A soothing application (i.e. Aloe Vera, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Biafine) and/or cool compress or ice pack (over a thin towel) may be applied until the sensation, and any redness and/or swelling subsides. Avoid hot water for 24–48 hours.
Keep the area moist with Cetaphil Cream, Cerave Cream, or Aquaphor Healing Ointment until the inflammation resolves and the area is healed. Keep the treated area out of the sun. If sun exposure is unavoidable, cover it or apply a broad-spectrum sunblock with SPF 30 or above for at least four weeks following treatment.
After cleansing your face, generously apply Aquaphor Healing Ointment (creating an occlusive barrier) taking care to cover all treated areas. The occlusive barrier is needed to provide a protective layer that will hold moisture in the skin and provide protection to the skin from pollutants in the air as the skin heals.
Apply Aquaphor or Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly immediately after cleansing. It is imperative that the treated skin does not dry out; otherwise it may increase the risk of scar formation and/or infection. To that end, please reapply the Aquaphor or Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly if the treated skin feels tight or dry.
A soothing application (i.e. Aloe Vera, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Biafine) and/or cool compress or ice pack (over a thin towel) may be applied until the sensation, and any redness and/or swelling subsides. Avoid hot water for 24–48 hours.
Although you may think that a moisturizing lotion helps make your skin smooth after laser hair removal, it could do the opposite and irritate the skin further. Your best bet is to leave the area of skin where you had laser hair removal free of any product, aside from aloe vera, for at least 24 hours.
FOR THE NEXT WEEK
Avoid the following active ingredients in treated areas: topical retinoids (e.g. Retin-A, tretinoin, adapalene), vitamin C, glycolic acid, salicylic acid. Scaling/hair shedding occurs during this time. Let the hair fall out naturally. Do not rub, exfoliate, or pick any treated areas.
The best way to help speed up shedding after your laser hair removal treatment is by gentle exfoliation once or twice a week once you start to see signs of your hair starting to shed.
FOR MICRO-SCABBING
These red, pin-point sized scabs are normal and part of the healing process. Avoid picking, rubbing or scrubbing the area; allow scabs to slough off naturally. Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% mixed with either Vaseline® or Aquaphor®, up to three times daily or as needed until resolved.
An ointment such as Vaseline® or moisturizing creams such as Eucerin®, or Aquaphor® are then applied. The purpose of using ointments or creams is to prevent any scab formation. In general, the areas heal in five to 21 days, depending on the nature of the condition that was treated and type of laser used.
Since Aquaphor is 41% petroleum jelly, which makes up 100% of Vaseline, you get a lot of the same skin barrier benefits.
In terms of what creams to apply after hair removal, the lighter the better. Moisturisers with rich formulas can be too heavy for post-procedure skin with open pores. Avoid thick moisturisers or creams for 24-48 hours after your appointment and opt instead for hydrating gel or mist formulas.
Use cold compresses: Applying cold compresses during the first 24 to 48 hours after your treatment can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Stay cool: Avoid hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise for the first few days after treatment. Heat can increase inflammation and slow healing.
This is a sign that the laser successfully treated the follicle, and it's clearing out the dead hair shaft. This shedding process, also called “peppering,” can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. In some cases, it may feel like the hair is growing back because it's breaking through the skin.
Pulling out loose hair after a laser hair removal session is not recommended. It disrupts the hair growth cycle; when hairs are loose it means the hair is in its cycle of removal. If it's removed before it dies on its own, it could stimulate hair to grow again.
Searching for over-the-counter products meant for dry, sensitive skin will be a good place to start finding the right moisturizer for you. Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
Your skin may be a little dry and flaky after laser hair removal, so make sure to keep it moisturized. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer and apply it multiple times a day to keep your skin hydrated. We usually reccomend a good old fashion pure aloe vera gel with no fragrance or dyes.
It also happens when treated hairs are shedding and if you don't exfoliate regularly enough these hairs will tend to get trapped in the skin. If you are prone to ingrown hairs you will normally see bumps appear about a week after a laser hair removal session these are nothing to worry about.
Avoid Sun Exposure: Exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of skin pigmentation changes, so it's best to avoid sun exposure (like beach vacations) or tanning for at least two weeks before and after your laser hair removal treatment.
I would advise you to wait at least 48 hours before applying Vaseline on the area treated. While Vaseline is a great product for maintaining skin moisture in many circumstances, it's not the best choice right after laser hair removal.
Moisturize: Apply a soothing moisturizer such as CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, or Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream. Avoid Heat: Steer clear of hot showers, saunas, and activities that cause excessive sweating for 24-48 hours.
You should tip your laser hair removal technician or esthetician after each treatment if you feel that they have provided excellent service. However, if you're not satisfied with the treatment, you're not obligated to tip.