Hairless skin is something that everyone aspires to obtain. The main problem is that waxing can be very painful, and shaving can be more troublesome than it’s worth. No one wants to spend precious hours on hair removal lotions and creams, which is why removing it permanently with a laser can be a great solution.
Still, very few people know that laser hair removal involves an entire prepping process. If you have a laser hair removal session coming up, we have you covered. Here is our guide on how to prepare for laser hair removal:
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses laser devices to send light beams into the hair follicle. These will turn into heat and target melanin, damaging or destroying the hair follicle. The process will either interrupt the hair growth or significantly delay it.
That being said, while laser hair removal can lead to permanent hair loss, maintenance sessions may be necessary if previously removed hair begins to regenerate.
Tips to Prep for Your Appointment
Laser hair removal is usually safe and painless. However, certain actions before your appointment can improve its efficiency, so here are our recommendations:
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Clean the Skin
Clean skin is essential before you go into the office for your appointment. Make sure that the area you are treating is free of any impurities such as dirt or body lotion. Their presence can prevent the hair removal laser from entering the follicle, which may reduce its effectiveness.
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Refrain from Waxing
Laser hair removal works by entering the hair follicle and heating the pigments inside it. Needless to say, for this procedure to work, your follicle has to be intact. If you wax or pluck your hair, there will not be a follicle to treat, rendering the treatment ineffective. Refrain from getting any waxes for about four to six weeks before your appointment.
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Shave the Area
While you should not wax or pluck your skin, it is recommended to shave it. This will allow the laser to target only the part that matters: the follicle. Plus, by removing the hair from the surface of your skin, there will be fewer chances of burning it. Shave the area about one or two days before your appointment for the best laser hair removal results.
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Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
If you have a tan, the risk of getting a laser burn increases. This happens because lasers target pigments, which gather when you get a tan. While going on with your daily business is not a problem, avoid sunbeds or going to the beach for a few weeks before the treatment. The same thing applies to tanning sprays or lotions in the two weeks before the appointment. This will increase your comfort level while improving the efficiency of the procedure.
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Be Careful With the Medicine You Take
Certain types of medications may interfere with the laser process and make your skin much more sensitive, increasing your chances of experiencing side effects. If you are on blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, or hormone medication, you may want to wait until the treatment is over.
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Avoid Alcohol and Coffee
Both alcohol and caffeine may dehydrate the skin, causing you to feel more discomfort during the treatment session. Refrain from drinking alcohol 24 hours before your session. As for coffee, you may want to avoid drinking it for at least a couple of hours before the appointment. If you have an appointment in the afternoon, the morning cup is just fine, but do not drink it right before the session.
Learn How to Prepare for Your Laser Hair Removal Appointment!
For your laser hair removal to be effective, you must prepare for the treatment properly. From shaving correctly to avoiding sun exposure, you need to take all the preparatory precautions. The first step would be to schedule an appointment with us, and we will tell you exactly what you need to do before your treatment session.
For more information about laser hair removal and how to prepare for your appointment, you can contact Dermacare Laser & Skin Care at 858-230-8040 (San Diego) or 760-206-8926 (Carlsbad). We are here to answer all of your questions. You may also use our online contact form, and we will get in touch with you shortly.