeks following treatment is crucial to reduce the risk of this side effect.
Patients should use sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher. Consider a non-chemical sunscreen containing a mineral like zinc oxide. These products do not absorb into the skin, clogging pores and potentially causing irritation.
FAQs
At Dermafina, we get a lot of questions from our patients about aftercare. With these real-life questions in mind, we created this list of frequently asked questions as a resource for new lasering patients.
Can I Shave After Laser Hair Removal?
No, you can not shave after hair removal. Wait at least 72 hours before using a razor on the treated area.
Can you shave after laser hair removal if you do not shave the treated area? Yes, you can shave after laser hair removal in this case. Just do not use a razor on the treated area for at least three days.
Can I Shower After Laser Hair Removal?
Yes, you can shower after laser hair removal as long as you use lukewarm water. Hot water can damage or irritate recently treated skin. Wait at least 48 hours before taking a hot shower or bath for best results.
Can I Workout After Laser Hair Removal?
Yes, you can do light exercise and physical activity after laser hair removal. Avoid moderate to intense workouts for at least 48 hours. Also, avoid any activity that increases the heart rate or causes sweating.
Also, make sure to wear loose-fitting workout clothes for 2–3 days. Tight clothing can put pressure on the area, slowing the healing process.
How Long After Laser Hair Removal Can I Have Intercourse?
You can have intercourse about 24 hours after laser hair removal. The goal is to avoid putting pressure on the area. Pressure can increase discomfort and delay healing. People who get Brazilian laser hair removal may want to wait even longer. The area will remain sensitive for a few days until it heals completely.
Can I Apply Lotion After Laser Hair Removal?
Yes, you can apply lotion after laser hair removal, but avoid heavy or fragranced lotions. Stick to sensitive skin formulas that contain ceramides to replenish moisture. You could also consider an aloe vera cream. Aloe vera provides moisturizing benefits and relief from irritation. It may also speed up the recovery process.
Can I Get a Tattoo After Laser Hair Removal?
Yes, you can get a tattoo after laser hair removal, but you should wait until you complete all your treatment sessions. People with tattoos over the area where they want hair removal are not good candidates for hair lasering.
Can You Go in the Sun After Laser Hair Removal?
Yes, you can go in the sun after laser hair removal as long as you wear SPF 50+ sunscreen. However, most dermatologists recommend avoiding UV light for at least two weeks. Even the heat can irritate the treated area.
Can You Take a Bath After Laser Hair Removal?
Yes, you can take a bath after laser hair removal if the water is lukewarm. You should not expose the treatment area to hot water for at least 48 hours following the procedure.
As long as you follow these tips, baths can be very beneficial following laser hair removal. The skin needs a lot of hydration to heal.
Are you looking for an answer to the question: can you shower after laser hair removal? Scroll up to the second FAQ on this list to learn more.
How Long After Laser Hair Removal Can I Exfoliate?
You can start exfoliating five days after laser hair removal. Exfoliating any sooner can break the skin, increasing the risk of infection and scarring. After day five, your dermatologist may recommend gentle exfoliation of the area. Use a soft sponge or gentle exfoliation mitts.
How to Care for Skin After Laser Hair Removal?
Caring for skin after laser hair removal includes keeping the area hydrated, moisturized, and clean. Do not use chemical-based products on the area until the irritation subsides. Avoid UV rays and wear SPF 50+ sunscreen when outside.
Otherwise, follow the dos and don’ts we outlined in this guide to help skin heal faster and prevent complications.
How to Treat Hyperpigmentation After Laser Hair Removal?
Vitamin E oil can treat hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal. However, the best treatment is prevention. The primary source of hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal is the sun, so make sure to wear sunscreen.
If these tips are not enough, you may benefit from a chemical peel. At-home and professional chemical peels containing trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid can reverse hyperpigmentation.
However, you should not use a chemical peel for at least a few days following your procedure. Talk to your dermatologist about the best time and way to incorporate chemical peels into your post-lasering routine.
Searching for a Laser Hair Removal Provider You Can Trust?
This laser hair removal aftercare dos and don’ts can help patients optimize their results. They will also reduce discomfort and prevent unwanted side effects like hyperpigmentation and scarring.
Are you considering laser hair removal in Quebec? Dermafina is an aesthetic dermatology centre in Dorval offering full-body laser hair removal services. Dr. Krasny has the skill and expertise to deliver your desired custom results.
Contact Dermafina to learn more about laser hair removal and schedule your first appointment!