Forgetting to shave before your session, waxing and tweezing.
It is important that you shave beforehand. Untrimmed hair provides a large target for the laser energy and can be very painful. This can also cause severe burns. Do not wax or tweeze because this pulls away the hair follicle from under your skin removing the target needed for the laser process to work.
Wearing perfume and not removing makeup before your laser hair removal treatment
Remove all makeup from your skin before your facial hair removal treatment. Keeping makeup on your skin could cause long burns and long- lasting hyperpigmentation spots on your face. Avoid wearing perfumes on your treatment day because the alcohol in these products could irritate your skin.
Skipping treatment sessions and not completing your treatment course
The hair growth cycle consists of three phases namely anagen (growth), telogen (resting), and catagen (transition). At any given point in time, different strands of hair are at different stages of the growth cycle. at any time. Laser energy will only kill the hair follicle during the growth phase. It therefore requires multiple treatment sessions to target every hair follicle at its growth phase. It normally takes about six weeks for the hair to fully go through these growth phases. It may take about six-nine sessions to achieve optimal results. Some patients may require more sessions while others may require touch up sessions following completion of their first treatment course.
Avoid tanning and overexposure to direct sunlight before your treatment!
Recent sun exposure, spray tans and the use of tanning beds can result in hyperpigmentation, scarring, or burning. Avoid these for two weeks before AND after your laser hair treatment sessions. Always make sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 35 or higher.
Remembering to disclose all your medications to your laser provider.
Photosensitivity or sun sensitivity is a potential side effect for many common prescriptions and over the counter medications. Sun sensitivity can cause severe sunburn, rashes, and other types of skin damage. It is important to notify your laser provider about all your medications because laser treatment while taking these drugs can result in burns and hyperpigmentation. Common examples of photosensitivity causing medications include Tetracyclines, Naproxen (Aleve), Isotretinoin (Accutane), Tretinoin (Retin-A), HCTZ, Glipizide, Glyburide, Metformin, Januvia, Amitriptyline, Loratadine (Claritin), Methotrexate, Amiodarone, and Quinine.
Not following your aftercare instructions
Aftercare instructions include direct sun exposure, use of tanning beds for two weeks following your treatment as well as avoiding hot showers, hot tubs, steams rooms, cardio exercises, or anything with heat for at least 48 hours following your treatment. Exposure to heat can cause damage to your already sensitive skin.
Above all choosing the right laser provider
We recommend that you do some research about your laser spa and their treatment results. Laser hair removal is not a one size fits all. For more questions call us on 7208180533 to book your appointment today!!
