Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Relieving the first discomfort
• Part 2 of 3: Protect your skin immediately after hair removal
• Part 3 of 3: Choosing the right aftercare products
• Tips
• Warnings

The laser treatment is a popular hair removal method for people who are tired of waxing, plucking and shaving as methods of removing unwanted body hair. In recent years it has become one of the most widely used cosmetic treatments. By following a few simple aftercare steps, including protecting the skin and choosing the right products, you can ensure that the treated area heals quickly and completely.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Relieving the first discomfort

1. Apply ice packs or cold compresses to your skin to numb the treated area. After a laser treatment you may experience some mild discomfort such as slightly burnt skin. The skin may also be slightly swollen and red. Ice bags and cold compresses make it easy to soothe the pain. You can use ice packs and cold compresses immediately after the laser treatment, so put them in the freezer before your appointment.
   • Wrap a towel around the ice pack or cold compress before using it. Your skin can become even more irritated if you put the ice pack on it like that.
   • Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the treated area at least 3 times a day for 10 minutes until you no longer have any discomfort. Wait at least an hour before putting the ice pack or cold compress back on. Leaving the ice pack on your skin for too long will slow blood flow to the area and take longer for the skin to heal.
2. Use aloe vera to relieve redness and swelling. According to many people, aloe vera helps to soothe discomfort and reduce redness and swelling. Aloe vera can be found on the shelves of skin care products and sunscreen in the supermarket. For best results, keep the aloe vera in the fridge. If possible, use fresh aloe vera gel as the gel will work better.
   • Apply the aloe vera gel to the area you had depilated. Let the aloe vera soak into your skin for a few minutes. When the gel starts to dry, you can wipe off the excess with a soft, damp washcloth. However, it is safe to leave a small amount of aloe vera on your skin. Repeat the process 2-3 times a day until you are no longer experiencing pain, redness, and swelling.
3. Use over-the-counter pain relievers if ice packs and aloe vera don't help. For most people, using ice packs and aloe vera will help relieve the pain, but if the pain persists you can take over-the-counter pain relievers.
   • Use the over-the-counter pain relievers according to the directions on the package. You should only need to take them for about a day after the laser treatment. Call your doctor if pain persists after 24 hours. It is not recommended to take aspirin after laser treatment because aspirin thins the blood and can take longer for the skin to heal.

Part 2 of 3: Protect your skin immediately after hair removal

1. Protect the depilated area from the sun. The sunlight will irritate the treated area and may aggravate the discomfort and redness. The easiest way to prevent this is to avoid exposing the treated area to direct sunlight. When you go outside, make sure to cover the area with clothing. If you have had your face treated, wear a hat to protect your skin from the sun.
   • Avoid artificial sources of UV light such as tanning beds until the skin is completely healed and you no longer experience discomfort, swelling and redness.
   • Do not expose your skin to the sun for at least two weeks after the laser treatment. However, some doctors recommend staying out of the sun for 6 weeks.
   • Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30. Make sure to re-apply regularly, especially if your skin gets wet or you sweat a lot.
2. Do not expose your skin to heat until it is completely healed. With a laser treatment, the hair follicles are destroyed with heat. Exposing the treated area to more heat can increase skin irritation. Do not go to the sauna for at least 48 hours after the treatment, do not use a steam room or wash your skin with no hot water.
   • You can wash the treated area, but do so with cold or warm water to help the skin heal as quickly as possible.
3. Do not exert yourself intensively for at least 48 hours after the treatment. If you exercise and your body temperature rises as a result, the depilated area can also become irritated. Wait at least 48 hours before exercising intensively.
   • Light exercise when walking is fine. Just make sure your body doesn't overheat.

Part 3 of 3: Choosing the right aftercare products

1. Wash the treated area with a mild soap. It's important to keep your skin clean. Use a mild soap or cleanser for sensitive skin to wash the affected area. You can take a shower or a bath as usual, as long as you use cool or lukewarm water.
   • You can wash the treated area 1-2 times a day after the treatment. Washing your skin more often can increase redness and discomfort. After 2-3 days, you can go back to your normal skincare routine once the redness has disappeared.
2. Choose a moisturizer for sensitive skin. Your skin is more sensitive than normal after a laser treatment. Your skin will likely feel drier, too, especially while it heals. Applying a moisturizer for dry skin to the depilated area will make your skin less dry without becoming more irritated.
   • After the first treatment, you can apply the moisturizer 2-3 times a day as needed. Make sure to apply it gently. Do not irritate the treated area by rubbing too vigorously.
   • Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer. This keeps your pores free and promotes the healing process.
3. Do not use make-up and harsh skin care products. If you've had your face removed, don't use makeup. Your skin can become even more irritated. It is best to apply as few products as possible to your face after the treatment.
   • After 24 hours you can use make-up if the redness has subsided.
   • Also, do not use topical facial medications such as acne creams. After 24 hours you can use these products again when the redness has subsided.

Tips

• If you plan to have your armpits removed, make an early morning appointment. That way, you don't have to use deodorant before your appointment. After the treatment you wait at least an hour before applying the deodorant.
• Do not undergo laser treatment if you are on antibiotics. After finishing the course of antibiotics, wait at least 2 weeks with laser treatments to get rid of unwanted body hair.
• You will have to undergo multiple laser treatments to remove all of the hair. Make a new appointment about every 6 weeks.

Warnings

• Laser treatments rarely have serious complications, but call your doctor right away if your skin starts to blister and your skin hurts more. Also contact your doctor if the treated area is still red, swollen and tender after 3 days.