How do you reduce inflammation after laser hair removal?

Author: Mr. Tony Boyer  |  Last update: Sunday, March 23, 2025

Here are some tips to relieve it:
  1. Use ice packs on the face for 10-15 minutes a few times a day.
  2. Sleep slightly elevated on a few pillows to reduce gravitational swelling.
  3. Take an antihistamine by mouth to reduce swelling and itching.
  4. Avoid very hot showers, saunas, or anything that heats up your face.

How to heal skin after laser hair removal?

After the procedure

You might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal. To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. If you have a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal, the doctor might apply a steroid cream to the affected area.

How to reduce swelling after laser?

Sleep on an extra pillow at night to help reduce the swelling for the first four days after the procedure. Apply a cool compress or a wrapped ice pack for 15 minutes every one to two hours as needed, during the first 24 to 48 hours.

Is it okay to put ice after laser?

You can ice your treatment area up to 10 minutes at a time because icing the area any longer can interfere with healing. If you still feel uncomfortable, you can wait an hour and reapply the ice pack or cold compress, repeating this process no more than two to three times a day.

How do you prevent infection after laser hair removal?

It may include keeping the treated area clean, avoiding sun exposure, using gentle skincare products, and moisturizing regularly. Following your practitioner's aftercare recommendations is essential for a successful outcome.

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What is the fastest way to heal skin after laser treatment?

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.

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.

How to reduce inflammation after laser hair removal?

Immediately after treatment, it's common to experience some redness and swelling, similar to mild sunburn. Applying a cool compress or a soothing aloe vera gel can help alleviate these symptoms, providing comfort and reducing inflammation.

Why is my hair growing back 2 days after laser?

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.

Why can't you shower after laser?

It's recommended to wait at least 6-8 hours after a laser hair removal session before taking a shower; which should be cold or very mild. This gives the skin time to cool down and for any redness or swelling to subside.

Why am I swollen after laser hair removal?

Melanin absorbs the laser energy, which heats up and damages the follicle. This process can cause inflammation and swelling around the hair follicle. The swelling is a sign that the laser energy was effectively delivered to disable the follicle.

Can I use vitamin C serum after laser treatment?

For a long time, the belief was to steer clear of all active ingredients post-laser treatment. However, new studies suggest otherwise . One study found that after Fraxel laser, applying a topical vitamin C serum has been shown to reduce the injury of the skin's surface barrier and even help restore pH.

How to prevent post inflammatory hyperpigmentation after laser?

As such, sun protection following laser treatments is the number one way to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Other ways to reduce PIH risks are by using dermatologist-approved moisturizers and emollients. By providing the skin with the necessary moisture, the environment is optimized for healing.

Can I moisturize my body 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.

How to stop redness after laser hair removal?

Aloe vera: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe can soothe itching and redness. Chamomile compresses: Chamomile has a calming effect on irritated skin. Oatmeal-based products: Oatmeal is great for hydration and helps reduce itching and redness.

What are the 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.

Will I regret laser hair removal?

While laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth, it doesn't always eliminate it completely, and some may still require occasional touch-ups. Skin reactions can also play a role in feelings of regret, although this is rare when the procedure is done correctly.

What happens if I shave 3 days after laser?

After undergoing the treatment, hairs begin a shedding phase which can last between 10 to 14 days. It's crucial during this period to let the hairs naturally fall out. Shaving too early can risk complications like ingrown hairs and other skin irritations.

Why am I more hairy after laser?

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.

How can I speed up healing after laser?

Ellis to help you heal quickly and get great results from your CO2 laser skin treatment.
  1. Listen to Your Doctor's Advice. ...
  2. Keep Skin Moist. ...
  3. Stay Out of the Sun. ...
  4. Drink Lots of Water. ...
  5. Don't Pick Your Skin. ...
  6. Use Gentle Skin Products. ...
  7. Sleep with Your Head Up. ...
  8. Eat Healthy Foods.

Should I apply ice after laser?

The immediate post laser treatment consists of covering the lasered skin with Vaseline (Aquaphor or whatever the specific product you are instructed to use) and using cold packs for discomfort and swelling. The best treatment to be comfortable is to apply cold compresses to the treated areas of the face.

What is the best moisturizer after laser treatment?

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.

Can I use vitamin C after laser hair removal?

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.

How do you remove dead skin after laser?

Using a gentle cleanser and warm clean water can help remove these small particles of dirt and debris that are often invisible to the naked eye. This process will also help remove dead skin cells covering up healthy skin underneath.

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