Laser hair removal is one of our favorite (and most effective) ways to reduce unwanted hair at Supriya Aesthetic Dermatology, offering long-term results and smooth skin. However, the effectiveness of the treatment can depend on proper laser hair removal aftercare if you want to avoid irritating your skin and hair follicles post-treatment. All it takes are a few simple steps if you want to ensure you maximize your results with as few side effects as possible, while making sure to avoid certain habits and products.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal uses focused light to target and destroy hair follicles, preventing future hair growth. It’s considered one of the most effective long-term hair removal solutions, with up to 96% reduction in hair regrowth after a series of treatments. We recommend a minimum of six sessions for optimal results, spaced out over a few weeks to allow your skin time to heal. It also allows us to target unwanted hair at different stages of growth, giving you the best results possible. And while your initial series will give you a noticeable result, we recommend maintenance treatments about once a year to ensure your results last. 

So how do you take care of your skin post-treatment? Here are a few simple steps, most of which you should already be doing anyway for the health of your skin. 

1. Soothe and Hydrate Your Skin After Treatment

Immediately following your laser hair removal session, you may notice some redness, swelling, or mild discomfort in the treated area. These are normal side effects, as the laser can cause some mild irritation as it targets the hair follicles. To soothe your skin, here’s what we recommend:

• Cool compresses: Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the treated area to reduce swelling and redness.
• Moisturizing: Use a fragrance-free, soothing moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Our Aloe Cort Cream 1% is a great option to soothe inflamed skin. 
• Avoid hot water: We always recommend avoiding excessively hot water, and you should follow this rule strictly for at least 24 hours post-treatment. Hot water and baths can make inflammation worse and prolong your recovery from laser hair removal.

Pro tip: if your skin is itching post-treatment, it may be tempting to scratch. Avoid giving in to scratching because this can cause damage to your skin, increase your risk of infection and scarring, and prolong healing. Remember, the most important part of healing from laser hair removal is soothing and protecting your skin, so stick to the products we recommend to achieve this. 

2. Protect Your Skin from the Sun

After undergoing laser hair removal, your skin will be much more sensitive to UV light. One of the most important aspects of laser hair removal aftercare (or any laser procedure) is protecting your skin from UV exposure and damage. This will help you avoid hyperpigmentation in the treated area, and could even prevent scarring. 

• Avoid sun exposure: Try to keep the treated area out of direct sunlight for at least two weeks post-treatment. If you must be outside, wear protective clothing or use an umbrella for shade.
• Apply sunscreen: Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply it generously throughout the day, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. Our rule of thumb is every two hours, or every 60-80 minutes if you are swimming or exercising. Sunscreen will help protect against hyperpigmentation and UV damage. 

3. Long-Term Care and Maintenance for Best Results

Laser hair removal is not a one-time treatment. To achieve optimal results, it’s important to follow up with a series of treatments. Laser hair removal aftercare means you should be focused on taking care of your skin in the long term, as well as the immediate treatment aftercare. Between sessions and maintenance treatments, you should avoid waxing, tweezing, or electrolysis. Treatments like this can reduce and disrupt the effectiveness of laser hair removal, so we suggest you stick to shaving for any stray hairs that may return. 

Products to Avoid After Laser Hair Removal

We highly encourage you to let us know what products you typically use, as it helps us better guide you on how long you should avoid it following your treatment. Some patients have different reactions than others to laser hair removal, so it can help us instruct you on when to return to your usual skincare routine. Certain products and everyday routines that might normally be beneficial to your skin should be avoided to allow for proper healing, including:

• Harsh exfoliants: Avoid products that contain retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs for at least a week after treatment. These can irritate the skin, especially when it’s extra sensitive post-laser hair removal. 
• Fragrance-filled products: Steer clear of any products or moisturizers with strong fragrances, as they may cause irritation or allergic reactions. The last thing you’ll want to deal with on top of healing is additional itchiness or pain.
• Chemical peels and waxing: Similar to avoiding AHA’s and BHAs, chemical peels and waxing treatments can be too aggressive for your skin post-laser hair removal, and using them too soon can cause complications so it’s best to simply avoid them altogether.

By following these steps and staying mindful of your skin’s needs, you can ensure the best results from your laser hair removal treatment and enjoy smooth, hair-free skin for the long term. Aftercare is crucial to getting the most out of any treatment, as well as communicating with one of our providers about your usual skincare products and habits so we can create the perfect aftercare plan for you. By soothing your skin, protecting it from the sun, and sticking to your long-term care and maintenance, you can ensure your results last and you preserve the health of your skin.