Laser Hair Removal is the method of permanently eliminating hair by sending a highly concentrated beam to hair follicles. You can throw out annoying hair in this process. This is a safe and dependable process that can ensure reduced hair growth and long-term relief from unwanted hair. As light beams are sent to your skin directly, it should be taken care of carefully for a few days. Your skin becomes delicate after the process. So, it is very important not to be harsh on your skin for some days. If you do so, your skin can get damaged severely.
So, you should maintain some protocol after getting laser hair removal. The skin care products you use should be limited in this period. But your skin needs proper care too in this delicate time. Thus, here the confusion arises about what to use and what not to use to take care of the skin properly. A common confusion is about using lotion as it is a common skin care product people use.
Here in this article, I’m going to talk about if it is okay to use lotion after laser hair removal or not. Stay with me if you’re confused about it.
Can I Use Lotion after Laser Hair Removal?
As heavily concentrated light is passed to your skin in this process, your skin becomes very sensitive, and it takes time to get rid of the situation. Luckily, in most cases, it takes only 2-3 days to recover properly. The problem is the process hampers the natural process of your skin. Thus, your body can’t produce enough moisture to maintain the moisture balance of your skin. So, your skin becomes dry and dull. It requires moisture. Keeping your skin dull and dry for 2-3 days may cause a bit of irritation.
Lotion can help you in this case. But you can’t apply all types of lotions.
It is best not to use any kind of product on the spot within the first 24 hours of the treatment. In this period, your skin remains very sensitive and reacts to things frequently. If you’re in dire need of miniaturization, use scent-free and alcohol-free body lotions only. At first, apply a bit and check if it irritates or not. If it doesn’t irritate your skin, you can apply it.
After 24 hours have passed, your skin has recovered a bit. Now you can apply scent-free and alcohol-free body lotion if you want. Continue this for the next 48 hours.
After 3 days, you can try using your regular body lotion. But be careful and apply a small amount at first. If you don’t feel any irritation, you can go for it. But if you feel irritation, you shouldn’t use it. Keep using the scent-free one for a few more days.
It is always best to discuss it with your cosmetics expert. They can suggest the best one to use.
In short, your skin remains sensitive in the first 72 hours after laser hair removal. So, within this time, you shouldn’t use any lotion that can cause irritation and harm. That’s why you should stay away from scent-free and alcohol-free lotions that don’t contain irritating ingredients.
You can apply your regular lotion after 3 days. But before confidently applying it, check by applying a bit at first. If there is no irritation, you can go for it.
Also read: Here is Why You Should Not Go for Laser Hair Removal
Some other Things to Focus on
Below I’m going to talk about some other common skin care and other issues after laser hair removal.
1. Sun Exposure
You’re suggested to keep your sun exposure as minimum as possible for at least a week. Your skin becomes very fragile after the treatment and the sun can cause serious damage to your skin. So, you should stop going under the sun as much as possible. I’m not telling you to stay at home for a whole week. You can go out but use good sunscreens. But within 72 hours after the treatment, applying sunscreen is a bit risky. In that case, you can avoid going out or can use a hat, cloth, or any other physical barrier to protect your skin.
2. Taking Shower
You can take a cool shower right after the treatment. It won’t be an issue. But as your skin is a bit sensitive, don’t go for too cold water. You can also take shower using water of lukewarm temperature. But, don’t go for a hot shower or hot bath for at least 48 hours. Your skin cells are fragile and hot water can harm easily. After 48 hours, you can continue the hot shower.
3. Using Deodorant
If you take this treatment for removing underarm hair, you might ask about using deodorant. The answer is- NO. Deodorants come with scents that irritate your delicate skin. So, you shouldn’t go for it for at least 48 hours after the treatment.
4. Using Makeup
For the same reason, you shouldn’t use makeup on your skin after laser hair removal. Your skin is delicate in this period and it needs enough time to heal. Ingredients in makeup products may damage your delicate skin cells. You don’t want this damage, I know. So, stay away from applying makeup within 48 hours of the treatment.
5. Exfoliating
Surely exfoliation is important, but not when your skin is irritated. You should avoid exfoliation for at least a week after laser hair removal. The exfoliation process is harsh on your skin and it may cause damage and irritation. Similarly, you can’t use a scrub on the treated zone for a week at least. Exfoliating, scrubbing, or scratching will make this situation worse.
Final Verdict
Surely lotion and other skincare products are important and beneficial for your skin. But just after a laser hair removal, you should be cautious about using these. Have patience and make sure that anything you use doesn’t harm your delicate skin.
Avoid products that come with added scent, alcohol, or other harsh ingredients that make your skin dryer.
Also read: Is Shaving Pubic Hair Beneficial For You? 4 Things To Know