Anytime you shave, tweeze or wax your hair follicles are being traumatized. Laser hair removal works by destroying the color-carrying pigment in hair follicles; however, since each time you sever a follicle it leaves behind tiny ‘scars’ of their own, which can grow back. So in theory what you are doing is actually allowing those hairs to come back thicker and quicker – this can be a disadvantage depending on what outcome you desire. You can get laser hair removal every 3-5 weeks and over time you will see less growth as your natural body cycle takes over as it would with waxing and shaving/tweezing
Ithaca Laser Hair Removal is the best choice for women who want to remove hair from their body. The Ithaca Laser Hair Removal process is safe, affordable and effective. It can be used on any area of your body where hair grows, including your face, legs and arms.This laser technology uses light energy to target the root of the hair follicle. This process is permanent with no downtime or recovery time. You will need to avoid sun exposure for 48 hours after treatment.
Read on to learn more about Itchiness After Laser Hair Removal, Less Common Side Effects of laser hair removal that you may Experience and The Importance of skin Care After Laser Hair Removal
Itchiness After Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal is an extremely safe and effective procedure for removing hair and preventing future growth. In this way, many consider it a permanent solution for unwanted hair growth.
This procedure uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to target and eliminate hair follicles. It does this by emitting light, which is absorbed the pigment in the hair, turning into heat and damaging the follicles. When the hair follicles are damaged, this prevents or slows future growth. Because the laser targets pigment, people with darker hair make better candidates.
Laser Hair Removal is usually done on areas where hair may be awkward and unsightly for the patient. These areas include but are not limited to the underarm, upper lip, chin, and bikini line.
But like many cosmetic procedures, it doesn’t come without risks. Two of the most common and persistent side effects after laser hair removal are bumps and itching on the skin. While these two are expected to happen, let’s get right to the ways to prevent and treat them.
Why do we get bumps and itching?
Along with hyperpigmentation, skin irritation in the form of bumps and itching is a common side effect. The skin irritation you may experience results from the damage to the hair follicles. The body reacts to this damage by becoming red, tender, and slightly swollen in the affected areas. After this, you may see small bumps form in the same area.
Some people may be alarmed by these bumps, but they’re completely normal and usually subside within a day or two. These bumps may also become itchy, but it is crucial you do not scratch them. Scratching them might aggravate the inflammation and result in unsightly scarring.
How do I prevent these bumps?
These bumps are a common side effect, which is all but expected. However, sticking to the pre-procedure routine might lessen its symptoms and severity. Here are the usual things to do before laser hair removal:
- Stay out of the sun: Avoiding sun exposure before and after treatment is an essential part of this process. Tanned areas may get burned or discolored, as the pigment will attract the laser. You should apply sunblock with SPF 30+ on the areas you want to have the procedure done.
- Shaving treatment areas: You’ll want to shave the parts where you want to have the laser hair removal done. Doing this may prevent surface burns on hairs that protrude the top layer of skin. You should avoid plucking, waxing, and other hair removal methods for up to six weeks. These alternative methods may disturb the hair follicles, which are a key part of this procedure.
- Avoid blood-thinning medications: You’ll want to consult with your physician about which drugs to avoid beforehand. These may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Don’t apply deodorant, moisturizer, or makeup to treatment area: You will want to keep your skin as bare as possible before treatment, as any foreign material could harm you.
How do I treat these bumps after the laser hair removal?
Post-care treatment is crucial in treating symptoms and side effects. Here are what experts advise you to do:
- Avoid sun exposure: This part is equally crucial for the next seven days post-treatment. The treated areas will be quite sensitive, so the UV might harm the skin and cause discoloration.
- Apply cold towels, ice packs, and some restorative gel to affected areas: This may help alleviate pain and swelling. This could also ease the itching that comes along with the bumps.
- We recommend Tylenol and other over-the-counter medication to treat discomfort: You can take some pain relief medication to help you if the discomfort becomes noticeable.
- Do not apply any harsh products on the treated area for the next 24 hours: While redness is present, you’ll want to stay away from makeup and other harsh skin products. These products may irritate your skin and lead to unwanted side effects. It’s best to avoid them in the meantime.
Less Common Side Effects of laser hair removal that you may Experience
Here are some of the other side effects that people have noticed after laser hair removal:
You should avoid exposure to the sun for 48 hours after laser hair removal to prevent chance of further skin damage from the potentially harmful UV rays
Discomfort from re-growing hair. If you’ve ever shaved your chest, you know how uncomfortable it can be to wear clothes as the hair is growing back.
Very sensitive skin. For a few days after the hair removal session, you may find that your skin is very sensitive–easily affected by creams, lotions, and environmental damage.
Skin prone to sunburn. The skin has already been exposed to a lot of light, and adding sunlight into the mix just increases the amount of damage done.
Tingling or numb skin. If the nerve endings of the skin are damaged, they may be unable to send accurate feedback to your brain.
Allergic reaction to cream or gel. A numbing cream is often used before the treatment, and you may find that your skin reacts negatively to the cream. If you apply a pain-relieving gel after the session is done, you may also experience negative allergic reactions as well.
Here are some side effects mentioned by doctors:-
“If the settings of the laser are incorrect, any of the following may occur: blistering, darkening of the skin, erosions on the lip, development of cold sores, redness, and persistent pain. Most of these are temporary and can be avoided by proper preparation of the treated area prior to the procedure being performed.”
Corey L. Hartman, MD
“Other risks, although not common, include scarring, viral infections like herpes simplex , damaging a tattoo in the area, or in very rare cases even causing more hair to grow”
Joshua L. Fox, MD
The Importance of skin Care After Laser Hair Removal
Undergoing a laser hair removal treatment is an effective way of removing hair, but also for preventing future hair growth. The treatment utilizes specialized laser light to kill the hair follicles, which causes existing hair to fall out while stunting further growth. The laser does not damage the tissue surrounding these hair follicles, but your skin may react to this treatment. To keep your skin healthy after laser removal of your hair, use these simple tips to care for your skin.
Post-Treatment Reaction
As the laser makes contact with your skin, the heat from the light will kill hair follicles. This heat will cause small red bumps to develop on your skin’s surface. This is a completely normal reaction, but it can be alarming to some people. Fortunately, the bumps will disappear within a day or two after your treatment.
The bumps may be itchy, but it is imperative that you do not scratch. Scratching the skin will increase inflammation even further, resulting in serious discomfort and possible scarring. If the small red bumps are causing you any discomfort, apply a cold compress to the area. Create an ice pack by bundling a few ice cubes into a plastic bag. Seal up the bag and hold on the affected skin for a few minutes. The ice will not only numb any discomfort you are experiencing, but it will also reduce the redness and possible swelling.
Post-Treatment Crusting
As the bumps disappear, you may notice that your skin feels excessively dry. In some instances, the bumps will dry out and begin to crust. Again, this is a common issue that occurs after a laser hair treatment, so there is no need to panic. Apply a healing ointment to these overly dry and crusty areas of your skin. A thin layer of petroleum jelly can be beneficial in these areas. Since petroleum jelly does not contain toxic chemicals, using it offers less risk of further irritation.
Post-Treatment Care
After the initial reaction and crusting decreases, you should continue caring for your skin. Make sure to moisturize your skin periodically after your treatment. Consider using aloe vera gel to soothe inflamed skin while keeping it moisturized.
When you bathe or shower, be gentle when washing laser-treated areas. Do not scrub treated areas with a wash cloth, body wash puff, or sponge. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wash areas of your skin. In addition, use a gentle body wash while bathing and showering. To smooth your skin, consider using a gentle exfoliating body wash.
Laser removal of your hair is a safe and effective option, but you must properly care for your underlying skin after the treatment.