While there is nothing wrong with body hair, many people find hairless skin a marked beauty standard. In turn, removal hair processes have continually improved in a bid to help women and men get smooth, youthful skin. One such process is the laser hair removal offered by Sherman Oaks CA aesthetic nurse injector and certified laser specialist that uses laser light to damage hair follicles and inhibit hair growth.
Today, it is one of the safest, most effective ways to eliminate unwanted hair. But as easy as it sounds, you do not just walk into the provider’s office and get your hair zapped. Here are a few things you can do before your procedure to reduce your risk of side effects and ensure maximum results.
Stop Skincare Treatments
In the days leading up to your laser hair removal, you should stop using skincare treatments. This especially applies to products containing retinol, which can increase your pain sensitivity. Other ingredients can also cause redness and discoloration that can limit the action of the laser light. To be on the safe side, consult your provider about what cosmetic products to discontinue before your treatment. You should also avoid getting skin treatments and facials the week to your appointment.
Check Your Medications
Laser hair removal is a noninvasive medical procedure but, like most treatments, carries risk. The most notable of these risks is pain, which some medications can amplify by making your skin more sensitive. As such, you may need to discontinue some medications like hormone treatments, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and blood thinners a few days before the treatment. Again, consult your doctor.
Stop Waxing and Tweezing
Sadly, laser hair removal and waxing do not go hand in hand – you have to pick one. This means you cannot wax your hair in between laser hair removal appointments or at least 6 weeks before your procedure. This is because the treatment requires that your hair follicles be intact and waxing removes hair from the roots. If you need to get rid of hair, you can shave.
Shave and Exfoliate
Yes, shaving before your laser hair removal is allowed and actually advised. Shaving eliminates hair from the skin surface, which could potentially get burned by the laser during treatment. It also leaves the follicles intact, allowing the laser to work as intended. In addition to shaving, you can also exfoliate your skin 24 to 48 hours before your appointment to get rid of dead skin.
Avoid Exposure to the Sun and Tanning Booths
Tanning raises your risk of laser burns because it changes the color of your skin. For laser hair removal to work, there must be a clear color contrast between your hair and skin so the laser can target the hair pigment. Darker skin can cause the laser to target your skin (the melanin) rather than your hair.
You Can Save Money and Time by Preparing
It is normal to be anxious about your laser hair removal treatment, especially if you have never had one before. However, going in unprepared can limit your results and raise your risk of side effects. This can become very expensive if you have to repeat the treatment. It can also be very disheartening.
To avoid all this, avoid everything that could jeopardize the treatment and prepare accordingly. If you are unsure of what to do, call a provider today and have them walk you through the preparation process.
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