How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
The rules that decide whether a session works, and the ones that keep it safe in Arizona sun.
5 min read
Shave, do not wax
Shave the treatment area within twenty four hours of your appointment, close and clean. Hair above the skin absorbs laser energy at the surface, which hurts more and delivers less energy where it is needed. At the same time the follicle below must still be intact, so stop waxing, plucking, threading, and epilating at least four weeks before you start and for the duration of your series.
Sun is the big one here
This matters more in Arizona than almost anywhere. Avoid deliberate sun exposure and tanning for two weeks before and after each session, and no self tanner for at least a week before. Tanned or recently burned skin holds extra pigment that competes with the hair for laser energy, which raises the risk of blistering and pigment change. If you show up sunburned we will reschedule you, and that is the right call.
What to pause on your skin
Stop retinoids, glycolic and salicylic acids, and benzoyl peroxide on the treatment area three to five days out. Skip deodorant on the day of an underarm session. Come in with clean, dry, product-free skin, no lotion, oil, or makeup on the area.
Medications and conditions to disclose
Tell us about anything that increases light sensitivity, including doxycycline and other tetracyclines, some diuretics, St. John's wort, and isotretinoin. Recent isotretinoin use usually means waiting six months. Also disclose a history of cold sores if the area is near your mouth, active skin infections, pregnancy, and any recent injectables or resurfacing in the area.
Aftercare
Redness and mild swelling around the follicles is normal for a day or two and looks a bit like goosebumps. Keep the area cool and moisturized, skip hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, and workouts for twenty four to forty eight hours, and use sunscreen daily on exposed areas. Around one to three weeks later treated hairs push out and shed, which looks like regrowth but is not, do not pluck them, just let them shed or shave.
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Laser Hair Removal in Gilbert, AZ
Stop shaving, stop waxing, stop thinking about it. A completed series of laser hair removal delivers lasting hair reduction on nearly any area of the face or body.
Read the full treatment guide