What To Do Before And After Laser Hair Removal
By Aaliyah Albo
What if you never had to shave, tweeze, or wax again? We know - it sounds way too good to be true. But with advancements in laser hair removal, it’s now not only possible but also affordable to have the undesired hair on your body removed once and for all.
Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that relies on a powerful concentrated beam of energy (via a laser) to target hair follicles below the surface of the skin. The energy from the laser is released as intense heat, which damages these follicles. Follicles are responsible for producing new hair, so when they are damaged, it inhibits new hair from growing.
Laser hair removal treatment is an extremely safe and effective way to get the flawlessly smooth skin you have always dreamed of, but there are some things you should do before and after your laser treatment to ensure the best results with minimal side effects.
If you’re ready to throw out your razor and kiss those painful wax sessions goodbye but are not too sure how to properly prepare for your laser hair removal journey - keep reading.
Laser Hair Removal
The beauty of laser hair removal treatment is that you can zap away unwanted hair from any part of your body, excluding the eyes. The most popular treated areas include the bikini line, underarms, legs, upper lip, back, and chest. But the treatment can also be used on the fingers, toes, chin, and stomach. To put it simply: if there is an area you’d like to treat, chances are laser hair removal could be an option.
Skin type and hair color influence the success of laser treatment. The basic principle is that the pigment of the hair - but not the pigment of the skin - should absorb the light emitted from the laser. The powerful laser should only damage the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin. With that being said, a contrast between skin and hair color - light skin and dark hair - results in the best outcomes.
The risk of skin damage is much greater when there is little to no contrast between skin and hair color. However, laser technology has advanced quite a bit over the years, and with the use of special lasers, treatment is now an option for those with dark skin.
Laser hair removal is non-invasive and minimally painful - most people describe the sensation of a rubber band snapping on the skin or a warm pinprick. Depending on the area being treated, laser hair removal can take as little as twenty minutes while larger areas may require more time.
Before Laser Hair Removal
So, you’ve finally made the decision to combat those pesky unwanted hairs once and for all with laser hair removal. Congratulations - you are about to embark on an exciting journey that will leave your skin feeling velvety smooth, hair-free, and unbelievably soft. At the end of your laser hair removal treatments, you will be able to throw away your razor, toss the smelly depilatory creams, and say goodbye to your wax technician.
Here is how you can prepare for treatment:
First things first, schedule a consultation with the doctor to determine if laser hair removal is an appropriate treatment option for you.
Your doctor will likely do the following:
- Review your medical history, including past and current medication use, history of skin disorders or scarring, and past hair removal procedures.
- Discuss benefits, risks, and expectations, including what laser hair removal treatment can and can’t do for you.
- Take pictures to be used for before-and-after assessments and long-term reviews.
At the consultation, be sure to discuss a plan for treatment and all the related costs. This procedure is usually an out-of-pocket expense, so it’s wise to get a good understanding of what it will cost from start to finish.
Once you are deemed a great candidate for laser hair removal, the doctor will offer specific instructions to prepare for treatment. These might include:
Stay out of the sun. It is very important to stay out of the sun and avoid UV tanning beds in the six to eight weeks leading up to your treatment. Showing up for a treatment with tanned skin can lead to burns and blistering - ouch!
Avoid other hair removal methods. Waxing, tweezing, and electrolysis can disturb the hair follicle and should be avoided during your laser hair removal treatment. Tweezing or pulling hair out by the root means there won’t be any hair for the laser to seek and destroy. If you are someone that can’t stand having hair growth between laser sessions, shave or use depilatory creams that only remove hair above the skin.
Avoid caffeine 24 hours prior to your treatment. You want to be relaxed and calm before and during your laser treatment, but sometimes, caffeine can make you more agitated and tense. Skip your cup of morning Joe, take a few deep breaths, and drink water leading up to your appointment instead.
Increase your water intake. Speaking of H2O, according to recent research, dehydration can make you more sensitive to pain. Try to drink about a gallon of water on the day of your appointment to help keep your body hydrated to minimize discomfort during your treatment.
Shave the treated area. For the best results and least pain, be sure to shave the treated area the night before your scheduled treatment. Any hair that is left unshaved is at risk of getting scorched by the laser, which can burn your skin.
After Laser Hair Removal
After your laser hair removal treatment, you may notice minor swelling or redness in the treated area, but this is perfectly normal and should go away within a few hours. The doctor may apply a topical numbing cream or cooling gel to help ease any discomfort that you feel and will send you home with a few instructions. These might include:
Remember to take it easy. If you’ve had laser treatments to your Brazilian, bikini line, armpits, or other highly sensitive areas, you may want to wear loose-fitting clothes or reduce your physical activity for the rest of the day. Always keep the treated area clean and free of sweat.
Apply sunscreen before heading outside. Your skin will be very sensitive and susceptible to sunburn following treatment. Be sure to stay away from the sun and any UV tanning beds. If you go outside, always apply a good sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for maximum protection.
Don’t scratch the area. You may experience itchiness, and we know it might be tough, but whatever you do - resist the urge to scratch! Scratching your treated skin can lead to irritation or inflammation - so leave the area alone and let it heal. If you are experiencing itching post-treatment, use ice packs, over-te counter meds, or take a cool, soothing bath.
Gently exfoliate the area. Using a clean loofah or washcloth, gently exfoliate the treated skin two to three times per week. This will help the dead skin cells and unwanted hair to shed much more quickly to leave you with silky smooth, flawless skin. Be sure not to irritate your skin, be gentle.
At-Home Laser Hair Removal
Gone are the days of having to go to the clinic to have a technician awkwardly examine some of the most sensitive areas of your body before zapping each unwanted hair one by one. Laser hair removal has come a long way over the years, and you can now kick unwanted hair to the curb, all from the comfort of your very own home. Can we get a Hallelujah!?
These handheld devices are safe for at-home use and can easily zap all of your problems away. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all at-home devices are created equal! If you decide to go this route for your hair removal needs, be sure to purchase from an honest and reputable company like KENZZI.
The KENZZI IPL Laser Hair Removal Handset can be used on any body part, including your face and Brazillian in just a few minutes. This super device has five different power settings to suit your unique skin tone or skin sensitivity while still producing unbelievable results at any level.
Let’s face it: Laser hair removal is without a doubt one of the best ways to banish unwanted hair for good but finding the time to get to the clinic or building up the courage to let a technician examine your sensitive body parts can be a little tough, to say the least. An at-home device like the KENZZI IPL Laser Hair Removal Handset can eliminate these problems and leave you with the hair-free skin you have always dreamed of.
A Final Word
Laser hair removal is an effective method to get rid of unwanted hair. If you are considering this increasingly popular procedure, follow our before and after tips listed above to ensure the best results.
SOURCES:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555
https://neurosciencenews.com/pain-blood-flow-dehydration-3706/
0 comments