Why is my skin breaking out after laser?

Author: Whitney Morissette Jr.  |  Last update: Thursday, June 5, 2025

During the laser hair removal treatment, the laser's heat can stimulate your skin, leading to an increase in oil production. When excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and gets trapped in your pores, this can cause the pores to become clogged and lead to breakouts.

Is it normal to break out after laser?

How Often Do Pimples Appear After Laser Hair Removal? The occurrence of pimples after laser hair removal is relatively common and is generally not a cause for alarm. However, the frequency can vary depending on several factors such as skin type, the area being treated, and the expertise of the practitioner.

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.

Why am I getting bumps after laser?

The laser targets and damages hair follicles to prevent regrowth, but this process can also traumatize the surrounding skin tissue. The heat and energy from the laser can cause redness, swelling, and irritation around the hair follicle, often appearing as tiny red pimples.

Can laser hair removal trigger an outbreak?

Laser hair removal can potentially trigger herpes outbreaks due to the irritation caused by the treatment. It isn't recommended to undergo laser hair removal on areas affected by active herpes lesions or in regions where recurrent outbreaks occur.

Is Your Skin Purging or Just Breaking Out? Dermatologist Explains | Dr. Sam Ellis

Why do I get folliculitis after laser hair removal?

Causes of Acne After Laser Hair Removal

Folliculitis: Hair follicle inflammation or infection can result in foliculitis, a common skin condition. The heat produced by the laser during the hair removal process may cause it to start. Heat-related irritation and inflammation can result in acne-like red bumps and pustules.

Can laser hair removal trigger HPV?

This common virus can be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. While laser hair removal does involve contact with the skin, there is no evidence to suggest that it can transmit HPV.

What does an allergic reaction to laser look like?

Clusters of small, raised, pale bumps or red welts around hair follicles. Itchy, burning, or stinging sensations in the treatment area. Papules (small red bumps) that develop into hives.

What are the small pimples after laser resurfacing?

Applying thick creams and bandages to your face after treatment can worsen acne or cause tiny white bumps to form for a short time. These bumps also are called milia. Infection. Laser resurfacing can lead to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection.

What does folliculitis look like?

The rash appears as small red bumps or pus bumps that can itch or be mildly painful. Folliculitis is common on the buttocks, arms and legs - especially the thighs. Most improve in 7 to 10 days. Sometimes after the rash is gone, dark marks can be left behind.

Should I moisturize my skin after laser?

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.

What is the best age for laser resurfacing?

Individuals up to their 50s benefit greatly from laser fractional resurfacing treatments. Skin concerns like sun damage and deeper wrinkles are common in this age group.

How long does it take for your skin to recover after laser?

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.

Does skin purge after laser treatment?

Certain facials and laser treatments can also cause skin to purge. Reputable aestheticians and facialists will always inform you of these side effects, but it is worth bringing up at your appointment.

What does shedding after laser look like?

Shedding after a laser hair removal treatment typically occurs around one to three weeks after your treatment, and may look like stubble or blackheads.

How to get rid of pepper spots after laser?

But rest assured, those annoying dots will disappear on their own within a few weeks. You can speed up the shedding process by gently exfoliating with a soft brush or daily scrub. The goal is to slough off the dead skin cells so trapped hairs can surface.

Why am I breaking out after laser treatment?

There are a few reasons why you might break out after laser hair removal: The heat from the laser can irritate the skin and cause inflammation. The laser can damage the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to infection. The laser can open up the pores, allowing bacteria and other irritants to enter.

What is skin purging?

“Skin purging” is a term some people use to describe an increase in acne after starting a new skin care product, such as a retinoid. However, there are no scientific studies on this topic. Dryness, flaking, or peeling are well-known side effects of some skin care ingredients, such as retinoids.

Is it normal to get bumps after laser?

Bumps and itching can also occur after laser hair removal. This is usually a sign that the hair is being shed from the follicle. Using a gentle exfoliating scrub can help remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs.

What does UV allergy look like?

The rash. The rash can take many different forms (polymorphic): you may get crops of 2mm to 5mm raised, pink or red spots, but redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin. some people get blisters that turn into larger, dry patches – it looks a bit like eczema.

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.

How long does laser rash last?

An older 2012 study examined records from 13,284 people who underwent laser hair removal and identified 36 individuals who began experiencing hives within 6–72 hours of the procedure. The rashes resolved within 7–30 days of treatment.

Can you get folliculitis from laser?

1–3 Nd:YAG laser therapy has been reported as well tolerated without serious sequelae; however, several studies have confirmed the development of posttreatment folliculitis to be a possible side effect, which can affect patient satisfaction.

Is HPV in pubic hair?

For the three patients tested, the same HPV type was found in the genital hair samples and the genital warts.

What are the ill effects of laser hair removal?

Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.

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