It’s finally happened. You’ve had your last laser hair removal treatment, and you’re officially hair-free (except for that little bit of stubble). Or maybe you’ve just had your first treatment and are well on the way to silky smooth skin. But just because the treatment is done, it doesn’t mean there’s not still work to do. In fact, laser hair removal aftercare is just as important as every other stage of the process.

Laser hair removal is one of the most popular hair removal methods available. It’s usually performed by medical professionals, clinicians and dermatologists to help eliminate unwanted hair and stunt future hair growth.

Laser treatment uses beams of light to target hair follicles and destroy them. But while there have been significant strides in laser hair removal technology, it remains a complex treatment requiring special attention to post-treatment care.

If you’ve just had laser hair treatment or you’re considering undergoing laser treatment, we’re here to help. We’ve put together this guide to laser hair removal aftercare so that you can care for your skin correctly and minimise any side effects to the treatment area. It covers everything from shaving after laser hair removal to sun exposure, so you can be confident you’ll be hair free in the safest way.

Jump to where you need to be:

• The Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
• The Potential Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
• What to Do after Laser Treatment
• What NOT to do after laser treatments
• Seeking Medical Attention after Laser Hair Removal
• Book Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment

The Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

If you’re tired of dealing with unwanted hair, you may be considering laser hair removal. This popular treatment uses a concentrated light beam to target and destroy the hair follicle. Unlike shaving or waxing, which only remove the hair shaft, laser hair removal targets the root, resulting in long-lasting results.

Semi-permanent hair removal is undoubtedly the most significant benefit of laser hair removal, but it’s also less painful than other hair removal methods like waxing, and there’s a lower risk of ingrown hairs. Laser hair treatment can be used for removing hair from your:

• Legs
• Armpits
• Back
• Bikini Line
• Chest
• Face.

Most people need between six sessions to achieve their desired results as each session will remove around 20% of the hair. So if you’re looking for a solution to your unwanted hair, laser hair removal may be right for you.

Discover more benefits of laser hair removal.

The Potential Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a popular method for achieving long-term hair reduction. However, as with any medical treatment, there are potential side effects that you should be aware of before undergoing treatment.

The most common side effect is temporary redness and swelling of the treated area. Redness or discolouration and swelling are common — but temporary — side effects of laser hair removal, and you may also experience slight discomfort. At Body Lipo Lincoln, we always advise our clients that these side effects usually resolve within one to three days.

Other less common but possible side effects include:

• Burns
• Severe pain
• Blisters
• Skin pigmentation changes
• Scars
• Infections.

While these side effects are rare, they can occur in some cases. Talking to your clinician about the potential risks and side effects of laser hair removal before treatment is essential.

What to Do after Laser Treatment

One of the best ways to avoid most of the side effects is to know what you need to do after laser treatment. When you undergo laser hair removal, your clinician will advise you on the best things to do to take care of your skin. But generally, the following are the best ways to help your skin heal and prevent any side effects:

Keep the Treated Skin Cool with Cold Compresses

After your laser hair removal treatment, keeping the treated skin cool with cold compresses is essential. This helps to soothe the skin and prevent swelling. You can apply cold compresses for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day. You can also use an ice pack, but make sure to wrap it in a clean towel so that it doesn’t come into direct contact with your skin.

Use Prescription Creams to Avoid Skin Irritation

One of the best ways to avoid side effects is to use prescription steroid creams. These creams can help to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Some of the most popular options include hydrocortisone cream and clobetasol propionate cream. Be sure to talk to your doctor or clinician before using any of these products, as they can cause side effects in some people. However, used as directed, they can be an effective way to avoid skin irritation after laser hair removal.

Avoid Sun Exposure as Much as Possible

While laser hair removal is generally safe and effective, taking care of your skin after treatment is vital. One of the most important things to do is to limit your exposure to sunlight and wear sunscreen when you are outdoors. Direct sun exposure can cause the skin to become irritated and inflamed, leading to damaged skin and poor results from laser hair removal. So if you’re planning on spending time in the sun, be sure to cover up and protect your skin.

Shave Carefully If Absolutely Necessary

You should avoid shaving for at least two weeks after laser treatment, as this can irritate the skin and cause razor burn. You should especially avoid shaving on skin that is:

• Red
• Discoloured
• Swollen
• Painful.

If you need to shave, use a clean razor and lather with moisturising shaving cream. Go slowly and be careful not to press too hard. Gentle, unscented aftershave lotion can also help to soothe the skin.

Generally, it’s best to avoid any kind of hair removal for the first few days after laser treatment. This includes waxing, tweezing, and epilation. Once the initial redness and swelling have gone down, you can use these methods if you like. Just be gentle and take care not to overdo it.

What NOT to Do after Laser Treatment

Don’t Book More Laser Treatments in the Next 4-6 Weeks

It’s always so satisfying to walk out of the laser hair removal salon with smooth, silky skin. But as tempting as it is to book your next session immediately, you should wait at least four to six weeks before having another session. It takes multiple treatments over time to achieve the best results from laser hair removal, so don’t rush it.

Don’t Use Tanning Lotions or Fragranced Lotions

Both tanning and fragranced lotions can cause skin irritation and increase the risk of burns by making the skin more sensitive to light. Instead, opt for a light, unscented lotion to help soothe your skin and prevent dryness. And, of course, be sure to follow your clinician’s instructions on how to care for your skin after laser hair removal.

Don’t Tan or Sunbathe

You should not tan or sunbathe for at least two weeks following your treatment. This includes normal sunbathing outside and tanning beds because laser hair removal can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and you don’t want to risk sunburn.

Don’t Use Deodorant on Treated Underarms

Deodorant can contain harsh ingredients that irritate the skin if it gets into recently lasered hair follicles. If you must use deodorant, it’s best to apply it to your clothing instead of directly to your skin. You should also avoid touching or scratching your underarms, which can lead to skin irritation.

Don’t Use Body Scrubs

If you’ve just had laser hair removal, it’s important to avoid using body scrubs for at least a week because they can irritate the skin and cause the hair follicles to become more sensitive. This can lead to increased pain and inflammation and may even cause the laser treatment to be less effective.

Instead, stick to gentle cleansing methods like cleaning with a soft cloth. If you want to use a body scrub, wait at least two weeks after your laser treatment and choose one designed for sensitive skin.

Seeking Medical Attention after Laser Hair Removal

One of the great things about laser hair removal is that it’s usually a very straightforward and low-risk procedure. However, as with any medical treatment, there is always the potential for complications.

That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical attention if you experience:

• An increase in swelling
• Any burns or blistering
• Pigmentation symptoms or scarring
• Redness, pus or discoloured streaks
• Ongoing pain that doesn’t respond to prescribed cream.

These symptoms could indicate an infection or other serious problem. While most people recover quickly and without incident, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So if you have any concerns after a laser hair removal treatment, contact your doctor immediately.

Book Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment with Body Lipo Lincoln

At Body Lipo Lincoln, we offer laser hair removal treatments that are affordable, quick, and effective. Our experienced staff will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.

Alongside being experts in our field, we also use state-of-the-art technology that minimises the side effects on the treatment area. Unlike conventional Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, the 3D-Trilogy Ice device delivers energy in one continuous, focused beam leaving the rest of your skin unharmed.

Although we use advanced technology, there is still a risk of side effects, and you’ll need to follow your clinician’s advice on laser hair removal aftercare. Most of our patients see significant results after just a few sessions, and side effects usually only last one to three days.

If you are interested in throwing away your razor, tweezers and wax strips and want to achieve smooth, hair-free skin — book a consultation with Body Lipo Lincoln today.