Laser hair removal is a medical cosmetic procedure that uses a focused beam of laser light to target the tubular follicles of the hair, causing damage to the follicles, preventing or delaying hair growth.
But after undergoing laser sessions, is post-laser hydration a necessity? Here is the answer and the most important details in the following:
Moisturizing benefits after laser
Moisturizing after laser is one of the ways to take care of the skin after completing the hair removal sessions, as in the first few hours some side effects may appear on the skin, including:
- Redness and swelling of the treated area.
- Peeling and scarring of the skin.
- Pain and irritation in the area accompanied by itching.
Moisturizing after the laser helps reduce and reduce these effects and skin lesions after the session.
Laser treatments may also cause temporary dryness of the skin, as the use of moisturizers and creams may contribute to the skin replacing part of the lost moisture, and calming the skin reaction resulting from the laser hair removal session.
Moisturizing methods after laser
Often, the doctor who specializes in moisturizing after the laser, as soon as any skin reaction appears, applies a steroid cream to help reduce any pain or discomfort after the session. The area must be constantly moisturized at home using:
- Medicated creams prescribed by a doctor.
- Natural treatments such as: Using aloe vera gel for three days after the session.
- Fragrance free, moisturizing lotion.
In the case of using any other product, you should pay attention to the components of the moisturizer to avoid increasing side effects, as moisturizers should be free of retinol, acids or perfumes to reduce the risk of further irritation to humans, and not to use antibacterial lotions that increase skin dryness.
Other ways to take care of the skin after laser hair removal
In addition to moisturizing after laser, there are a set of methods and instructions that must be adhered to for skin care after and between laser sessions, including the following:
1. Apply cold water compresses
Applying cold water compresses or ice packs to the treated area for several minutes helps reduce temporary swelling and pain after a laser session.
2. Avoid exposure to sunlight
After laser sessions, the skin is more sensitive and fragile, and direct exposure to sunlight causes dryness and irritation of the skin. Therefore, direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided for at least a full week after each session. It is also recommended to put a sunscreen on the treated area every day.
3. Avoid using beauty products
As previously mentioned, the skin layer is more sensitive and more likely to exacerbate skin lesions from pimples and ulcers after the laser session, and most of the self-care products and products contain perfumes and chemicals that may damage the skin layer after laser treatment sessions.
Therefore, you should avoid using beauty products for at least 48 hours.
4. Gently clean the skin
It is necessary to maintain the cleanliness of the skin after hair removal, but you must choose a lotion that suits the sensitivity of the skin after the laser, wash and clean the skin gently, dry the skin with a soft towel through the tampon, and avoid rubbing or scratching the skin for 5 days in order to avoid irritation and dryness of the skin layer.
It should also avoid exposure to hot water and steam baths for 7 days, and swimming in pools containing chlorine for 48 hours after the session.
5. Peeling the skin after the first week
Some small hairs may remain after the laser session, as peeling the skin according to the instructions of the specialized team helps to get rid of these hairs and help the skin to recover.
The skin can be exfoliated after at least the first week with a very soft washcloth or towel when you shower.
Important instructions about preparing for the laser session
After learning about moisturizing after the laser, let us know that before undergoing laser hair removal sessions, specific instructions must be adhered to in preparation for the hair removal session, including the following:
- Shave the hair at least 12 hours before the laser session.
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight before and after the laser session.
- Use a sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30 degrees.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes.
- Avoid smoking and caffeinated drinks the night before your laser treatment.
- Drink at least one liter of water on the day of your treatment and the day before, in order to regulate your body temperature.
- Lightening the skin subject to sunbathing, which gave it a black and dark color, as the doctor dispenses a lightening cream that suits the skin.
- Avoid waxing, plucking, or electrolysis at least four weeks before the treatment session, as these methods cause disruption of the hair follicles.
- Avoid taking blood thinners before the operation, and consult the doctor about anti-inflammatories, aspirin, and any other medications that should be avoided before the laser session.
- Avoid exercising before the session.
- Avoid applying any products to the treatment area and keep it dry and clean before treatment.
- Avoid using self-tanning products for 8 weeks prior to treatment.