Part 1: Handling initial discomfort
1, cold compress the hair removal part with ice cubes or ice packs. After laser hair removal, you may feel slight discomfort, like a slight sunburn. Slight swelling or redness may also occur in the uncomfortable part. This kind of pain can be easily relieved by ice cubes and ice packs. You can use this method immediately after laser hair removal, so that you can put them in the refrigerator before making an appointment for surgery. Wrap ice cubes or ice packs with towels before use, and apply the ice packs directly to the skin, which will cause more intense irritation.
Cold compress the hair removal part for at most 10 minute each time, at least 3 times a day until the discomfort disappears. There should be at least one hour between two cold compresses. If the time is too long, the blood flow to this part will decrease, thus slowing down the recovery.
2. Try to use aloe to relieve redness. Many people say that aloe helps to relieve skin discomfort and redness. Aloe vera is sold in the skin care products and sunscreen counters of pharmacies. For the best effect, aloe vera gel must be refrigerated. If possible, use fresh aloe gel, because the effect is better. Apply aloe directly to the hair removal part. Wait a few minutes for the skin to absorb. After the gel starts to dry, you can wipe off the excess aloe with a soft wet towel. However, it is also safe to leave a small amount of aloe on the skin. Repeat this process 2 to 3 times a day until the pain and redness disappear.
3. If ice packs and aloe vera don't work, use over-the-counter painkillers. Most people's discomfort will be relieved after cold compress and aloe gel application, but if the pain does not disappear, they can take over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers. Be sure to follow the doctor's advice when taking over-the-counter painkillers. After laser hair removal, take painkillers for no more than one day. If the pain persists after 24 hours, you must seek medical attention. It is best not to take aspirin after laser hair removal, because it will dilute the blood and prolong the recovery time.
Part II: Protect the skin immediately after hair removal.
1, don't let the hair removal part bask in the sun. Sunlight will stimulate the hair removal area, which may cause discomfort and redness to become more serious. In order to prevent this from happening, the simplest way is not to expose the depilation part to direct sunlight. If you want to go out, be sure to cover that place with clothes. If you do facial hair removal, wear a hat to keep out the sun. Do not use artificial ultraviolet light sources such as sun screens until the skin is completely recovered and all discomfort, swelling and redness disappear.
You can't directly bask in the sun for at least two weeks after laser hair removal, and some medical institutions even recommend six weeks.
Use a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. Always apply sunscreen, especially when your skin is wet or sweaty.
2. Don't let the skin touch the heat source until it is completely healed. The principle of laser hair removal is to use heat to destroy hair follicles, and exposing the hair removal site to other heat sources will increase skin irritation. Do not touch hot water, take a sauna or enter a steaming room for at least 48 hours after hair removal. However, you can clean the hair removal part with water, but you must use cold water or warm water, which will help the part to heal as soon as possible.
Don't do strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours after hair removal. The increase of body temperature caused by exercise can also stimulate the depilation site. Wait at least 48 hours before doing strenuous exercise. You can do moderate exercise such as walking. Just don't let your temperature rise too high.
The third part: Choose the appropriate postoperative care products.
1. Clean the depilation area with a mild detergent. It is very important to keep your skin clean. When cleaning this area, you should use mild cleanser or cleanser for sensitive skin. You can take a bath as usual, but the water temperature must not be too high. You can clean this part 1 2 times a day after hair removal. More times, redness and discomfort may be more serious. After 2 to 3 days, if the skin is no longer red, you can resume your usual skin care program.
2. Choose moisturizing cream for sensitive skin. After laser hair removal, the skin will become more sensitive than usual. You may also feel dry skin, which is especially obvious during the recovery process. Apply a moisturizing cream suitable for sensitive skin on the hair removal part to relieve dryness without causing more irritation. After the initial nursing, you can apply moisturizing cream 2 ~ 3 times a day as needed. Be careful when painting, move lightly, and don't rub hard, so as not to stimulate the hair removal part.
Use a moisturizer that won't get acne. This helps to keep pores open, thus promoting recovery.
3. Don't use irritating cosmetics and skin care products. If you do facial hair removal, don't use cosmetics, because it will further stimulate the skin. The less products you use on your face after operation, the better. After 24 hours, if the skin is no longer red, you can use cosmetics.
You should also avoid using topical facial drugs, such as anti-acne cream. After 24 hours, if the skin is no longer red, you can use these products again.
Tip: If you plan to remove armpit hair, try to arrange the operation in the early hours of the morning. So you don't have to wear deodorant before the operation. After hair removal, wait at least one hour before spraying deodorant.
If you are taking antibiotics, do not do laser hair removal. After stopping antibiotics, you have to wait at least 2 weeks before you can have surgery.
Complete hair removal may require multiple operations. The best interval between two operations is about 6 weeks.
Warning Laser hair removal rarely causes serious complications, but if you start to get blisters or feel more severe pain, you must seek medical attention immediately. If the symptoms of redness, swelling or tenderness persist after 3 days, you should also see a doctor.