If you’re ready to give up shaving and waxing for a longer-lasting form of hair removal, laser hair removal is the ideal solution. This form of hair removal works by administering a light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. This light energy is converted to heat and when it interacts with the hair, it purposefully damages the follicle to destroy hair at the root and delay future growth. Although there are some pros and cons to this form of hair removal, many people find it an effective and simple solution for long-term hair removal. If you are interested in laser hair removal, here are some things you should know before you go for your first session.
Shave Before Getting Laser Hair Removal
Unlike waxing preparation, laser hair removal works best if you shave within 24 hours of your hair removal appointment. If the hair is long, it will lead to an unpleasant odor of burning hair during the treatment and it can also lead to discomfort. When you are shaving to prepare for treatment, ensure that you only use a regular razor, as an electric razor will leave the hairs too long and tweezing or waxing your hairs will remove the hair follicle and will reduce the effectiveness of the laser hair removal.
Don’t Use Makeup On The Treatment Area
Makeup is normally only an issue for laser hair removal of the face, but any area being treated by laser hair removal also needs to be free of lotions, tanners, deodorant, lotion, or anything else on the surface of the skin. Before your laser hair removal appointment, cleanse the area to ensure that the skin is clean and ready for treatment. If you forget to cleanse the area beforehand, ask your treatment specialist for a cleansing wipe before treatment begins.
Stay Out Of The Sun
Keep the treatment area out of the sun before and after laser hair removal. By protecting the skin from sun exposure for 3 to 4 weeks prior to treatment, you will reduce your skin sensitivity to light energy and reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation, burns, or even scars. If you have been out in the sun right before your treatment, it can make laser hair removal painful. After your treatment, stay out of the sun for another 2 weeks to help your skin heal and to reduce any potential hyperpigmentation caused by UV exposure. If your treatment area is somewhere easily covered by clothes, this can be simple, but if your treatment area is somewhere easily exposed, such as your face, try to stay indoors. If you need to go out, wear a hat and sunscreen even if it’s overcast.
Keep Cool
The heat from the laser hair removal process will stay in the skin for approximately 24 hours. Exposure to heat during this period may affect the results of the laser hair removal treatment and it can be uncomfortable. When extra heat is added, it can also encourage bacteria growth which can result in skin irritation. Stay cool by not working out, avoiding hot showers or baths, or not visiting saunas for at least 24 hours after treatment.
Change Your Skin Care Routine Accordingly
About 2 days before your laser hair removal treatment and for 2 days after, avoid scrubs, glycolic acid, and retinol creams. This will help prepare your skin and avoid irritation. You may also need to use more moisturizer than usual after the treatment as dry skin may occur after laser hair removal. Make sure you use unscented skin care products to avoid any irritation.
Are you unsure if laser hair removal is right for you? Read 6 Incredible Benefits of Opting For Laser Hair Removal to learn if this treatment can give you the results you desire.
If you want smooth, hairless skin without the constant need to shave or wax, laser hair removal is the solution. This form of hair removal offers long-lasting results. Before laser hair removal, speak to a skin care professional to examine your skin and hair type. This will let your skin treatment professionals know if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal and it will let them create a personalized skin care and hair removal treatment plan. At Glo Skin and Medspa in Edmonton, we offer the latest technology in laser hair removal for men and women and our skin care specialists will explain the process to you in a clear, concise manner. To book a laser hair removal session in Edmonton, contact Glo Skin either by calling 1-780-481-9772 or by filling out the online contact form.
Q: What does laser hair removal feel like?
A: Most patients describe the feeling as being snapped with a warm rubber band. You may feel some discomfort during your treatment, however, treatments only last for short periods of time.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: How many sessions will depend on the area being treated, your hair and skin type, and the laser your technician uses. During your consultation, your technician will outline how many treatments you will personally require to see optimal results based on all of those factors.
Q: Can I do laser hair removal on myself at home?
A: There are hair removal lasers sold for at-home use, however, these lasers are less intense and will likely not yield ideal results. Since the at-home lasers are not medical grade, the safety inspections are not as rigorous and if you do choose to do at-home laser hair removal, be very cautious to not injure yourself.
