Laser hair removal is one of those beauty investments that really pays off. No more shaving stubble every other day or dealing with painful wax strips. But once the laser session is over, your skin enters a healing phase—and how you care for it can make or break the results.
Here’s the truth: laser hair removal is safe, quick, and effective—but it’s not totally hands-off. The first few days after your treatment are crucial. Think of your skin like it’s recovering from a mild sunburn—it’s a little sensitive and needs TLC.
Let’s break down what not to do after your session—and why each one matters more than you think.
- Don’t Hit the Gym or Sauna Right Off the Bat
Sweating might be a part of your daily routine, but right after laser treatment, it’s better to take a break. Laser-treated skin is more sensitive and prone to inflammation.
Sweat can irritate open hair follicles and increase the risk of redness, rashes, or even breakouts—especially in high-friction areas like underarms or bikini line.
What you should be doing after a laser hair removal session is to take 24–48 hours off from intense workouts, saunas, hot tubs, and even steamy showers. Your skin needs to cool down before you heat it up again.
- Avoid Hot Showers and Baths
It’s tempting to jump into a relaxing hot bath, but that’s a hard no after laser.
Heat increases blood flow to the skin, which can intensify swelling and irritation. Since laser already creates heat in your follicles, adding more can delay healing.
Better option: Stick to lukewarm showers for the next 1–2 days. Gently pat your skin dry—no scrubbing, ladies!
- Stay Out of the Sun (and Give Up the Tanning Beds)
Laser-treated skin is almost equivalent to being more vulnerable to UV damage. Spending time in the sun without protection could lead to dark spots or even burns. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial for protecting skin from UV rays.1
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+, even if it’s cloudy out. If you can, keep the treated area covered or shaded for at least 1–2 weeks. Skip the beach and tanning beds for a good two weeks. Your skin needs downtime, not tan lines.
- Don’t Exfoliate or Use Scrubs Too Soon
It might seem like a good idea to slough off dead skin and help the shedding process—but hold off for now. Exfoliating too soon can seriously mess with your healing process, potentially leading to tiny cuts, redness, or even scarring.
For a comprehensive guide on when and how to safely exfoliate after laser hair removal, it’s best to wait at least 5–7 days. During this initial period, your skin is in a sensitive healing phase and needs gentle care to avoid irritation.
- Skip Makeup, Deodorant, and Fragranced Products (At First)
If your treatment was done on your face or underarms, go makeup- and fragrance-free for a day.
Why it matters: These products can clog freshly treated pores or cause stinging, redness, or breakouts. Harsh ingredients when applied to recovering skin is not a good combination.
Keep it clean: Use gentle, fragrance-free products only. Think calming creams or aloe gel if needed.
- Don’t Tweeze, Wax, or Pick at the Treated Area
We get it—you want the hair gone yesterday. Some hair might shed post-treatment, but don’t help it along. No tweezing, waxing, or threading. And please—no scratching.
Light shedding is totally normal, and it can take 1–3 weeks to complete. Don’t rush it.
- Avoid Strong Skincare Ingredients (Like Retinol or Acids)
If you’re a skincare junkie, it might be hard to skip your usual routine, your go-to retinol or acne serum? Not right now. These can be too aggressive on freshly lasered skin. So, stick to a basic, soothing skincare routine for at least a week. Gentle cleansers and hydrating moisturizers are your best friends during recovery.
Final Thoughts: Play it Smart to Maximize Your Results
Laser hair removal is a long-term win, but the best results come with short-term care. Avoid these post-treatment mistakes, and you’ll protect your skin, reduce irritation, and make sure those sessions actually work.
Treat the smoother, hair-free skin you’ve invested in like the VIP it is. Learn how Canada MedLaser Clinics can help you reach your hair-free goals.
Source:
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Sunscreen Resource Center.
