Can I use skincare products after laser hair removal?

Author: Reba Terry  |  Last update: Friday, July 18, 2025

Your skin will be very sensitive during the healing process and using beauty products can irritate the skin. As a result, you will be better off not using topical products such as makeup, body washes, and deodorant. You can begin using these products again after 24 hours of getting laser hair removal treatment.

Can I use skincare after laser hair removal?

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.

When can I resume skincare after laser?

We like to have all patients on Retin-A and skin care products before and after their skin resurfacing. We generally begin the post laser skin care 4-6 weeks after the laser procedure. Your new skin is sensitive and requires gentle care.

How long after laser hair removal can I moisturize?

Answer: Lotion after laser hair removal Hi! It is safe to use regular lotion on day 2 if you do not have any skin irritation from the laser hair removal. If you do have some irritation, you should wait until it subsides then continue with your normal skin care routine.

What is not allowed after laser hair removal?

FOR AT LEAST THREE DAYS AFTER YOUR TREATMENT…

Avoid topical irritants— these potentially include harsh soaps, medicated washes, scrubs, oils, retinols, scented lotions and peels. Avoid hot baths / showers, as well as swimming (in any temperature).

Essential Aftercare Tips: What to Do After Your Laser Hair Removal Appointment

What products can I use after laser?

In the days after treatment:
  • Cleanse the treated area with Vanicream Gentle Cleanser, which is free of irritants like fragrance and preservatives.
  • Moisturize the treated area with Epionce Medical Barrier Cream.
  • Apply a mineral sunscreen like TiZO Ultra Zinc Mineral Sunscreen for Face and Body SPF 40.

Can I use Aquaphor after laser hair removal?

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.

Can I apply CeraVe after laser hair removal?

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.

Can I use vitamin C serum after laser hair removal?

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant but can be too intense for sensitive, post-laser skin, leading to stinging or irritation. Before incorporating it into your routine, wait until your skin has had time to recover fully.

What are the don'ts of laser hair removal?

Avoid make-up on the treated area for at least 48 hours. Avoid the application of perfumed products or bleaching creams for 48 hours. Avoid scratching the treatment area if blistering or crusting occurs, as this can cause scarring. Avoid waxing, tweezing and threading for the complete duration of the treatment course.

What serum is best after laser?

Once the immediate post-laser wounds are healed and most of the inflammation has been resolved, all laser patients must utilize antioxidants every morning, specifically SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. When SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is used after laser surgeries, the serum can: Speed healing. Reduce inflammation.

What moisturizer can I use after laser?

Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.

What deodorant is best after laser hair removal?

Dr. Soni suggests choosing aluminum-free deodorants to avoid potential irritation, as aluminum compounds can be drying. Unscented natural deodorant alternatives also tend to be less irritating for compromised skin.

Can I use hyaluronic acid after laser hair removal?

Opt for light formulas based on moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerine or ceramides, which help retain water in the skin and prevent dehydration. Don't hesitate to apply the moisturizing lotion generously to the treated areas, massaging gently until completely absorbed.

How to speed up shedding after laser hair removal?

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.

Can I use face scrub after laser hair removal?

“The skin needs time to recover after each laser session before regular exfoliation,” says Dr. Soni. He recommends waiting at least one week before introducing gentle exfoliation, as this gives any initial swelling, redness, and irritation time to resolve.

What skincare to avoid after laser?

Harsh skincare products: Avoid using exfoliants, retinoids, or products containing alcohol for at least one week post-treatment. These products can be irritating and slow down the healing process.

What cancels out vitamin C serum?

In other cases, mixing can destabilize or cancel out the benefits of the antioxidant. Here are some ingredients to never mix with vitamin C: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid.

What should I put on my face after laser hair removal?

Applying a moisturizer regularly will not only combat dryness but also soothe your skin, leaving it feeling smooth and revitalized. We also suggest choosing a fragrance-free moisturizer to avoid potential irritation on areas of the skin that may be sensitive after laser hair removal.

What happens if you don't exfoliate after laser hair removal?

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.

Is Cetaphil good after laser hair removal?

After Treatment

If your provider gives you a post procedure steroid cream, DO use 1-2x/day for 5 days. DO use gentle cleansers (Cetaphil, CeraVe), lukewarm water, and do NOT rub the skin vigorously. Moisturizers and/or makeup may be used immediately if the skin is not broken.

Can I use vitamin C after laser hair removal?

Vitamin C can be used 2 hours after Clear and Brilliant Laser Treatment and will not reduce the effects of the treatment. However, it is recommended that you use only a gentle form of vitamin C, such as OTC-brand L-ascorbic acid or rose hip oil and avoid more acidic forms like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP).

Can I apply moisturizer after laser hair removal?

Yes, you can, and should, moisturise after laser hair removal. While you should not moisturise before your laser hair removal appointment, after your appointment is a different story. The best moisturisers to use after laser hair removal are perfume free. This will help to avoid excess skin irritation.

Do and don'ts after laser hair removal?

Laser Hair Removal Aftercare Don'ts
  • Avoid Sun Exposure, Saunas, and Hot Baths for Several Days. ...
  • Avoid Tanning Lotions for Several Days. ...
  • Avoid Lotions with Perfumes and Fragrances for 48 Hours. ...
  • Don't Apply Pressure to the Treated Area for Several Days. ...
  • Avoid Body Scrubs for 48 Hours. ...
  • Don't Go Swimming for 48 Hours.

What Moisturiser can I use after laser?

Most moisturizer without alpha-hydroxy acids will work. You may also use aloe gel to relieve redness during the first 24 hours. Never use petroleum base “ointments” as they lock the heat in. You may apply deodorant after 24 hours.

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