Post Care for Laser Hair Removal and IPL Photo Rejuvenation

Laser hair removal is one of the most performed cosmetic procedures in the country and is considered non-invasive. However, this does not come without risks.. however rare they are. To prevent complications it is important that post care instructions are followed to not only reduce risks but to ensure you get the maximum benefit from the treatment you received.

Since your skin will be sensitive after laser hair removal or IPL photo rejuvenation, we recommend that you avoid getting direct sun exposure following your for the first 24 hours after your treatment. You should avoid unprotected sun exposure (always) but at least for 1 week afterward. Once you resume outdoor activities apply a broad spectrum SPF 25 or higher to protect your skin and prepare you for your next treatment.

After treatment the skin treated may be red feeling like a light sunburn, and that the healing process typically lasts just a few hours but in some cases it can take anywhere from 1-3 days. To make you more comfortable, a wet compress can help. Wet a clean, soft washcloth with cool water and place it on the treated area for several minutes at a time. You can also use an ice pack wrapped in a paper towel. This method helps to reduce temporary swelling and pain after your laser hair removal treatment. You may also take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief.

While you can shave after laser hair removal, be sure to wait a week and only after skin redness or discoloration has subsided. Avoid shaving on any skin that’s swollen, red or discolored, painful. Shaving the area may cause ingrown hairs as the treated (dead) hair will need to be exfoliated and shaving the treated hair can make this difficult.

We recommend using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer if the treated skin is irritated but avoid apply these for 3 hours after treatment. Showering is okay but we also ask that you give your skin 3 hours to rest prior and that you avoid excessive heat as that may irritate your skin.

In cases of laser hair removal, after it is safe to shower and the skin is no longer irritated, but no sooner than 3 days, you will want to wash the area with a washcloth or loofa brush to help the dead hair work its way out of the skin. This helps remove dead skin cells so dead hair is able to shed of the follicle easier. It may take anywhere from 1-3 weeks for dead hairs to shed out follicles.

Avoid hot tubs, sauna and pools treated with chlorine for a period of 24 hours. Excessive exercise or anything that will cause perspiration should also be avoided as much as possible.

Don’t tan following your treatment for at least 1 week (longer is better). This may increase your risk of hypopigmentation (light spots), as well as burns.

Give your skin a break and let it breath. Don’t apply make up, lotions with fragrances or perfumes to the treatment area for 24 hours. 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 for 24 hours. These products may also cause skin irritation.

As much as you may be tempted to do so… do not tweeze, pick at or pluck the treated area for at least 24 hours and avoid body scrubs for at least a few days, as it can irritate your skin.

Space recurring treatments no sooner than 4 to 6 weeks apart. It may take multiple treatments spread out over time to achieve your desired results. Timing is important in order to get maximum results. We will help you time your visits in a way that allows the more stubborn damaged but not dead hair to regrow just enough, but not so much it gets well rooted, to be treated again.