The very first laser designed to destroy hair follicles was invented in 1960 by Theodore H Maiman. Since then, the technology rose in popularity. Even so, the do’s and dont’s of laser hair removal are not always clear.
Let’s set the record straight: doing something permanent as laser hair removal is a significant change for the body. As such, you have to make sure to get your body to accept that critical change. These do’s and dont’s will help you ensure that your subsequent laser hair removal treatment is a success.
Do’s and Dont’s of Laser Hair Removal
Do: Shave the Area Before the Treatment
Shave the treatment area the day or night before the treatment. This simple trick will prevent unwanted thermal injuries or burns. If hair is present on the surface of the skin, it can absorb the energy of the laser.
If there are no hairs or other obstacles on the skin, the laser’s energy directly hits the hair follicles. Shaving the skin before the treatment makes the process more efficient. As to why you should shave the day or night before, you want to give your skin enough time to heal should you cut yourself during shaving.
Don’t: Go to Tanning Beds or Expose the Skin to the Sun
Laser hair removal technology targets the dark-colored hair follicles in the skin. Dark skin confuses the laser system – it will tend to target the pigmented spots of the skin. Too much exposure to the sun before a laser hair removal treatment increases the risk of burn marks.
If you are tanned, your skin has more pigment in it. If the laser light “sees” the dark pigments surrounding the hair follicles, it will also attack those.
Do: Wear Sunscreen or Wear Protective Clothing Even AFTER Treatment
This reiterates the earlier point. The increased melanocyte activity in your dermal layers causes hyperpigmentation. And exposing the skin to the sun or tanning after a laser hair removal session will make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
The widely advised amount of time to avoid sun exposure after laser hair removal is about two weeks. This will give your skin enough time to recover from the procedure. It will also radically diminish the risks of hyperpigmentation.
Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when you have to expose your treated skin to the sun.
Don’t: Wax, Tweeze, or Pull the Hairs from the Root Before AND After Laser Hair Removal
Pulling the hair from its root destroys the follicle. But sooner or later, it will heal and start growing new hair. Pulling hair out from the root defeats the purpose of laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal requires the presence of follicles. The laser attacks the follicles and burns them, preventing or delaying future hair growth. If there are no follicles in the treatment area when you go in for laser hair removal, the treatment will not work.
On the flip side, pulling out the hair follicles after the treatment still defeats the purpose of the hair removal procedure. The laser burns the follicles, preventing them from growing new hair. By removing those follicles, the body will be forced to regenerate new ones.
Pulling hairs from their roots after a laser hair removal session will only increase the chances of new hair growing faster.
Do: Choose an Impeccable Laser Hair Removal Facility
All the precautions in the world will not do you any good if the laser hair removal session itself is faulty. Look for the best hair removal facility. Read reviews, ask many questions, and make sure that the people giving you the treatment are qualified.
Don’t: Hesitate to Ask Questions During the Treatment
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or voice concerns during the treatment. Your technician is there to assist you. If you do not feel comfortable or don’t understand something, let them know.
Honest and open communication with your technician will help them identify if there is anything wrong. Don’t assume that your discomfort is normal.
Do: Wear Protective Eyewear
Any laser hair removal facility worth its salt should give you a piece of protective eyewear for the treatment. Wear the protective eyewear given to you. It may feel silly or unnecessary, but it will protect you from eye damage.
The laser in a hair removal treatment generates heat to burn hair follicles. It can damage skin, and it can damage the eyes. To prevent any mishap, wear protective eyewear.
Don’t: Rub or Scratch Skin After Treatment
Don’t get rough with the skin after the procedure. The skin becomes sensitive after a laser hair removal session. It will need a week or two to heal.
During the healing phase, about a fifth of the treated hairs will fall out. The skin may also develop a crust. Let the crust fall on its own.
Excessive rubbing or scratching can open the skin. Scars may form. No matter what happens, don’t rub or scratch the skin after treatment.
Do: Keep the Skin Moisturized
This next tip goes hand in hand with not abusing the skin. Treat the skin delicately after the procedure.
If swelling develops, put an ice pack covered in a soft cloth on it. Apply a thin layer of moisturizing cream over the skin. For better relief, aloe vera is also a great moisturizing option.
Before, During, and After Laser Hair Removal Requires Care
Laser hair removal exposes the skin to focused heat. It will take a great deal of care to ensure that the skin is prepared for the procedure. And it will take a great deal of care to ensure the skin recovers afterward.These simple do’s and dont’s of laser hair removal should guide you in maintaining the beauty and health of your skin. And, of course, you should only trust the best cosmetic professionals in the business to take care of your skin. Visit Bella Med Spa to get the best laser hair removal treatment.
