Tips For Dealing With Your First Laser Hair Removal Therapy

Whether you're just tired of keeping up with the shaving routine or you've developed some hair growth on your face that's problematic, you may be considering treatment with a laser hair removal facility. If so, it is important to understand how to protect your skin after treatment and deal with some of the unexpected issues. Here are a few tips that may help you be better prepared for your laser treatment and the healing process afterward.

Avoid Sun Exposure

Laser hair removal makes your skin a little bit more sensitive to the sun's rays. That means you need extra protection before you go out in the sun, at least for several days afterward. Invest in a high SPF sunscreen and make sure you apply it to the affected areas before you go outside. In addition, you'll want to avoid particularly hot showers, hot tubs and tanning beds for several days. The heat from those things may irritate your skin while it's healing from the laser treatment.

Be Prepared For Shedding

You'll experience hair shedding for several weeks after laser therapy. It starts with the appearance of what looks like blackheads. This is part of the hair follicle's shedding response. You can encourage this along by washing with an exfoliating scrub using a sponge or loofah. Just make sure it's not really gritty, because that will irritate freshly treated skin.

You May Experience Itch or Irritation

In the first couple of days after a laser hair treatment, itch and irritation are common. Your skin may feel sensitive or appear red and inflamed as well. You can typically soothe this using hydrocortisone cream or a lotion made from aloe, but you'll want to call your doctor if the discomfort persists for more than a day or two. If you have highly sensitive skin, it may last for several days, but your doctor will be able to evaluate your condition to ensure that there are no other problems.

There May Be New Growth

After laser hair reduction treatment, there may be some new growth. This often occurs because hair follicles are in different stages of growth. Don't tweeze that new growth, though. You might be able to opt for a depilatory cream or shaving, because those methods leave the follicle in place. That follicle needs to be there for your laser treatment to be effective next time. Just don't use a depilatory cream or razor within the few days before your next treatment, because it will make your skin more sensitive.