Your Aftercare is just as important as your preparation for your Laser Hair Removal Treatment.

Around 2 or 3 weeks after a Laser Hair Removal treatment 10 to 20% of the treated hairs will fall out. Don’t despair thinking the treatment hasn’t worked – you need to allow time for shedding/the hair to fall out naturally.

Immediately following treatment the area may show erythema (redness and some swelling) around the follicles which looks similar to large goose bumps.

Knowing how to care for your skin after laser hair removal is crucial to reducing side effects, but you should also know what not to do after your procedure.

• Space recurring treatments 4-8 weeks apart(depending on the area lasered). It may take multiple treatments spread out over time to achieve your desired results. It is actually recommended to have 8-12 sessions of Laser Hair Removal to notice a clear difference. Some clients with hormonal imbalances may even require their first 4-5 sessions to be conducted 2 weeks apart to target the faster hair growth. No two clients are the same hence why we complete a thorough Consultation process to determine the best treatment plan.
• Don’t tan. This may increase your risk of hypopigmentation (light spots) as well as burns.
• Don’t use tanning lotions. While seemingly harmless, these products can be irritating to skin that’s just undergone laser therapy. You may experience rashes, burns, and bumps.
• Don’t apply lotions with fragrances or perfumes to the treatment area. These may cause skin redness or discoloration, and irritation.
• Don’t apply deodorant to the underarms if laser hair treatment was targeted in this area. These products may also cause skin irritation.
• Avoid body scrubs for at least a few days, as it can irritate your skin.
• We cannot stress enough that you NEED to wear at least an SPF50 or above on a regular basis. With any treatment area SPF is a must! Since your skin will be sensitive after laser hair removal, your therapist will recommend that you avoid getting direct sun exposure. You should avoid the sun for 1 month before the procedure to 1 month afterward. After this time, apply sunscreen to the area of treatment every day.
• Avoid sports and strenuous exercise for up to 48 hours following the treatment for laser hair removal. Walking is encouraged though.
• Apply ice when swelling occurs. Wrap the ice in a clean soft cloth. Try and avoid wearing makeup on the areas treated. If you need to apply makeup on the area you must apply and remove it delicately. Excess rubbing can open the treated area and increase the chance of scarring. 
• Avoid very hot baths, showers, steam baths or saunas, and don’t swim in strong chlorinated water for 48-72 hours. Don’t use bleaching creams or perfume products for 24-48 hours. Avoid exfoliating or peels for one week. Try to avoid wearing tight clothing for two or three days. And if there are signs of infection like pus, tenderness or fever, contact the clinic. Post treatment skincare instructions must be followed to prevent any complications.
• During the healing phase, the area must be treated delicately. Do not rub or scratch.  If a crust develops let it fall off on its own. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera ointment to the treated area several times a day to keep it moist. Pat the area dry. Do not shave the area if is swollen or crusting.

Whilst Laser Hair Removal is considered non-invasive and causes minimal discomfort, you should be on the lookout for any potential side effects. You should call your doctor if you notice:

• increased swelling
• burns or blisters
• symptoms of pigmentation changes or scarring
• symptoms of infection, including pus and red or discolored streaks.

As with any procedure, it’s important to follow your therapist’s aftercare instructions to help achieve the best results possible.

Taking care of your skin after laser hair removal may reduce the risk of side effects, but not all risks are avoidable. Be sure to discuss the benefits and risks for your hair and skin types with your therapist, and to report any new or worsening reactions right away.