How to Prepare for Your First Laser Hair Removal Treatment
So you have decided to take the leap and begin laser hair treatment. Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to permanently reduce unwanted body hair with continued treatment. But how should you prepare your skin prior to treatment? Preparing your skin correctly before laser hair removal can increase the effectiveness of the treatment. It can also prevent irritation during and after the procedure.
One of the things you will need to do before your laser hair treatment is to avoid sun exposure for 10 days leading up to your session. Use a sunscreen that contains a high SPF wherever possible and stay clear of tanning beds. This also means no self tanning lotions, creams or any other products that may add pigment to the skin prior to treatment. The technology used in laser hair removal targets the melanin or pigment in the hair follicles and so when skin is tanned, it becomes harder to distinguish the pigment in the skin to that in the follicle. Tanned skin will also absorb more of the laser light, meaning the technicians may use a lower setting which can sometimes be less effective.
Avoid applying lotions or creams that contain any light reflecting particles for this time too. In the same way that products can reflect the light, they will also reflect the laser, making the treatment less effective.
If you are currently taking any medications or antibiotics, be sure to let the medical staff who are performing your treatment know about it. Some medicine can affect how sensitive your skin is and may cause a reaction when exposed to the laser, so informing the laser technicians is paramount. This should be explained during your first consultation as the professionals will then advise if it safe to continue with laser treatment. Medication or topical creams that contain vitamin A derivatives or retinoids can cause increased sensitivity to the skin and so should not be used for three to four days before treatment. Also it is worth mentioning, it is natural to corelate and take into account about the facts of laser hair removal and pregnancy. If in doubt, always consult a medical professional. If in doubt, always consult a medical professional.
In the weeks leading up to laser hair removal, you want to ensure you resist the temptation to wax or pluck any hair in the intended area. Removing hair from the root in any way should be avoided for approximately three to four weeks prior to treatment. This will ensure there is hair in the follicle for the laser to target and treat.
In addition, around 24 hours before treatment (the night before or the morning of), you will need to shave the area. Make sure you use a fresh razor and plenty of shaving cream that is suitable for sensitive skin as this will decrease any unnecessary irritation. You can also trim the hairs in the area which is going to be treated if you prefer not to shave. Shaving or trimming the hair before treatment will allow the laser to have better contact with the skin, it will also ensure the laser is targeting the follicle underneath the skin instead of the hair sticking out above it. Treating a freshly shaved area is also said to be less painful.
On the day of your treatment, ensure that the intended area is clean and free of any skincare products. This means no deodorant, moisturiser, SPF or any other cosmetics. When cleansing the skin before your session, use a body wash that is low in harsh chemicals and PH balanced if possible.
Remember that laser hair removal is a more permanent solution to body hair and it not an instant fix. Most people will see a noticeable difference in the amount of hair growth after 4-6 sessions.
