Post-Treatment Care for Laser Hair Removal: Do’s and Don'ts

Laser hair removal by a dermatologist has long been sought by men and women seeking long-lasting, smooth, hair-free skin and a well-groomed appearance. This technique utilises intense laser light to target and thermally damage/destroy the hair follicles beneath the skin, and make them incapable of growing new, thick hair. However, its desired outcomes are achieved only in the short term and are maintained only if the dermatologist-provided precautionary measures are followed after every laser session.

In this guide, we will discuss the importance of following dermatologist-provided aftercare tips and the dos and don’ts to ensure safe and successful laser hair removal in Gurgaon.

Why Post-Treatment Care is Pivotal After Laser Hair Removal?

Post-treatment care is the crucial final step in the laser hair removal treatment journey, and if the patient does not take it seriously, it can impede healing and ruin the results.

Here are the main reasons why following proper post-treatment care after laser hair removal is important:

• Minimal side effects like mild, short-lived swelling, redness, and sensitivity
• Less risk of infection and long-term skin damage, like burns or pigmentation
• Optimal outcomes
• Faster recovery of the skin barrier.

Essential Post-Laser Session Practices- Recommended by Top Dermatologist

After the first laser hair removal session, the dermatologist and laser experts share a detailed list of dos and don’ts to follow during recovery to ensure smooth healing and optimal outcomes. Coming up next are all-inclusive aftercare guidelines to be strictly followed after every laser hair removal session.

Things that Must be Done After Laser Hair Removal

• Maintain the cleanliness and hydration of the treated area.

The laser treatment can leave the skin sensitive and dry. To ensure proper healing of treated skin, it’s very important to keep the skin infection-free and well nourished and moisturised, shares Dr. Niti Gaur, dermatologist at Citrine Clinic in Gurgaon. After sessions, cleanse the treated area with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, then follow with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser. Also, consume enough water daily to make the treated area heal faster and leave the skin soft and supple.

• Keep the treated area calm and be gentle with the skin.

As the laser-treated area becomes red, irritated, and puffy, apply ice, wrapped in a dry cloth, a cold compress, or aloe vera gel to soothe the skin and make the post-treatment recovery phase more comfortable. Furthermore, practice only dermatologist-recommended gentle skincare.  

• Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing.

Tight clothing and rough fabrics can rub against the treated skin, irritating it. Loose attire can allow the skin to breathe and heal.

• Protect the treated area from UV.

After a laser hair removal session, the treated area becomes highly sensitive to UV light from the sun and may burn, become damaged, or develop pigmentation. So, safeguard the skin from UV by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever going out during the day. Also, before stepping out, make sure the treated area is covered. Seek shade whenever out in the daytime. 

• Use only cool or lukewarm water for washing the treated area or bath.

Hot water can cause burns, blisters, and irritation on the treated skin.

• Wait at least 4 weeks before having a laser hair removal session repeated.

Patience is the key to smooth healing and the best results. Every session of laser hair removal has to be scheduled in a 4-6 week gap so that the treated area has ample time to heal and most of the targeted hair follicles enter the anagen phase- the growth stage of the hair growth cycle, which is required for the laser to work.

• Strictly adhere to the practitioner's specific care instructions. 

As every patient’s skin will respond to laser hair removal treatment differently, discuss and follow only the practitioner-provided instructions to manage the skin post-treatment, based on the skin type and targeted area.

• Attend all follow-ups.

Follow-ups are essential to monitor healing progress and make any necessary adjustments to avoid complications and achieve the desired results.

Things that Must be Avoided After Laser Hair Removal

• Refrain from using harsh, irritating, or fragranced products, and avoid chemical/heat-based treatments.

The laser-treated area becomes very delicate, so any strong alcohol-based products, strong exfoliants, and strong retin-oids will further harm the skin, as would exfoliation and skin resurfacing cosmetic procedures.

• Just after the session, do not apply makeup.

Make-up on a laser-treated face can clog pores and leave the skin irritated or inflamed.

• Do not engage in strenuous workouts or any sweat-inducing activity for several days.

Heat and sweat in the treated area can increase the chances of damage and infection. So, avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot baths, spas, and excessive workouts for a few days.

• Avoid putting pressure or harming the treated area. 

Allow the treated area to properly heal by avoiding touching, rubbing, scrubbing, and picking/scratching, or any activity that puts load on the treated area.

• Do not use traditional hair removal methods between laser sessions.

Alternate hair removal methods like waxing, plucking, or tweezing uproot the unwanted hair, and so further laser sessions will fail. Shaving with a gentle razor is permissible if the hair is too long, not otherwise, as it causes razor burns and ingrown hair.

• Avoid using artificial tanners or tanning lotions.

The laser-treated area is sensitive and needs some time to heal. Until healing is complete, avoid bumps, rashes, irritation, and burns when using self-tanners.

• Avoid swimming for at least 2 days.

Lakes, rivers, and seas have microbial growth, and swimming pools have chlorinated water. Swimming in water with chemical or microbial growth after laser sessions will irritate the treated area and delay healing.

• Do not ignore persistent or serious side effects.

Aftermaths such as burns, blisters, pigmentation changes, or redness must be promptly brought to the practitioner's attention.