Scheduling your first laser hair removal treatment? While the process itself is relatively quick and easy, properly caring for your skin beforehand is crucial for achieving the best results. Follow these tips to ensure you show up ready for smooth, stubble-free skin.
1. Exfoliate Before Your Appointment
Gently sloughing off dead skin cells primes your body for laser hair removal success. The beams target the pigment in your hair follicles, so removing any barriers on the skin’s surface helps the laser penetrate properly. Use a loofah mitt or body scrub 2 to 3 times a week leading up to your session to reveal fresh, glowy skin. Just don’t overdo it––stick to gentle exfoliants to avoid irritation.
2. Stop Removing Hair 2 to 4 Weeks Before
Laser hair removal devices disable the hair follicle to prevent future growth. So, if you shave, wax, or tweeze in the short weeks before your appointment, there won’t be enough visible hair for the laser to zap. Let your stubble grow out slightly so there’s an optimal amount of coarse hair for the device to target. Resist the urge to trim or nip hair between sessions, either.
3. Avoid Sun Exposure
A base tan and fresh sunburn are two pre-laser no-nos. Like exfoliating, lasers work best on skin sans excess pigment. Bronzed skin can potentially inhibit the beams from reaching all the undesirable dark hair you want gone. Additionally, sensitive, freshly UV-exposed skin risks adverse reactions. Wear sunscreen religiously for a few weeks beforehand. For beach, pool, or any outdoor days, cover areas to be treated or consider postponing your visit.
4. Stop Retinoids Beforehand
Prescription retinoids and over-the-counter retinol creams spur fast skin cell turnover. The resulting fresh layer is more prone to laser sensitivity––which you may want to avoid. Talk to your dermatologist for the best skincare recommendations, but consider pausing any strong products at least two weeks prior to your appointment.
5. Arrive Makeup or Lotion-Free
For laser body and face treatments, arrive fresh: no lotion, deodorant, perfume, or cosmetics anywhere being treated. Skincare chemicals can potentially react with laser light. Additionally, makeup pigments, like self-tanners, can also interfere with the beams targeting the right spots. Show up clean to allow the laser to work effectively.
Top-Rated Laser Hair Removal in Southern California
At Skin & Beauty Center’s seven locations in Southern California, our professionals use advanced technology to safely banish body hair in just a few monthly sessions. Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss laser hair removal or another skin rejuvenation treatment. Call (818) 842-8000 to learn more.