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How to prep your skin before laser treatment
To avoid any harsh side effects, make sure you follow these preparation tips before heading to your laser appointment:
1. Avoid sun exposure
During a laser treatment, the laser targets specific chromophores (light-absorbing molecules) in the skin. This means that excess melanin from sun exposure will make the laser beams less effective in targeting unwanted hair.
Aside from that, too much sun exposure will compromise your skin, making it prone to irritation after the laser treatment.
With this, you should avoid direct sun exposure for 2-4 weeks before your appointment. If you do need to be outdoors, be sure to wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and a high-SPF sunscreen.
All these will help minimize pigment changes and reduce the risk of complications during your laser treatment.
2. Discontinue certain medications and skin products
If you’re currently taking medications, make sure you check with your healthcare provider first before undergoing laser treatments.
In general, you’ll be advised to stop using the following for 1-2 weeks prior to your laser appointment:
- Retinoids (like tretinoin or adapalene)
- Exfoliating acids (such as glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid)
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Hydroquinone (a skin lightening agent)
- Blood thinners
- Photosensitizing medications (e.g., certain antibiotics, antidepressants, or anti-inflammatory drugs)
IMPORTANT: Never pause any medication until you’ve talked with your physician. If it’s not possible to pause your medications, you should consider rescheduling your laser treatment in the future.
3. Avoid waxing, plucking, and bleaching
In the weeks leading up to your laser appointment, you should avoid pulling the hair from the roots, such as waxing, plucking, or epilation.
Take note that laser beams are absorbed by the melanin in your hair. If you pluck the hair strands from the roots, you’re literally making the laser treatment ineffective and pointless.
Also, you should avoid bleaching or chemically treating the hair in the treatment area. The laser needs to be able to see the pigment in the hair to work properly.
4. Cleanse and moisturize
Proper cleansing and moisturizing are essential for preparing your skin for laser treatments. In the days leading up to your appointment, you should do the following:
Cleanse your skin gently with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.
Avoid scrubbing or using harsh exfoliating products.
Apply a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Avoid any harsh or irritating products that could compromise your skin's barrier.
5. Stay hydrated
Proper hydration supports your skin's natural healing processes and can minimize any discomfort or side effects during your treatment.
For this, you should aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day in the week before your appointment. This will help your skin stay supple, plump, and resilient.
6. Consider a numbing cream
For specific laser treatments, like laser hair removal in North Hollywood, your provider may recommend using a topical numbing cream prior to the procedure. This can help reduce any discomfort or pain during the treatment.
But overall, most clients say that the laser sensation is similar to that of a rubber band snapping on their skin. It’s tolerable, but you can always ask your provider for numbing cream to make your experience as comfy as possible.
7. Tell your provider about your medical history
Be honest about medications, recent sunburns, recent chemical peels, or any skin infections. If you have a history of cold sores or herpes outbreaks in the treatment area, your provider may give you antiviral medication beforehand.
Make sure you keep an open communication with your laser provider to ensure the safety of your treatment.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, your skin will be properly prepared for your upcoming laser treatment. Remember, communication with your provider is key - be sure to discuss any concerns or questions you have so they can guide you through the process.
Above all, you should only trust licensed laser technicians like Pure Skin Laser Center for your treatment. This way, you’ll get smooth skin without side effects or irritation.
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