POST LASER TREATMENT:
What To do After your Laser Treatment
24 hours after:
Avoid Heat and Sweat: This includes direct sunlight, strenuous exercise, steam rooms, saunas, and hot showers.
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Hygiene: Maintain the treated area in a clean condition. Refrain from applying makeup or any products that may cause irritation.
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Clothing: Avoid wearing tight or restrictive garments over the treated area, such as compression leggings, bodysuits, leotards, or similar clothing that may cause friction or occlusion.
1 - 4 days after:
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Sun Exposure: Avoid direct sunlight and the use of tanning beds. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily. When outdoors, utilize physical protection such as wide-brimmed hats, large sunglasses, and breathable, protective clothing.
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Topical Products: Refrain from applying products that may cause irritation to the treated area. This includes harsh soaps, exfoliating scrubs, medicated washes, retinoids, fragranced lotions, essential oils, and chemical peels.
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Bathing and Water Exposure: Avoid hot showers, baths, saunas, and swimming pools of any temperature. When cleansing the area, use cool or lukewarm water with a mild, non-irritating cleanser. Gently pat the skin dry with a clean, soft towel—do not rub.
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Mechanical Irritation: Do not scratch, scrub, or shave the treated area until fully healed.
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Moisturization: To minimize irritation or pruritus, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream mixed with Vaseline® or Aquaphor® up to three times daily, or as directed by your provider.
1 week after but 1 week prior to the next treatment:
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Exfoliation: Once redness and sensitivity subside (usually after 3 days), begin gentle exfoliation 2–3 times per week using a soft washcloth, exfoliating mitt, or mild scrub with fine particles, and optionally a light AHA/BHA product such as lactic acid or salicylic acid if your skin is not irritated, to encourage shedding of treated hairs and prevent ingrown hairs.
Moisturization: To minimize irritation or pruritus, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream mixed with Vaseline® or Aquaphor® up to three times daily, or as directed by your provider.
Between Your Appointments(laser hair removal):
- No other hair removal besides shaving. Avoid waxing, plucking, using depilatory (hair removal cream) or other hair removal practices.
- No Bleaching. Discontinue bleaching your hair in the treatment area.
What to Except after Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal is a progressive process that requires a series of sessions, carefully timed to target hair during its active growth phases. Each individual’s response may vary based on skin type, hair density, and other factors.
Successful results rely on consistent treatments and active cooperation between you and your provider. Mutual trust, clear communication, and adherence to recommended care are key to achieving optimal, long-lasting outcomes.
Right After Treatment
72 Hours After
Between 1-4 weeks
Between 3-8 weeks
Results after your each treatment
Hair reduction: You’ll notice a 10–25% reduction in hair growth within a few weeks.
Shedding: Treated hairs may begin to shed or fall out 5–14 days after the session — this is normal and a sign the laser worked.
Smooth skin: Once the shedding phase is over, the skin often feels smoother and softer
How To Take Care The Common Side Effects
Laser/Shaving Bumps - Folliculitis (Red and Swelling Around the Hair Follicles)
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Cold Pack and/or Cold Bath: Apply cold packs to the treated area, ensuring they are wrapped in a barrier such as a towel. Alternate the packs on and off every three to five minutes for a total of one to two hours. If the legs were treated, avoid prolonged standing and keep them elevated as much as possible throughout the day.
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Avoid Heat and Sweat: This includes direct sunlight, strenuous exercise, steam rooms, saunas, and hot showers.
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Hygiene: Maintain the treated area in a clean condition. Refrain from applying makeup or any products that may cause irritation.
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Clothing: Avoid wearing tight or restrictive garments over the treated area, such as compression leggings, bodysuits, leotards, or similar clothing that may cause friction or occlusion.
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Avoid Picking: Keep the treated area protected to prevent damage and reduce the risk of hypo- or hyperpigmentation.
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Over-the-Counter Topicals to Consider: Hydrocortisone 1% mixed with either Aloe Vera gel, Vaseline®, or Aquaphor®, up to three times a day.
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Over-the-Counter Antihistamines: Benadryl®, Allergra®, Claritin®, or other generic antihistamines.
Redness(Erythema) and possible Swelling
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Soothing Gel: Use aloe vera gel or a fragrance-free, calming moisturizer to hydrate and soothe the skin; avoid products with perfume or alcohol.
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Sun Protection: Avoid direct sunlight and apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily to prevent dark spots or irritation.
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Avoid Heat and Sweat: This includes direct sunlight, strenuous exercise, steam rooms, saunas, and hot showers.
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Hygiene: Maintain the treated area in a clean condition. Refrain from applying makeup or any products that may cause irritation.
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Clothing: Avoid wearing tight or restrictive garments over the treated area, such as compression leggings, bodysuits, leotards, or similar clothing that may cause friction or occlusion.
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Gentle Care: Do not use scrubs, retinoids, acids, or exfoliating products until the skin is fully healed, usually after 3–5 days.
Over-the-Counter Topicals to Consider: Hydrocortisone 1% mixed with either Aloe Vera gel, Vaseline®, or Aquaphor®, up to three times a day.
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Monitor: Mild redness and swelling typically resolve within 1–2 days; contact your provider if symptoms persist or worsen.
