Virtually all women know the pain and hassle of removing unwanted hair in the old-fashioned way, be it through shaving or waxing. From countless irritating scratches and cuts of the former to the intense pain of the latter, it can be tiring to repeatedly pay the price for smooth, glowing skin. If you no longer want to waste any more time removing unwanted hair that’s just going to grow back again, consider ditching the razor and wax strips and getting laser hair removal instead!
Laser hair removal offers a more permanent and long-term solution that treats unwanted hair at its source using targeted lasers. These lasers deliver light energy, which is absorbed by the melanin or pigment in the hair follicles and converted into heat that effectively destroys its structure and inhibits further hair growth, all without damaging the skin. Much like any aesthetic treatment, however, there are a few things you need to know about laser hair removal to maximise your results and avoid complications. Below, we cover the key steps you must take before the day of your first session.
1. Stay Out of the Sun
Sunburned or recently tanned skin is not suited to receive any form of laser treatment as it has higher heat sensitivity and more melanin levels, which leads to the increased likelihood of suffering unwanted damage. As such, it’s best to stay out of the sun for at least two weeks before the first visit to your aesthetic clinic and, ideally, start using sun protection four to six weeks prior to the same date. Keep up this habit of avoiding the sun and applying SPF between appointments since your skin will be particularly sensitive at this time.
2. Be Careful with Skin Products
Certain skin products are known to increase skin photosensitivity, which heightens the risk of the laser hair removal burning your skin. Thus, it’s best to double check the products that make up your skin care routine and see if they contain ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol before using them. Avoid using those that contain any of the above two to three days before and after the treatment to ensure safety.
3. Shave the Treatment Area
Another key requirement of laser hair removal is to ensure the treatment area is hair-free before your arrival. Thus, don’t forget to shave a day before your appointment and avoid waiting until the last minute to do so, especially if you’ll be focusing on your bikini area. This is because the skin here is a lot more sensitive and may require some time for any irritation to subside. Shaving between hair removal sessions is also essential to maintain a smooth surface for effective treatment.
4. Don’t Wax or Tweeze
Refrain from pulling out the hairs in the treatment area via waxing, tweezing, and threading six weeks before your appointment as it removes the targets that make the treatment effective. Besides prior to your first session, it’s also especially important to adhere to this step between subsequent appointments.
5. Wear the Recommended Clothing
Consider putting some extra thought into what you’ll be wearing for the laser hair removal procedure since you may experience a slight degree of irritation, which can be compounded by your choice of garments. To prevent this, opt for highly breathable and loose-fitting clothing as well as cotton undergarments if you’re treating your bikini area.
6. Arrive with Clean Skin
On the day of your appointment, make sure you keep your skin clean and clear of any sunscreen, makeup, deodorant, and creams. If you truly need to apply some of them, ask the clinic staff for a wipe upon arrival before proceeding with the treatment.
Conclusion
Incorporating these steps into your routine can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your laser hair removal treatment. From avoiding sun exposure to staying hydrated and following your technician’s advice, each step ensures optimal results while minimising potential side effects. By being well-prepared, you’ll not only make the most of your sessions but also enjoy smoother, long-lasting results with greater confidence.
Ready to begin your journey towards smooth, hair-free skin? Tokyo Garden is the award-winning medical aesthetic clinic you can count on for tried-and-true laser hair removal treatment that gets you on the fast track towards the skin of your dreams.
