10 Tips for the Best Laser Hair Removal Results

SpaMedica in Grand Rapids offers Icon laser hair removal treatments that can reduce unwanted hair – anywhere on the face or body – without pain or downtime. With laser hair removal treatments at SpaMedica in Grand Rapids anyone can have smooth, sexy skin – without daily shaving or painful plucking and waxing.

Icon laser hair removal is ideal for permanently reducing unwanted hair growth on the face, underarms, arms, legs, back, bikini line, “Brazilian” and chest.

At SpaMedica we want our Grand Rapids patients to have the most comfortable laser hair removal experience with the very best results. So, in this article, our hair removal experts share 10 tips for ensuring your laser hair reduction session delivers the best possible outcomes and the smoothest possible skin!

#1. Shave Before Laser Hair Removal

The area to be treated with the hair removal laser must be cleanly shaved within 24 hours prior to your session. Do not use an electric razor, as this typically leaves the hair too long.

The laser needs to target the follicle beneath the skin – but hair shafts that extend above the skin can burn if exposed to the laser’s heat.

#2. No Tweezing Before Laser Hair Removal

Do not tweeze, wax or pluck the treatment area prior to your laser hair removal session. Only shave the area.

Plucking can remove the pigmented shaft from the follicle, so that it does not absorb the laser light energy. Additionally, tweezing can cause the skin to be inflamed or sensitive, which will make your laser hair removal session more painful.

#3. Skin Needs to Be Free of All Residue

Do not apply makeup, lotion, cream, deodorant, or sunscreen, etc. before your laser hair removal treatment. Typically, before treatment starts, it is a good idea to use special wipes supplied by your technician to remove all residue from the skin.

#4. No Sun Exposure 4 Weeks Before Laser Hair Removal

The face or body cannot be treated with laser hair removal if it has been exposed to sun (or a tanning booth) within 4 weeks prior to your treatment.

Additionally, self-tanning products cannot be used for three to four weeks before laser hair removal treatment. Again, this is because the laser attacks the pigment in the hair follicle – so you do not want the pigmentation in the skin to attract the laser heat.

#5. Exfoliate Before Laser Hair Removal

The area to be treated should also be thoroughly exfoliated before treatment, if at all possible. This ensures that all residue is removed – so that nothing interferes with the lasers ability to penetrate the follicle.

But, avoid any irritating products, treatments or peels – such as retinol, glycolic acid or alpha or beta hydroxy acid-  for at least three days prior to your laser hair removal treatment.

#6. No Caffeine Before Laser Hair Removal

Avoid caffeine the day of your laser hair removal, as it can make skin more sensitive.

#7. Schedule Laser Hair Removal Around Your Period

Try to schedule your laser hair removal appointment when you are not having your period, and when you are not feeling the effects of PMS. Menstruation can actually make your skin significantly more sensitive.

#8. Relax During Laser Hair Removal

Relaxation during any medical treatment helps the body experience less discomfort. Our caring staff will do everything to make you comfortable and put you in a relaxed and pampered state. Sipping warm tea or listing to your music with ear buds can help you relax during your laser hair removal treatment.

Remember laser hair removal is far less painful than waxing or electrolysis, so there is no need to be nervous or tense! Most patients describe the pulsed light delivered by the laser as feeling like a rubber band snapping the skin.

#9. Take an OTC Pain Reliever Before Laser Hair Removal

Popping a couple Advil or Ibuprofen a half hour to an hour before your laser hair removal treatment is usually sufficient to reduce any minor pain. Some of our Grand Rapids patients even insist that having a glass of wine at lunch to relax before their hair removal treatment works wonders. (Just be sure you have a driver arranged!)

#10. Ice the Laser Hair Removal Area Afterwards

After the laser technician is done treating an area, placing an ice pack on the area will numb any pain and help reduce any inflammation. (Just don’t apply ice directly to the skin). At the end of the hair removal treatment, your technician will also apply a special lotion containing aloe and other soothing ingredients.

Additionally, the heat from the laser actually stays within the skin for about 24 hours after hair removal. So, also avoid working out, saunas, and hot showers or baths for at least a day.

Best Laser Hair Removal – Grand Rapids

SpaMedica in Grand Rapids offers the most advanced technologies in skin treatments, including revolutionary Icon laser hair removal.

Each laser hair removal treatment begins with a professional skin consultation by our skilled and experienced aesthetician to ensure the best possible results.

Schedule your laser hair removal consultation and treatment at SpaMedica– and then relax in our Grand Rapids Med Spa while we give you silky smooth, hair free skin!

Laser Hair Removal – Grand Rapids: (616) 888-3890