Wether you’re a laser hair removal newbie or you’ve been coming in for treatments for years and slowly working through your different hairy areas, prepping before treatment is key to a successful and comfortable experience. Without further adieu, here are 5 steps to take to prepare for your treatment.
Don’t Forget to Shave
Shaving the area you want to be treated is very important especially if that area is your delicate parts. The main reason for the shaving is to avoid the chances of burning the hair on the surface of your skin. And so, it is normally requested that the shaving be done no less than 24 hours before the treatment. Since the laser primarily targets the pigments of the hair follicles, not the hair on the surface.
Avoid Waxing and Tweezing
Waxing and plucking should be avoided at least 4 weeks before the treatment for best results. This is because waxing and plucking temporarily removes the hairs’ follicles filled with pigments which the laser primarily targets. Removing them means that the laser will have a difficult time in removing the hair and the treatment will be less effective. Additionally, waxing and plucking should be stopped after one session of treatment has already started.
Refrain From Sun Exposure
It is very important to keep yourself free from sun exposure before your treatment. Getting sun exposure might cause your skin to tan, increasing the melanin content and making it more susceptible to burning during treatment, and more difficult to differentiate between the pigmentation in the hair and the skin. So cover up, use sunscreen and needless to say, UV tanning beds are also off the table!
Avoid Products
Before you can go through with the treatment, make sure that the treatment area is free from lotions, sunblocks, ointments, deodorants, topical products of all kinds and especially make-up. These products may contain chemicals or pigments that could affect the laser treatment. While your laser technician will cleanse the skin prior to beginning treatment, its best to refrain from applying any topical product for at least 3 days before the treatment.
Disclose Medications
Before you proceed with the laser treatment, it is very important that you fully disclose all medications and supplements that you may be taking, both oral and topical. This is because some medications and supplements might cause a negative reaction or effect to your skin such as burns or blisters. Other medications could make the treatment less effective. Disclosing all medications will allow us to take the appropriate precautions and to adjust your treatment accordingly.
