To remove hair from various areas of the body, laser hair removal is a common and reliable method. When compared to alternatives like shaving, waxing, or plucking, it can help you save time, money, and effort. But for others, especially those with sensitive skin or a low pain threshold, laser hair removal can be rather unpleasant. If you are thinking about getting laser hair removal or have already scheduled an appointment, you may be concerned about how to minimize the discomfort and agony you may experience.
Preparing for your laser hair removal session
One of the best methods to make your laser hair removal session more comfortable and less painful is to prepare your skin properly before the treatment. To get the most out of your laser hair removal session, follow these pre-treatment instructions:
- Avoid sun exposure: Sunburned or tanned skin can raise the risk of problems and diminish the efficiency of the laser, so it’s best to avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks before your session. Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be applied daily to the treated area.
- Avoid waxing or plucking: If you want the laser to be as successful as possible, you should avoid waxing or plucking the hair from the treated region for at least four weeks before your session.
- Shave the area before the session: You should shave the area one or two days before your session, as this can lessen the pain and discomfort during the treatment. Shave in the direction of hair growth with a clean, sharp razor.
- Apply numbing cream if needed: If your pain tolerance is low or your skin is particularly sensitive, use a numbing cream to the region to be treated 30-60 minutes before your session.
Laser hair removal aftercare instructions
Some laser hair removal aftercare instructions are:
- Wear loose clothing for 48 hours to avoid friction on the treated area.
- keep the treated area clean and dry for 48 hours.
- Use gentle products to cleanse and moisturize the skin, and avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, sun lamps, and any kind of indoor tanning equipment for at least a month after treatment to reduce swelling and pain. Daily use of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended.
- For the first 48 hours following laser hair removal, you should avoid hot showers, baths, saunas, and steam rooms.
- After the skin’s redness or discoloration has faded, you can shave the area one or two days before the session.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as burns, blisters, scarring, infection, or persistent pain, contact your technician or dermatologist immediately.
Enhancing the result of your laser hair removal
Some ways to enhance the results and reduce the pain of your laser hair removal are:
- Do your homework and locate a certified laser technician or dermatologist who has the necessary training and equipment to carry out the procedure safely and effectively. You can use our laser hair removal service in Vancouver.
- To get the best results and avoid hair regrowth, it’s important to stick to the suggested number of sessions and frequency of visits based on your skin type and hair color. Depending on the treated area, a total of 4–6 treatments at 4- to 6-week intervals may be necessary.
- Avoid using harsh or irritating products on your skin before or after the treatment, such as alcohol, retinoids, or exfoliants. Gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens formulated for your skin type and current condition should be used.
- You can take an over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen 30 to 45 minutes before your treatment if you have a low pain tolerance or sensitive skin.
