While preparing your menus, gifts and guest lists for the coming Holidays, this is the perfect time to prepare your own personal skin care regime, as well. Facials, peels, fillers, BOTOX, there is an array of relaxing, rejuvenating and repairing beauty treatments to help you put your best face forward for the Season.
If removing unwanted hair is one of your ongoing concerns and you were intrigued by our recent discussion of laser hair removal treatments, let’s take a look at the actual procedure, side effects and follow-up care.
At least, 2 – 4 weeks prior to treatment, avoid exposure to the sun, which can interfere with the laser’s effectiveness and increase possible side effects. For the same period of time, avoid plucking, electrolysis or waxing which removes the very hair roots that the laser is targeting. Shaving does not remove anything except the hair on the surface of the skin so may be used prior to the procedure.
During treatment, you and the practitioner will wear protective glasses and a cooling gel and, perhaps, a numbing agent may be applied to your skin. The hair to be treated may be trimmed or shaved within millimeters of the skin’s surface. While every patient reacts differently, laser hair removal is not, generally, known as a painful procedure. It has been described as the quick snap of an elastic band.
Upon completion of the procedure, you may receive ice packs for possible redness or swelling. Usually, side effects are very temporary. For a day or two, after treatment, your skin might feel as if it’s sunburned and cool compresses and moisturizers may eliminate any discomfort.
The best care, after laser treatments, is gentle care. Keep the area clean but refrain from scrubbing or using harsh products. And for at least 2 – 4 weeks, remember to apply a sun-
screen with an SPF of 30…which is a good habit to continue whenever you will be outdoors.
Do note that it might appear as if your hair is still growing. This will change over the next week or two as the treated hair will begin to fall out. And remember that new, untreated hair will be growing in and you should schedule your next appointment for between 4 – 6 weeks.
