If you're a savvy, on-the-go professional considering laser hair removal in New York City, it's not surprising that you might want to know exactly what you're signing up for in terms of the care you'll need between treatment sessions. After all, you've got places to go and people to see, and nobody likes to be stuck in "recovery mode" for longer than they need to be.
And because a full circuit of treatments can take up to a year - with laser hair removal sessions scheduled weeks apart to give each hair follicle a chance to complete a full growth cycle - it definitely requires a bit of a time investment, even though the appointments themselves are not that long.
It doesn't help that there's a lot of misinformation circulating out there about laser hair removal, especially when it comes to what you can and can't do between sessions. Should you tan? Should you shave? Should you stay out of the sun altogether?
While there are some things you'll need to be mindful of in the weeks between your treatments, ultimately none of them are that time-consuming or unreasonable. However, it's always better to be informed upfront. So before you commit to those laser hair removal appointments, take a look at what you'll need to do to keep your body happy and healthy during your treatment cycle.
Be gentle to your skin
Even though laser hair removal is a safe and FDA-approved process, it's normal for some patients to experience a slight sensitivity for a few days after their treatment. This is nothing to be concerned about, but you definitely want to be extra gentle to your skin as it fully heals.
Regardless of which are of skin, you're treating, for the first few days after a session it's a good idea to wash or cleanse only with lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry with a towel and avoid using scrubs (even natural ones) or exfoliating tools like loofahs. Remember, your hair follicles have just been zapped, so the skin around them won't love anything harsh or irritating.
If you've had a session on your face, make sure you cleanse or moisturize with products that are formulated for sensitive skin. Today, many laser clinics, like Laser by Monica, use some kind of a cooling mechanism, before, during or after treatment. These range from cooling gel, to aerosol-based Cyrogen, to cold air, which can be directly attached to the laser tool for consistent cooling throughout sessions. These go a long way to soothing the skin and reducing sensitivity, but if you're at home and feel like a little cooling action, try applying some Aloe Vera or an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the treated body part.
Use sunscreen!
By now I think we all know how important sun protection is, regardless of what time of year it is. But! You should know that in the weeks between your laser hair removal sessions, your skin will be much more photosensitive than usual, especially if you're undergoing procedures during the summer.
If it's exposed to sunlight, skin that's been recently treated will be much more prone to burning, premature aging or pigmentation, even if it's exposed for a short time. If you must be in direct sunlight, be sure to use quality sunscreen with a high SPF. Given the higher chance of skin irritation, you might also want to look for a sunscreen that's appropriate for sensitive skin.
Use the same rule of thumb for other heat-centric treatments, including hot showers, baths, saunas or steam rooms. Even pools - cool and refreshing as they are - can be an irritant, due to the chlorine content. Keep this in mind if you're considering a procedure during the hotter months or planning a tropical vacation.
Don't remove any hair from the root
A crucial rule to remember during your laser hair removal process is that you can't wax or pluck any hair around your treatment area between sessions. Sound like a bummer? Here's why: the way laser hair removal works is by using a high-powered light to target hair follicles under the skin and disable them, so they can't grow back. To do this effectively, the follicle needs to be intact. Unfortunately, waxing and plucking will take the hair out by the root, which means it won't be there when you're undergoing your laser procedure, defeating the entire purpose!
For this reason, you won't be able to wax or pluck for the duration of your laser hair removal sessions. Shaving, however, is perfectly fine, as it doesn't remove the hair at the root. Shaving before each session is highly recommended because it allows the laser light to penetrate as close to the follicle as possible. You can also use a topical depilatory cream to remove hair between appointments.
That being said, make sure you hold off shaving or using depilatory products for at least 48 hours after a treatment. Initially, your skin might be a little sensitive and more prone to irritation. If you're not a fan of shaving, remember once your laser cycle is finished, you'll have smooth, touchable skin that doesn't need shaving or waxing to look its best. Think of it as a short-term sacrifice for long-term gain!
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