How to Care for Your Skin After Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal has become the gold standard for anyone wanting a long-lasting solution to unwanted hair.

Old-school alternatives, like shaving, waxing, plucking, and threading, are only temporary fixes. Laser hair removal gets to the root of your hair problem — literally. The laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle under the skin’s surface, destroying its ability to grow hair.

However, not all laser hair removal systems are alike. At North Texas Med360, we use the most advanced technology in Cynosure® Lutronic® Clarity II™. Our skin specialists Jenine Referente, FNP-C, and Kayla Posada, CLT, expertly guide the Clarity II device over your treatment area as the laser energy painlessly targets the pigment in your hair follicles. 

After a few sessions, you’re hair-free, but your skin may need tender loving care afterward. Here’s how to pamper your newly lasered skin.

How laser hair removal affects your skin

Clarity II targets hair follicles with concentrated light energy, which heats and damages them to inhibit future hair growth. 

While this process leaves you hairless, it may also leave you slightly red, swollen, and sensitive. Here’s how to manage these symptoms and promote quicker healing.

1. Cool down with ice packs

Immediately after your session, your skin may feel warm and tender. Applying ice packs reduces swelling and soothes irritated skin. Wrap the ice pack in a clean cloth to prevent direct contact with your skin, and use it for 10-15 minutes at a time.

2. Avoid the sun 

Your skin is sensitive to UV rays after laser treatment. Exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation or burns, so avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks post-treatment and always wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher when going outside.

3. Use a good moisturizer

Hydrated skin heals faster. To keep your skin hydrated, use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. Look for products with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile, which help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

4. Skip hot showers and baths

Hot water exacerbates skin irritation and prolongs redness. Opt for lukewarm showers and avoid hot baths, saunas, and steam rooms for at least 48 hours after treatment.

5. Wear loose clothing

Wearing tight clothing can irritate your skin and trap heat. Wear loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics to minimize friction and allow your skin to breathe.

6. Do not pick or scratch

It’s tempting to scratch or pick at your skin if you experience itching or flaking, but this can cause scarring or infection. If itching is particularly bothersome, use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.

7. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps your body heal from within. After your laser hair removal treatment, hydration supports skin repair and reduces swelling and redness.

Go — enjoy your hairless skin

The best aftercare tip we can give you is to go and enjoy your hairless skin. There are no activity restrictions after your treatment. Follow our skin care advice and schedule your next session to ensure you treat every hair growth cycle. 

Call North Texas Med360 in Frisco, Texas, or book online today to schedule a Clarity II laser hair removal appointment.