It’s quite common for laser hair removal to come with a list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to getting prepared for an appointment. In fact, we’ve written one ourselves that you can read here! However, sometimes the list doesn’t land as effectively when we lack understanding of why we need to follow the instructions. Today we’re diving a little deeper into some of the most important ways to prepare for laser hair removal so that you arrive informed, and ready to get the safest, most optimal results possible.
Why avoid tanning before laser hair removal?
Avoiding tanning of all kinds, (indoor, outdoor, and self-tanning) before laser hair removal is really important to ensure that the right settings are applied to your treatment across all your sessions. With most lasers, like the Bare HR laser at Coco Med Spa, the settings are based on your skin tone and the contrast between your hair and skin tone. This contrast helps the laser adjust to find and target the hair and follicle for removal. Less contrast requires different settings than those with a higher contrast. Mismatched settings due to varying skin tones increase the likelihood of unsuccessful treatment at best and burned, damaged skin in a worst-case scenario. For best results, be sure to avoid outdoor and indoor tanning for at least two weeks before beginning laser treatment as well as through the duration of your sessions.
Why is photosensitive medication use not allowed during laser hair removal?
Just as it can react to sunlight, your skin can react negatively to the used in laser hair removal if you’re in photosensitive medication. When these compounds are in your body, your skin is more sensitive to UV light and is more prone to damage from even otherwise reasonable amounts of light. For best results, be sure to schedule laser hair removal at least two weeks after you finish any photosensitive medication. Check with your provider if you have any questions about a specific medication.
Why not tweeze or wax before laser hair removal?
Tweezing or waxing too close to laser hair removal risks rendering your session ineffective. The reason is that these methods of hair removal remove the hair from the follicle and if there is no hair in the follicle, it impairs proper treatment during the laser hair removal session. It can take as long as 6 weeks for plucked hair to return but best practices suggest that clients stop waxing and plucking at least 4 weeks before your laser treatment. You should, however, shave before your treatment to make sure it’s as comfortable and painless as possible. Long hairs will singe under the laser and when singed hair touches your skin that will definitely create discomfort. Shaving removes the top part of the hair while leaving the root of the hair in the follicle, allowing it to be targeted and treated!
Although there are a handful of other things to do or not do while preparing for laser hair removal with us at Coco Med Spa in St. Pete, these are some of our most common and most important instructions to make note of. Still have questions? Contact us today!
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