Laser hair removal is a medical process where a concentrated beam of light is converted to heat, which destroys hair follicles. Katy laser hair removal can prevent hair growth permanently or at least delay future regrowth. If you want a reliable method of removing unwanted hair, here is what you need to know about laser hair removal.
What happens before laser hair removal?
If you get the green light from a board-certified dermatologist, they will ask you to prepare by doing the following:
Avoid direct sun exposure
Staying in the sun will give you a tan, and you will have to wait until it fades. If you cannot avoid the sun entirely, protect exposed areas by applying broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen.
Shave 24 hours prior
Use a manual razor to shave the target area just a day before treatment to remove surface-level hair, leaving the hair shaft undisturbed. Surface hair can burn during treatment and hurt the skin. There is no use of tweezers, waxing, or electrolysis, as these hair removal alternatives can disturb hair follicles.
Change your beauty routine
Before treatment, you will need to stop applying makeup, deodorant, lotion, or fake tanning products in the target area. If you have used such products before going in, request the doctor for cleansing wipes.
Lightening skin
If the target area has a darker skin tone than the rest of your body, the dermatologist may recommend using a bleaching agent first. The same applies if your tan is yet to fade completely.
What happens after laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal takes roughly twenty minutes then you can be on your way home. After completing the procedure, your dermatologist will advise you to do the following:
Avoid heat exposure
Directing laser beams to the skin leaves your skin feeling warm, and this heat stays on for about twenty-four hours. Stay away from the sun and avoid any activity that could generate heat in your body, like going to the gym, sauna, or hot showers. Doing so would only increase the temperature in the treated area, and bacteria would thrive in this warm environment.
Hold off on beauty products
You cannot use body scrubs, retinol creams, or some harsh beauty products for at least two days after treatment. Similarly, avoid chemical peels, artificial tans, or other beauty treatments for at least two weeks. These changes are only temporary until the treated area heals, then you can resume your everyday skincare routines.
Top up treatments
Most people seek laser hair removal to eliminate unwanted hair permanently, but this does not always happen after just one round of treatment. Hormonal fluctuations can trigger hair growth from time to time. Your dermatologist will advise you to come for regular checkups so they can determine if you need another treatment or not. Subsequent visits usually happen every quarter.
Laser hair removal is an easy process, and there is no downtime. You can resume your regular activities after treatment without experiencing discomfort. If you are tired of scheduling waxing appointments, this procedure will do the trick.