Today, laser removal is becoming an increasingly popular beauty treatment. Laser hair removal is a method that removes unwanted hairs from almost anywhere on your body, and unlike other hair removal methods, it does not come with a risk of razor cuts, ingrown hairs, or skin irritation. The laser beam damages the hair follicles when it passes through the skin, preventing future hair growth along with removing the hair. If you’re considering laser hair removal on any part of your body, understanding how to best care for your skin both before and after the procedure will help you get the results you want. This article discusses some ways to care for your skin after laser hair removal.
Understanding Your Skin Type
It’s important to bear in mind that different skin types will react differently to laser hair removal. Lighter skin is often the easiest skin type to work with and will typically require fewer sessions compared to darker skin tones. While laser hair removal can work on any skin type, it’s essential to understand where your skin falls on the Fitzpatrick Skin Scale in order to determine how many sessions you will need and the type of aftercare that is likely to work best for you. You can find out more at millcitylaser.com.
Protect Your Skin
It’s important to take steps to protect the affected area from any further irritants as much as possible. Keep the affected area away from direct sunlight and make sure that it is covered up. It’s best to avoid the sun for eight weeks after your laser treatment and don’t undergo any UV tanning treatments. Factors like dust can also irritate the affected skin further, so avoid going into dusty areas while your skin heals.
Ice Packs and Aloe Vera
After undergoing laser treatment, the treated area might feel mildly uncomfortable, not dissimilar to sunburn. Some swelling and redness is to be expected after treatment, and you can apply ice packs or aloe vera to ease the discomfort and swelling. Wrap some ice in a towel and apply it to the affected area of skin for around 10-15 minutes, around three to four times per day until the discomfort subsides. Avoid leaving the ice pack on the skin for too long since this can cause the flow of blood to the area to become restricted, which can interfere with the healing process. You can also apply aloe vera gel to reduce skin discomfort and provide a cooling sensation.
Take Cool Showers and Keep the Skin Moist
Hot water can lead to further blistering and burning after laser treatment, so it’s a good idea to take cold or lukewarm showers to cool the area down. The skin will become more sensitive than normal after laser surgery, so after a cool shower, you should apply a moisturizer that is specially designed for sensitive skin. The skin will dry out during the healing process; gently applying a mild moisturizer can help to promote healing by keeping the skin hydrated.
Laser hair removal can be one of the most effective ways to remove unwanted body hair from almost any area. Before getting this treatment, understanding how to best care for your skin afterward will help you get the long-term results you want.
