How to Care for Your Skin After Laser Hair Removal

If you’re ready to ditch the razor and say goodbye to painful waxing sessions, it’s time to consider laser hair removal. 

Board-certified OB/GYN Karen Allsup, FACOG, MD, and our Aurora OB/GYN team help you achieve silky smooth skin with the Icon™ system by Cynosure®. This system allows you to permanently eliminate unwanted hair, but taking care of your skin before and after your session plays a big role in the success of your laser treatment. 

Before you arrive for your laser session in our San Antonio, Texas, office, our team provides all of the preparation steps you need to take.

In the meantime, here are the general guidelines for preparing for your laser hair removal treatment.

Caring for your skin before your laser hair removal

Laser hair treatments can remove hair on your arms, bikini area, chest, face, legs, neck, and underarms — virtually anywhere! However, for the laser treatments to work most efficiently, be sure to: 

• Stop any form of hair removal that removes the hair follicle for about 4-6 weeks before laser session (the laser needs to target the hair follicle)
• Shave 24-48 hours before treatment (shaving is okay; it doesn’t remove the hair follicle) 
• Stay out of the sun (and avoid tanning beds) before your laser session
• Avoid bleaching any hair that you want removed 
• Don’t apply any makeup, lotion, or deodorant on the day of your appointment 

If you have questions about any of your preparation instructions, don’t hesitate to ask. We’d be happy to review all of your instructions with you.

Caring for your skin after your laser hair removal

During your treatment, you may feel like a rubber band is snapping against your skin. This is common and usually well-tolerated. After your laser session is complete, your skin may feel warm, sensitive to the touch, or slightly irritated. These are all temporary side effects, but there are some steps you can take to pamper your skin and ease any discomfort. 

After your session: 

• Avoid direct sun exposure and avoid tanning beds
• Apply cold compress to irritated or red skin
• Refrain from scratching or rubbing any treated areas
• Refrain from applying makeup right after a laser treatment 
• Take lukewarm (not hot) showers if your skin is tender, and use a gentle, unscented moisturizer
• Wear SPF protection on any exposed treated skin (yes, even in winter!)
• Refrain from any overly heated environments, including hot yoga, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs

Depending on which area you’re treating, you may find that wearing loose, soft clothes is ideal. Avoid wearing any pants, bras, underwear, or shirts that are too tight or may rub against treated skin. 

With all of these tips, any sensitivity or irritation should subside within 24-48 hours.

Ready to treat yourself to hair-free skin?  Give us a call at 210-547-4700 to schedule your laser hair removal consultation. Or, simply use our online form to request an appointment.