There comes a time when the procedure has been completed, the hairs have been successfully treated, and we ask ourselves—do we need to apply any cream or lotion, how should we care for our skin after laser hair removal, and when can we take a shower? We have answers to nearly all questions on this topic. Read the whole article, and if you don’t find the answer to your question, don’t hesitate to contact us – we’d love to hear from you.
What Will I Notice After the Procedure?
The skin may be sensitive after laser hair removal, so keep it clean and dry for a few hours. Sometimes after the procedure, the skin may become red, or hair follicles may slightly swell (especially for thicker hairs). Don’t worry—these are normal skin reactions, as the skin absorbs a certain amount of heat during the laser treatment.
For people with dry skin, the procedure may dry it out further, so it’s recommended to moisturize the skin with medical-grade skincare about four hours after the treatment.
If the hair is thicker, it may appear as “black dots” after laser treatment—don’t worry; it means the hair has been successfully treated. About 14 days after the procedure, you’ll notice the skin pushing out these treated hairs, which will then fall out.
What to Avoid 24 Hours After Laser Treatment?
- Sun Exposure
Avoid sun exposure for at least five days after the procedure to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation.
- Contaminating the Area
Avoid touching or picking at the treated skin to avoid contaminating the area. For at least 48 hours, avoid products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (scrubs, exfoliants), and for 72 hours, avoid products containing retinol.
- Exercise
Strenuous physical activity immediately after the procedure can contaminate and irritate the treated follicles. For the underarm area—avoid using deodorants for the next 12 hours. You can shower, preferably with slightly warm water, a few hours after the procedure.
- Wellness & SPA
void swimming pools, saunas, and spa treatments for the next 24 hours, as the skin is sensitive and vulnerable to bacterial infections post-procedure.
Possible Skin Reactions and Their Solutions:
- Redness – this is a completely normal reaction due to the heat absorbed from the laser energy. This reaction will subside within a few hours by the end of the day. You should not experience any burning sensation in the treated area. If you notice any such symptoms, please contact LAVEDY Laser Studio for further assistance.
- Rash – some clients report a “rash” that may appear after laser hair removal. These are papules, a normal reaction indicating effective treatment. Papules appear when the skin absorbs heat, and the hair follicle reacts to it. They may not appear in everyone but are common with Alexandrite laser treatments. They disappear within the same day and are not a cause for concern.
- Pigment spots—hyperpigmentation (darker spots) or hypopigmentation (lighter spots)—should not occur following a properly performed laser hair removal procedure. They can occur in various situations: one of them is due to taking a photosensitive antibiotic while undergoing laser hair removal. Another factor that can cause pigment spots is if the skin is actively exposed to the sun immediately before or after the procedure. It is essential not to expose yourself to active sunlight for at least 14 days before the procedure and at least 5 days afterward. Unprotected UV exposure can cause unwanted skin reactions.
Another potential cause for pigmentation spots is improperly chosen treatment parameters. Selecting a reputable clinic with qualified staff is critical. A preventive measure against pigmentation spots, especially for facial areas, is applying a sunscreen product with SPF 50 regularly and consistently. - Scars – scarring is not possible after such a procedure. Sometimes, “lines” may appear on the skin when hairs in the area were not properly shortened and remain longer. These lines disappear immediately with water or by wiping with a wet cloth.
- Itching – Clients with drier skin may experience mild itching in the treated area immediately after the procedure or a few days later. There’s no need for concern; this is due to the laser treatment drying the skin further. To avoid discomfort, our specialists apply a hydrating and soothing product after the procedure to increase client comfort and recommend incorporating a hydrating product into the home skincare routine.
What’s Allowed Between Laser Hair Removal Treatments?
- Trimming Hairs – You can trim hairs once or twice with a razor (for body areas) or small scissors (for facial areas). Regular shaving or epilation between treatments is not recommended, as it can disrupt the hair growth cycle, quickly impacting visible results.
- Skin hydration – you can hydrate with light lotions or body creams, but let them be with a clean composition, preferably without strong fragrances and without shiny particles. We remind you to leave the skin clean immediately after the procedure and before laser hair removal treatment.
- Exfoliation – yes, you can exfoliate the skin that has been treated, but with care and gentleness. Do not use strong exfoliants and acids. Exfoliation helps hair fall out faster and easier in areas such as underarms, thighs, arms, back.
- Love for yourself – the first step has been taken – love for your skin. You have given it laser hair removal, a long-term and practical investment. The skin, as the largest organ in our body, will be with us for a long time, so give it love and attention.
When is it time for my next procedure?
- The short answer from LAVEDY: when the majority of hairs that were not in the active growth phase during the previous procedure sprout.
- For a successful course of laser hair removal procedures and for the effect to be visible, it is extremely important to follow the time intervals recommended by your aesthetic specialist between procedures.
- Make an appointment for laser hair removal at least 3-4 days in advance to ensure that we will perform the procedure at a time convenient for you.
