What creams to avoid after laser hair removal?

Author: Ora Rosenbaum  |  Last update: Friday, June 27, 2025

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.

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 cream can I use 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.

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).

What makes laser hair removal ineffective?

Ineffective laser hair removal may be a result of inappropriate wavelength, underpowered laser (low fluence or hand piece that requires replacement), underlying medical or hormonal condition (ie testosterone levels, et), or provider with not using appropriate technique or settings.

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

How can I maximize my laser hair removal results?

Here are some suggestions on how to get the most out of laser hair removal.
  1. Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning: ...
  2. Shave before each treatment: ...
  3. Avoid Plucking and Waxing: ...
  4. Exfoliating: ...
  5. Follow the recommended treatment schedule: ...
  6. Communicate openly with your technician: ...
  7. Take care of your skin post-treatment:

What stops laser hair removal from working?

What are the reasons why laser hair treatment might not be working for you?
  • You didn't time your treatments correctly: Proper treatment times are essential. ...
  • Hair Type and Color: ...
  • You might have a hormonal imbalance: ...
  • Hair Growth Rate or Cycle: ...
  • You waxed before treatments:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can I use CeraVe cream 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.

How to speed up healing after laser hair removal?

10 Recommendations after Laser Hair Removal
  1. Avoid exposure to the sun;
  2. Apply a soothing and regenerating cream;
  3. Moisturize your skin regularly;
  4. Do not use irritating products;
  5. Exfoliate your skin;
  6. Do not engage in strenuous physical activity;
  7. Wear loose-fitting clothing;
  8. Avoid sources of direct heat;

What ingredients should you avoid after laser hair removal?

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.

When can I do skincare after laser hair removal?

IMPLEMENT A GENTLE SKINCARE ROUTINE WITH SKINCEUTICALS PRODUCTS. In terms of what to use 24-48 hours after laser hair removal, we recommend a gentle yet effective routine: Start with our Gentle Cleanser, formulated with allantoin to promote a healthy skin barrier.

Can I use Nair after laser hair removal?

For the first day or two after your treatment, avoid hot showers, saunas, or intense exercise, as heat can irritate the treated area. Stick to shaving, not creams. Again, don't use Nair or other depilatory creams between your laser sessions.

Why is my hair getting thicker after laser hair removal?

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.

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 you pull out loose hairs after laser?

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.

Do and don'ts after laser treatment?

‍Post-Laser Treatment Dos and Don'ts
  • ‍Let your skin breathe. ...
  • ‍Wear a SPF on the treatment area‍ ...
  • ‍Avoid strong irritants on laser treated skin. ...
  • ‍Avoid hot and high-pressure water, as well as therapeutic water treatments. ...
  • ‍Can you shave after laser hair removal? ...
  • ‍Can you shower after laser hair removal?

How to maximize laser hair removal?

3 Tips to Improve Results from Laser Hair Removal
  1. Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning. Before undergoing laser hair removal, it's crucial to avoid ultraviolet radiation, both natural and artificial. ...
  2. Avoid Certain Skin Care Products. ...
  3. Maintain Your Results at Home.

Do you tip a laser hair removal technician?

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.

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 is hair not shedding after laser?

Hair must be treated in the anagen (growth) phase of the cycle in order for it to be effective, which is why multiple sessions are required at four to six-week intervals. The shedding process can take up to two weeks post-treatment, which is why you'll still see hair after laser sessions.

How can I speed up laser removal?

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.

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