If you’re tired of endless shaving waxing, plucking, or using depilatory creams, only to find your unwanted hair returning almost immediately, laser hair removal is well worth consideration.
Laser hair removal is among our most popular treatments at New Life Wellness and Medical Spa. And fall is one of the best times to come to our Tomball, Texas, medspa for this service, since you should avoid sun exposure for a period of time both before and after professional laser hair removal. We’re here to help you plan for how to take great care of your skin after your visit.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to eliminate unwanted hair, but it’s important to take good care of your skin as it adjusts after treatment sessions. To understand why, it helps to think about how laser hair removal works.
During treatments, the pigment within your hair absorbs laser energy. This energy is converted into heat, which damages the tiny root at the base of each hair and prevents normal regrowth. The treated hair separates from the root and works its way out of your hair follicle in the days after treatment.
The heat created during treatment sessions doesn’t damage your skin, but it can make skin more tender and sensitive for a few days after your visit. Your body needs time to adjust, which is why it’s so important to take good care of your skin following laser hair removal treatments. Here’s what you need to know.
The best way to avoid damaging your skin after laser hair removal is to take steps to avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays in the days following your visit. Avoid the sun if possible, and wear protective clothing or a high quality sunscreen if you must spend time outdoors.
Some minor inflammation in the treated areas is normal, as is heightened sensitivity. Sun exposure can damage skin during this vulnerable time, and you can suffer a sunburn more quickly than normal.
You should also avoid sunbed tanning, as tanning beds work by delivering high doses of ultraviolet rays in a short period of time.
Many people experience red, swollen, or highly sensitive skin after laser hair removal sessions. Even if previous visits didn’t create these effects, that doesn’t mean the next visit won’t leave your skin looking and feeling a bit different than when you arrived.
You can ease swelling and sensitivity by taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Cool compresses can also help lessen tingling or burning sensations. Ice packs are helpful, but be sure to wrap them in a towel before placing them on your skin. Direct contact with ice can cause additional irritation.
As your skin adjusts, pay close attention to any products you use in the treatment area. Lotions and soaps with harsh ingredients can irritate your skin. You should also avoid self-tanning lotions.
Don’t use any form of body scrub for a few days after your visit, and avoid using a sponge, pouf, or body gloves. In general, this isn’t the time for exfoliating, as your skin is working hard to recover after laser hair removal.
You should also avoid shaving if you notice any swelling, redness, or irritation. The treated hairs will work their way out of your skin within a couple of weeks, so try to be patient. Shaving can cause significant irritation.
Many people don’t notice any changes at all after their laser hair removal treatments. For others, the treated areas might feel tender for a few days, sort of like the sensation that comes with a mild sunburn.
Your skin should begin feeling better within days, and it shouldn’t take long before it’s right back to normal, only without unwanted hair. If you experience any worsening of the issues discussed above, reach out to the team at New Life Wellness and Medical Spa for guidance.
Fall is the perfect time to come in for laser hair removal, so if you’ve been waiting to give this popular treatment a try, now’s the time to book a visit. Online booking is available, or you can always call our office during normal business hours.
