While creams can provide temporary relief to the top layer of skin, they are not strong enough to penetrate the dermis. As a result, clients will still experience discomfort during laser removal. In addition, numbing creams cannot be applied during treatment.
Applying topical BLT anesthetic or numbing cream prior to laser hair removal is safe. It is important you do not have an allergy to benzocaine, lidocaine, or tetracaine prior to application. Typically, this is applied 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Numbing Creams and Topical Agents
Numbing creams can be your best friend during a laser hair removal session. They work by numbing the surface of your skin, reducing the intensity of the pain during the treatment. However, moderation is key.
Numbing creams, also known as topical anaesthetics are a popular option for those looking to minimise discomfort during laser tattoo removal. These creams contain active ingredients like lidocaine, prilocaine or benzocaine, which temporarily block pain signals in the skin.
Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that don't absorb light well: gray, red, blond and white. However, laser treatment options for light-colored hair continue to be developed.
One way to reduce pain from laser hair removal is to use a numbing cream on the area being treated. You can pick up the cream the day before your appointment or arrive early to apply it in the office. Apply a thin layer of the cream to the treated area about an hour before your session.
Fast Acting & Long Lasting: 5% Lidocaine is the strongest over the counter formulation topical numbing cream on the market that starts working in 2-3 minutes after application and lasts for an hour from its peak.
Topical Numbing Creams
One of the most common methods for managing discomfort during tattoo removal is the use of topical numbing creams. Applied around 30 to 45 minutes before the session, these creams desensitise the skin, reducing the intensity of the pain felt during the laser treatment.
BLT is known for being the most powerful numbing cream used for laser treatments. While numbing creams can be effective at reducing discomfort, it's important to note that they don't just block pain—they block all sensations, including the ability to feel heat.
The Pain of Laser Hair Removal
While less intense than tattoo removal, it can still cause discomfort depending on: Treated Area: Sensitive areas like the bikini line or underarms may feel more painful, while larger areas like the legs or arms are usually easier to tolerate.
For the best results and to speed up the tattoo removal process, it's recommended to combine laser treatments with proper aftercare and lifestyle changes. Maintaining good skin hydration is crucial; well-hydrated skin heals faster and is more resilient, enhancing the effectiveness of each laser session.
It has a medicine called lidocaine in it that numbs the skin and the tissue around where it is put on the skin. It takes 30 minutes to work. The cream may stay on for 1 hour and will keep working for another hour after it comes off.
Shave Before Treatment
You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin. If you miss any hairs while you shaved, and you do not feel comfortable with your technician shaving you, your technician will need to avoid treating those areas.
The best pain management techniques for laser hair removal include taking pain relievers like Tylenol, applying numbing cream before the session, and staying hydrated. Additionally, relaxation techniques such as listening to calming music or practicing deep breathing can help reduce pain perception.
Lidocaine is a stronger, yet equally effective, local anesthetic than Benzocaine and its effects last for approximately 90 minutes. Benzocaine is considered to be less severe in nature and its effects last for around ten minutes from the time of application.
Topical lidocaine absorption will also be affected by the thickness and surface area of the stratum corneum at the site of application, local vascularity and the duration of application. Typically, the maximal penetration depth of lidocaine when applied topically is from 8 to 10 mm [31].
Yes, you can use numbing cream for laser hair removal, but you don't necessarily need to use it. It might be recommended for certain areas of the body that are known for being sensitive and for those who have a low pain tolerance.
Underarm skin is extremely thin, making it sensitive to laser hair removal treatment. Bikini Line – One of the most painful places to get laser hair removal treatment is your bikini line, though it's still not as painful as most people think. Like the underarms, the skin on the bikini line is very thin and sensitive.
While it's common to experience mild discomfort during laser hair removal, taking painkillers before your session is perfectly fine. However, it's best to opt for paracetamol instead of ibuprofen or aspirin, as these can react to the laser light and potentially cause adverse effects.
So, what causes this? It's called paradoxical hypertrichosis — and even the name sounds scary. No one actually knows why this happens with laser patients, but after treatment, the laser can do the opposite of what you're expecting and actually stimulate hair growth.
Inadequate Contrast Between Hair Color and Skin Tone
This light energy is absorbed by the dark pigment, increasing the follicle's temperature and causing damage that stops future hair growth. Therefore, for the treatment to be effective, there must be a significant difference between the hair color and skin tone.
Most clients will require 6-8 sessions to achieve optimal results from laser hair removal, though the exact number can vary depending on factors like hair type, skin tone, and the treatment area.