Laser treatment is more effective than traditional hair removal methods because it targets the hair follicles inside your skin rather than just the hair outside. 

When it comes to non-invasive cosmetic treatments like laser hair removal, many people underestimate the place of aftercare treatment in facilitating a complete healing process. 

Proper laser hair removal aftercare leads to better outcomes, prevents infections, minimizes the risk of side effects, and ultimately ensures value for money. 

These what-to-do and avoid lists may seem trivial, but their effects in ensuring you heal properly and prevent avoidable damage to your skin are non-negotiable. 

In this article, we share expert tips to perfect your laser hair removal treatments. We’ve curated these tips from years of research, decades of practice, and feedback from our patients at LA ViE MD. 

 

1. Know what’s normal and what’s not

It’s important to know what type of reaction is normal or not. This ensures you’re not panicking about a side effect that is a natural reaction to your treatment and know when to reach out to your doctor. 

So, what side effects are typical? 

The first thing you should expect with any laser treatment is erythema (redness of the skin) and inflammation due to the heat. Inflammation may present as swelling or pain in and around the treated area. 

This redness should resolve by itself within 48 hours. If it doesn’t, you can call your doctor, who will likely prescribe a mild steroid ointment. It’s also not unusual for the treatment area to appear crusty or for you to feel a stinging or burning sensation. 

Of course, the area of treatment may also determine any side effects you feel. For example, laser hair removal treatment that infringes on the surrounding skin of the upper lip area is more painful than treatment carried out on your cheeks. 

You may also observe hair shedding due to heat weakening the hair follicle. Hair typically falls out around 1-2 weeks post-treatment, but this may vary from person to person. 

 

2. Avoid the sun

We highly recommend avoiding sun exposure for at least one week after the treatment. 

Prolonged sun exposure can delay healing in the best scenario and, in the worst case, lead to hyperpigmentation. 

The best way to describe it is that your skin is currently vulnerable, and you need to protect it as much as possible till it’s fully healed. 

 

3. Apply cool compresses

 

Place a wet, soft washcloth on the treated area for a few minutes. When you get burned, one of the advice is to put it under running water for at least 20 minutes. The same principles apply here. 

You can repeat this thrice every hour for 1-2 days post-treatment. 

This greatly helps with any inflammation or pain following your treatment. An alternative to the wet washcloth is ice-wrapped in a paper towel. 

 

4. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen

Excessive sun exposure to your recently treated skin can lead to severe sunburn in its vulnerable state. Ideally, minimize sun exposure as much as possible for the first week after your treatment. 

However, that may only be practical for some. We recommend using a sunscreen labeled “broad-spectrum,” which is capable of protecting you against UVA and UVB rays and has a minimum SPF of 30. 

If the sunscreen also has zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, all the better, as both minerals have soothing effects on irritated or inflamed skin.

 

5. Wear loose-fitting clothes

If you remove unwanted hair from your chest, it’s vital to wear loose clothing to minimize friction on the treated area. This allows the skin to breathe and recuperate, preventing irritation and discomfort to the skin. 

Loose clothing also reduces sweating, which can also irritate and prolong the healing process. 

 

6. Keep your skin hydrated

This sage advice applies daily, to be honest, but even more so before and after your laser hair removal treatment. 

Staying hydrated before your treatment makes your skin supple and elastic, reducing the tendency for redness or irritation. 

On the other hand, staying hydrated after treatment helps your skin heal faster. 

To stay hydrated, drink water (at least 8 cups daily) consistently before and after your treatment and keep the treated area moisturized with a fragrance-free moisturizer. 

 

7. Wait four weeks until the next laser hair treatment

In most cases, you’ll need at least six treatments for permanent laser hair removal results. The first treatment to limit future hair growth removes between 10 and 25 percent of hair in the target area.

For optimal hair-free skin, these treatments must be well-spaced out, at least four weeks apart. 

Proper spacing enables your skin to heal well between each laser hair removal session, reducing the risks of side effects or long-term damage. 

Your dermatologist will work with you to determine how many laser hair removal sessions you need and determine scheduling. 

The experts at LA ViE MD take the time to listen to your concerns and understand your unique needs, ensuring you receive personalized care tailored to enhance your natural beauty and deliver exceptional results.

 

8. Avoid saunas and tans

Avoid hot baths, saunas, and tans for several days after your treatment. The heat from these sources is not conducive for your skin. For example, tanning increases the risk of hyperpigmentation and burns. 

Similarly, light therapy devices that generate light at high intensities should be avoided. These devices mimic the effect of the sun, and we advocated earlier to avoid sun exposure after treatment. 

 

9. Do not use lotions or creams with perfumes

Many fragrances contain ingredients that may irritate your skin, especially in its sensitive state. Our recommendation is to wait at least 48 hours before applying any lotion with perfume or fragrance. 

However, ensure that the treated hair area doesn’t have any irritation before resuming using a fragrance-filled lotion. 

This tip also applies to deodorant if the treatment is under your armpit. 

 

10. Don’t apply pressure on the treated area

You need to give your skin room to breathe and heal properly. This includes not poking or scratching the area even if it itches. Note that body scrubs fall into the same category. 

Your dermatologist may prescribe a steroid ointment to help with the crustiness, which often causes itchiness.

 

11. Stay out of the swimming pool

In its current sensitive state, chlorine is terrible for your laser-treated skin. So, avoid swimming for the first 48 hours after your treatment. 

While lakes and rivers do not contain chlorine, they contain bacteria and algae that can cause infection or irritate your skin. So, the same advice applies: wait 48 hours before going for a swim. 

 

12. Avoid other cosmetic treatments

Although independently safe, cosmetic treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion are too harsh for your skin to handle in its current state. 

You’ll most likely need to wait for circa 2-3 weeks before you can undergo other cosmetic treatments on a laser-treated area. 

 

13. Avoid makeup

Avoid makeup for the first 24 hours after treatment, when your pores are open and your skin is highly sensitive. 

In addition to clogging your pores, you can never tell how the now open skin will react to some of the ingredients in the makeup products. 

Even after 24 hours, observe how the treated area reacts to makeup or any other products you apply to your skin. 

 

14. Exfoliate regularly starting one week after

Exfoliating has tremendous benefits after your laser hair removal treatment. It prevents ingrown hairs and helps with other laser side effects like dead skin build-up. 

There are many schools of thought on when you should exfoliate post-treatment. Here at LA ViE MD, we recommend waiting a week after your treatment.

We also recommend starting slowly and avoiding coarse-grained or acid-based exfoliants.  

 

15. Minimize physical activity

Our last tip is to limit physical exercise within the first few days. Avoid contact sports or exercises that require repetitive movements or cause friction in the treated area. Opt for non-impact activities like walking and light yoga. 

 

Takeaway: Achieve the best laser hair removal results

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure the best results from your laser hair removal treatment. 

Following the expert tips outlined above, such as avoiding sun exposure and staying hydrated to refraining from harsh cosmetics and physical activity, will promote faster healing, minimize side effects, and give you smoother skin.

At LA ViE MD, we’re committed to helping you achieve your aesthetic and wellness goals. With our expertise in laser hair removal, you’re guaranteed quality, personalized care tailored to your needs. Schedule an in-person consultation at any of our boutique med spas today!

 

FAQs

Below, we answer some of your burning questions about laser hair removal: 

 

Why is post-treatment Care essential after laser hair removal?

Post-treatment care ensures your skin heals properly and minimizes the risk of side effects. It also enhances the results of your laser hair removal treatment. 

 

Can I moisturize my skin after laser hair removal?

Moisturizing helps keep your skin hydrated and speeds up the healing process. However, only use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe the treated area without causing irritation or sensitivity.

 

What should I put on my skin after laser removal?

Apply cool compresses within the first 24 hours to reduce inflammation and redness. Never go out without using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), and keep the treated area hydrated with a fragrance-free moisturizer.

 

What products should I avoid after laser hair removal?

Avoid lotions, creams, and deodorants with fragrances or alcohol, as they can irritate your skin in its sensitive state. Also, steer clear of exfoliating products or harsh chemicals for at least one week post-treatment.

 

What should I avoid after laser hair removal?

Avoid sun exposure, saunas, hot baths, tanning, and swimming for at least 48 hours after your treatment. Additionally, do not wear tight clothing, apply makeup, or participate in activities that create friction or sweating in the treated area.

 

How long do laser hair removal results typically last?

Results vary per person, but most people experience a more long-term reduction in hair after six treatments. You may need maintenance sessions when the hair regrows, but many enjoy long-lasting smoothness for months and sometimes years.

 

What are the potential side effects of laser hair removal?

Temporary redness, swelling, and a mild stinging or burning sensation are common side effects. You may also experience crustiness or minor irritation, but typically, these resolve within 48 hours. If any of these issues persist, you should contact your dermatologist.

 

When should I seek medical attention after laser hair removal?

If redness, swelling, or discomfort persists beyond 48 hours, or you experience severe pain, blistering, or signs of infection, contact your dermatologist promptly for assessment and appropriate care.