Scheduling your firstlaser hair removaltreatment? 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 consultationwith us today to discuss laser hair removal or another skin rejuvenation treatment. Call (818) 842-8000 to learn more.
FAQs
PRE-TREATMENT CARE
The treatment area must be clean-shaven 12-24 hours before your treatment. Unshaved clients will be rescheduled. Razors are not provided in the clinics. Skin must be clean and free of makeup, lotions, moisturizers, oils, deodorant, sunless tanning products, numbing cream, etc.
How to prep skin for laser hair removal? ›
What to Do Before Laser Hair Removal
- Avoid Sunbathing or Tanning. ...
- Exfoliate the Treatment Area. ...
- Be Careful with Skin Products. ...
- Shave the Area. ...
- Avoid Plucking, Waxing, and Electrolysis. ...
- Pick a Suitable Wardrobe. ...
- Arrive with Clean Skin. ...
- Use Caution with Certain Medications.
How do you prepare for a full face laser?
- Step 1 – Book a consultation & patch test. ...
- Step 2 – Avoid sun exposure before your face laser treatment. ...
- Step 3 – Shave the treatment area ideally the night before. ...
- Step 4 – Avoid certain skin treatments. ...
- Step 5 – Follow pre-treatment instructions.
PRE-TREATMENT CARE
The treatment area must be clean-shaven 12-24 hours before your treatment. Unshaved clients will be rescheduled. Razors are not provided in the clinics. Skin must be clean and free of makeup, lotions, moisturizers, oils, deodorant, sunless tanning products, numbing cream, etc.
What should I put on my skin before laser? ›
Shave the treatment area right before your appointment. This will help the laser device to penetrate the skin more easily. Avoid applying oils, fake tans or lotions to the treatment area before your appointment. Bare-skinned is the best way to go.
Do and don'ts before laser hair removal? ›
The area of treatment should be shaved at least 12 hours prior to treatment. Wear loose-fitting clothes on the day. Avoid alcohol or smoking the night before and on the day of the treatment. Drink at least 1 litre of water the day before and the day of treatment - this helps your body to regulate its temperature.
How to prep for a Brazilian laser? ›
Feel free to gently exfoliate the area being treated 24-48 hours before your appointment, and shave and shower at least 24 hours prior to your laser hair removal, including for a Brazilian laser hair removal. We will provide wipes to wipe away any lotions and deodorant.
Can I shave 3 hours before laser hair removal? ›
“When Should I Stop Shaving?” When you're getting ready for your laser hair removal procedure, make sure you shave the night before or the morning of your treatment. The reason for this precaution is simple – you want to remove as much hair as possible so that it doesn't absorb most of the laser's energy.
How do you wash your face before laser hair removal? ›
Shower before your procedure.
The laser works best when there are no oils in the skin. So wash your face and body thoroughly with a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Gel. If you have sensitive skin, try using a moisturizer afterward.
What is the fastest way to heal skin after laser treatment on face? ›
How to Care for Your Skin After Laser Treatments
- Right After Treatment: Mitigate Swelling and Redness. ...
- Applying Moisturizer And Washing The Face. ...
- Using Sunscreen To Keep The Skin Protected. ...
- Maintenance For The Long-Term: Practicing Good Skincare Habits.
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare Don'ts
- Avoid Sun Exposure, Saunas, and Hot Baths for Several Days. ...
- Avoid Tanning Lotions for Several Days. ...
- Avoid Lotions with Perfumes and Fragrances for 48 Hours. ...
- Don't Apply Pressure to the Treated Area for Several Days. ...
- Avoid Body Scrubs for 48 Hours. ...
- Don't Go Swimming for 48 Hours.
You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment.
Can I shave 2 days after laser hair removal? ›
Everyone's body is different so the best thing to do is touch the skin to determine the sensitivity before shaving. If you shave too quickly you may irritate the skin even more, so waiting at least three or four days after your treatment is usually ideal.
Should I put anything on my skin before laser hair removal? ›
Do not use any cream, oil, sunscreen, deodorant, or makeup. If you really aren't able to avoid these products, ask for a wipe once you arrive so that you can clean off your skin before treatment. You will also have to stop using self-tanning treatments for two weeks before your appointment.
Do you shave area before laser hair removal? ›
Shave Before Treatment
You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.
Is it OK to wash body before laser hair? ›
Shower before your procedure.
The laser works best when there are no oils in the skin. So wash your face and body thoroughly with a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Gel. If you have sensitive skin, try using a moisturizer afterward.
Scheduling your firstlaser hair removaltreatment? 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.