If you’re planning to have any kind of laser treatment in the future, you must know how to properly prep your skin beforehand. Prepping your skin properly can maximize results and minimize any potential side effects that could occur. Prepping your skin properly allows your skin to be in the best possible condition for laser treatment. Below are some of the steps you should consider taking before you have any kind of laser treatment done.
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Avoid sun exposure
Before and especially after laser treatment, it’s important to avoid direct exposure and tanning beds, as this can increase the risk of complications. Around two weeks leading up to your scheduled laser treatment, you should cover up the treatment area when going outside in the sun. This is because sun exposure can make your skin more sensitive, which is not what you want just before any kind of laser treatment. Whether you’re having laser hair removal or hyperpigmentation laser treatment, it’s important to avoid direct sunlight to prioritize optimal healing.
If you cannot avoid direct sunlight then you must use a high SPF sunscreen when outdoors.
Discontinue certain skincare products
Your aesthetician may advise you to stop using certain skincare products containing certain ingredients such as retinoids, glycolic acid, and other exfoliants for a period before your laser treatment. These products can increase skin sensitivity and make you more prone to unwanted side effects. It’s always important to follow the advice of the skin care professional in charge of your treatment.
Ensure that you follow pre-treatment instructions
Before your laser treatment, your aesthetician will provide tailored instructions for you to follow. This depends on your skin type and the type of laser treatment you’ll be undergoing. This can include guidelines on what to use on your skin, avoiding certain skincare and makeup, as well as other advice that’s tailored specifically to you and your skin.
Stay hydrated
Having your skin in the best condition is beneficial for the healing process post-laser treatment. To ensure your skin is as healthy as it can be, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water leading up to your laser treatment. This can leave your skin in optimal condition for healing afterward. It’s important to stay hydrated before and after laser treatment.
Avoid waxing or plucking hair around the treatment area
If your laser treatment requires you to remove your body hair before the procedure then you should avoid waxing or plucking. This is because the waxing and plucking can disturb the hair follicles, which could potentially interfere with the effectiveness of your laser treatment.
By following the above steps as well as your aesthetician’s pre-treatment instructions, you will be ensuring the best possible outcome for your laser treatment. By following the recommended steps, you mitigate the risks of complications, and you also promote optimal skin healing. Ensure you always consult a skin care professional before undergoing any kind of laser treatment.