Although there are some advanced methods for hair removal, have you ever thought why many still use razors, wax, or epilation? There could be different reasons such as being unfamiliar with modern options, assuming they may be expensive or painful, or even encountering side effects and adverse consequences. However, one of the main true reasons is that some people do not achieve the desired results.
Laser hair removal is considered one of the greatest revolutions in the beauty and skincare industry. This method could make the skin’s appearance brighter. Thereby, it also enhances one’s self-confidence. However, the secret of success in the laser hair removal operation is not limited to modern machines and the specialist’s skills. Another factor that affects the results is laser hair removal pre and post care. These measures determine the way your skin reacts to laser hair therapy, the speed of skin repair, and the result’s durability.
In the following content prepared by the Amada research team, you are provided with a comprehensive introduction to laser hair removal pre and post care. In this blog, firstly, we review the reasons for doing laser hair removal. Then, the pre care laser hair is described. Next, the after care laser hair is explained to help you achieve a safe, efficient, and satisfying experience. Additionally, you could find more information in the section on laser hair removal Marietta.
Why you should do laser?
At first glance, laser hair removal seems to be only a beauty technique. Nevertheless, it is a smart solution for obtaining convenience, time-saving, and skin health. Nowadays, many people are busy; there is no time for everyday hair removal or monthly epilation. Here, laser helps you have smooth, soft, and bright skin. Let us review the reasons for doing laser.
Say goodbye to outdated, painful methods
Wax, razor, or epilation — each of which is a familiar yet unpleasant experience for many people. In most cases, the hair is removed temporarily, growing again after several days or weeks. In addition, pain, burning, cuts, inflammation, and acne are their common consequences. In contrast, by removing the hair root, laser provides you with a much longer-lasting, more accurate, and easier solution. After several treatment sessions, the hair growth rate is significantly reduced so that you can get rid of regular shaving for a long time.
Obtaining softer, brighter, and healthier skin
The noticeable positive effect of laser on skin quality is an advantage that is mostly neglected. There will be no more inflammation or ingrown hairs through the removal of follicles. On the other hand, because you no longer need to shave with a razor, the skin does not darken or roughen. It results in softer, brighter, and smoother skin with a natural appearance. However, laser hair removal pre and post care should also be considered.
High accuracy and safety
One of the reasons for the popularity of laser hair removal is its high controllability and accuracy, especially on the delicate, sensitive parts of the body. For example, the face, armpit, and bikini area are difficult body parts to shave. Modern laser machines only target the hair follicle without harming the adjacent skin area. This is why the laser hair removal method is considered a safe treatment.
Applicable for various skins and hairs
In the past, laser machines could only operate on light skin and dark hair. However, today, using modern technologies such as Alexandrite, Nd:YAG, and Diode, almost everyone with any skin type can take advantage of laser hair removal treatment. According to the skin color and hair thickness, the specialist chooses the best machine and settings for a safe, efficient treatment.
Saving time and cost
Apparently, the cost of each laser treatment session is higher than epilation or other hair removal techniques. However, if you take into account how much time and cost you spend on the other methods, you will find that laser hair removal is very cost-effective. After completing the main sessions, you only need touch-up sessions once every several months.
Personal hygiene
Removing unwanted hair is not only about beauty; it is also related to personal hygiene. Some parts of the body, like the armpits, sweat. Unwanted hair in these parts worsens the situation and accumulates sweat residue. This could create a suitable environment for bacteria, fungi, and other infectious agents. Inflammation, unpleasant odor, and infections are the results of this situation.
Improving self-confidence
Let us be honest; no one likes to have unpleasant, hairy, rough skin. Having smooth, bright, and hairless skin makes you feel so good. You no longer worry about your appearance in different situations. People who undergo laser hair removal experience more calmness and self-confidence in their everyday life.
A scientific and approved method
Laser hair removal is a technique that has been approved by medical authorities like the FDA years ago. This method is fully studied and scientific, with minimum side effects provided that laser hair removal pre and post care measures are followed. Performing the operation by a dermatologist or a trained specialist is also crucial.
How you should be prepared for laser hair removal?
This is one of the most common mistakes, people think they can receive laser hair removal with no special preparation. pre care laser hair measures make a great difference in the quality and safety of the treatment. In the following, we introduce you to some crucial points you should know.
Consultation session for skin examination
Before any action, a dermatologist or specialist carefully examines the condition of your skin and hair. This is one of the initial steps of laser hair removal pre and post care. The skin type (dry, oily, sensitive), hair color, and skin issue history play a significant role in setting the laser intensity and choosing the laser machine. If you have any history of herpes, eczema, or use special drugs, inform your physician without hesitation. The initial consultation is one of the treatment steps. Sometimes, the doctor advises you not to use a cream or specific medicine several days before the operation.
Trimming hair
Trim the target area for laser hair removal at least 24 hours before the operation. This is another pre care laser hair measure that smoothens the skin surface. It helps the laser energy penetrate the hair follicle directly. If the hair is long, the heat generated by the laser beam spreads on the skin and may cause burning or inflammation.
Avoiding waxing or epilation
From 2 weeks before the laser operation, avoid applying methods (like wax and epilation) that pull out the hair root. The reason is that the laser beam needs the existence of the follicle to be effective.
Avoiding sunlight and solarium
This is another important pre care laser hair measure. Sunlight and UV rays are the worst enemies of skin that is going to be treated by laser. If your skin is tanned, the amount of melanin increases, raising the probability of burning or staining. Thus, avoid taking sunbaths or using solariums at least two weeks before the laser hair removal session.
Skin cleansing
On the day of the operation, your skin must be clean and dry with no excess material on its surface. This is crucial as a laser hair removal pre and post care measure. It may seem a simple point; however, it significantly affects the safety and result of the treatment. Before going to the clinic, wash the skin of the area to be treated with water and a proper facial cleanser to remove any oil, sweat, cream, lotion, and cosmetics. The existence of any material on the skin could prevent the laser beam from reaching the hair follicle. In some cases, the skin reacts to the heat generated by the laser machine, causing rash, redness, or superficial blisters.
As a pre care laser hair, do not use deodorants or anti-sweat sprays before the treatment, especially for the armpit or bikini area. These materials contain chemicals that cause skin rash. Also, stop using medical creams like retinol, AHA/BHA, or brightening creams at least 3 to 5 days before the laser treatment. These could make the skin sensitive. Simply, the cleaner the skin, the more accurate and efficient the laser operates.
Wearing suitable clothes
It is very important to feel comfortable on the day of laser hair removal. After the treatment, the skin is a little warm, sensitive, and red. It needs to breathe freely. Because of that, as a pre care laser hair measure, it is recommended that you wear loose, cotton, and lightweight clothes. Cotton fabrics allow air to flow on the skin, preventing sweat or friction. In contrast, tight, plastic, or synthetic fiber clothes could cause burning, rash, and even follicle inflammation.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
In this part, we review the measures you should take before the laser hair removal treatment carefully and step by step.
One to two weeks before the treatment
Do not expose yourself to sunlight directly, especially the body part you are going to do laser on. Avoid light-sensitizing drugs (like some antibiotics). Another pre care laser hair measure is keeping the skin soft with a proper moisturizing cream.
Three to five days before the treatment
Avoid using products containing retinol, alpha hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, or vitamin C. Do not scrub your skin or use heavy skin removers.
One day before the treatment
Your skin must be thoroughly clean with no cream, perfume, or cosmetics. If you feel any discomfort on your skin, use local anesthetic cream. It is recommended to avoid drinking high caffeine to decrease skin sensitivity.
Now, you know the main pre care laser hair measures for reaching the best results.
Post-Treatment Instructions
To reach the best results, after care laser hair is crucial as much as the treatment itself. In fact, the final outcome of the laser sessions depends on the post-treatment measures you take in the following days and weeks. The main goal of these measures is to protect the skin, reduce inflammation, and prevent skin rash or damage.
Skin cooling and soothing
Immediately after the laser operation, the skin may be red and warm. This is like slight sunburn which usually disappears after a couple of hours. To reduce inflammation and burning, you could use a cold compress or cooling pad as an after care laser hair measure. Note that you should not put ice directly on the skin. Wrap it in a towel or cotton fabric to prevent cold shock to the skin. Applying pure aloe vera gel or mild repairing cream (like Bepanthen or Cicalfate ointment) speeds up the soothing of the skin. These maintain skin moisture and reduce redness.
Avoiding heat and sweating
For 24 to 48 hours after laser treatment, avoid any activities that increase body temperature. These activities include heavy exercise, taking a sauna or jacuzzi, having a hot bath, or exposing the skin to direct sunlight for a long time. Heat and sweating from heavy activities open the skin pores. As an after care laser hair measure, it is recommended to stay in a cool place and wear loose cotton clothes.
Moisturizing the skin
After laser hair removal, the skin is dry and slightly stretched. Using light lotions with no perfume and alcohol helps skin repair and keeps it moisturized. It is recommended to use creams containing soothing factors like aloe vera, chamomile, or hyaluronic acid. Apply the lotion two to three times a day on the skin with light massage. This measure is an important step in laser hair removal pre and post care.
Protecting the skin against sunlight
Avoiding direct sunlight is one of the crucial after care laser hair measures to be taken. After laser hair removal, the skin is more sensitive. Exposure to sunlight may cause darkness, stains, or even superficial burning. Use sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher), reapply it every two hours, and wear a hat.
Residual hair
After laser treatment, you may notice there are still some hairs on the skin. These will be removed soon. Avoid pulling them out with tweezers, epilators, or wax. If you like, you could shave the skin.
Hydration and diet
Drinking sufficient water is an important after care laser hair measure. Eating fruits and fresh vegetables helps skin cell repair and keeps the skin moisturized. Avoid excessive consumption of coffee, alcohol, and spicy meals. These could irritate the body and increase sweating.
Touch-up Sessions
Some follicles are stronger than others and could reactivate after a while. This is a usual situation related to the hair growth cycle. To keep the result unchanged, it is recommended to repeat touch-up sessions every 6 to 12 months. These sessions are much shorter than the initial treatment.
| Pre care laser hair | After care laser hair |
| Avoid Sun Exposure | Cool the Skin |
| Stop Hair Removal Methods | Avoid Heat Exposure |
| Shave Before Treatment | Keep Skin Hydrated |
| Avoid Skincare Products | Protect from Sun |
| Keep Skin Clean | Don’t Pluck or Wax |
| Wear Loose Clothing | Moisturize the skin |
Reach the best results by laser hair removal pre and post care
In this blog, we reviewed all of the main pre care laser hair and after care laser hair measures to reach the best results from the treatment. Now, you are informed about the general process. Nevertheless, you will receive more details from our specialists at Amada. Just contact us or ask your questions through our communication channels. Knowing everything about your beauty is your right.
