Can You Workout After Laser Hair Removal?

Are you a fitness freak who does not skip a single day at the gym whether you have a hectic schedule, it is raining, or there is no conveyance? Additionally, are you planning for laser hair removal? 

However, are you confused about it as you came to know that exercise is prohibited after laser hair removal as mentioned in laser hair removal guide 101? Well, relax, we will help you with your concerns. 

So, let us find out if can you workout after laser hair removal, when can you exercise after laser, and what are the risk factors of exercising immediately after the treatment. 

Table of Contents

• Part 1: How Sweat Affects Laser Hair Removal?
• Part 2: Potential Risks and Complications of Exercise After Laser Hair Removal?
• Part 3: When Can You Workout After Laser Hair Removal?
• Part 4: Types of Exercises to Avoid After Laser Hair Removal
• Part 5: Immediate Post-Treatment Guidelines

Part 1: How Sweat Affects Laser Hair Removal?

The major concern about exercising after laser hair removal is the production of sweat in the skin. So, we have to understand why is sweating bad for laser hair removal results.

First of all, there are two types of sweat Eccrine glands and Apocrine glands. The Eccrine glands open directly into the pores at the skin’s surface and they produce a clear watery fluid. On the other hand, apocrine glands are related closely to the hair follicle and their duct carries the sweat from the follicles to the skin. These produce thick protein-rich fluid. 

The apocrine glands are more common in hairy areas of the body like armpits and pubic region and they produce bad body odor as well. When laser destroys the hair follicle, it also blocks the duct that carries the sweat to the skin.

As a result, sweat is produced and accumulated leading to irritation of the skin and slowed recovery after laser. Moreover, sweating triggers the side effects of laser and slows down the healing of the skin. 

Therefore, it is best to avoid activities that make you sweat for at least 2 days after laser hair removal.

Part 2: Potential Risks and Complications of Exercise After Laser Hair Removal?

It is recommended to avoid exercise for 48 hours after you are done with your laser hair removal session. It is about 2 days which might seem a lot for gym enthusiasts. However, doing a workout immediately after the laser hair removal session can give worse outcomes. 

So, the potential risks and complications of exercise after laser hair removal are given as,

• Excessive sweating and overheating of the skin
• The sweat leads to bacterial growth in the skin
• Inflammation in the hair follicles leading to folliculitis 
• Skin redness, discomfort, and irritation 
• Changes in the pigmentation of the skin
• Skin blisters and crusts
• Delayed recovery of the treated area after the treatment

Part 3: When Can You Workout After Laser Hair Removal?

If we talk about working out before a laser hair removal session, you can do it as you like. But ensure that you take a cold shower and cleanse the area to be treated well before the session. Here we will talk about how long after laser removal can you work.

It is best to avoid exercise for 48 hours after a laser hair removal session. There should at least be a delay of 24 hours before exercising. In addition to exercise, you should avoid hot showers, sun exposure, and anything that heats your body.

Furthermore, avoiding exercise is mandatory if you have laser in the armpits or bikini lines as this area has dense hair and sweat glands. You can exercise about 1 to 2 days after the laser hair removal treatment. Avoiding exercise for 2 days gives your body enough time to heal.

Therefore, schedule your session when you have your break during the week to avoid workouts without interfering with your routine. Moreover, you can just take an extra workout set in the coming days to keep up with your muscle-building and weight loss. 

Part 4: Types of Exercises to Avoid After Laser Hair Removal

A hairless body is like a cherry on top of well-built muscles. However, exercise immediately after laser hair removal is not a good idea. So, you should avoid the following types of exercises after laser hair removal.

• Any exercise that can raise your heart rate. These exercises are mainly cardio including rowing, mountain climbing, jumping jacks, circuit training, boxing, jump ropes, burpee, and jogging.
• Exercises that increase the core temperature of the body. These include planks, squats, Russian twists, pushups, crunches, flutter kicks, and jumping lunges.
• Also avoid cycling, swimming, weightlifting, zumba, CrossFit, and swift walking.

While you need to avoid these exercises, there are low-impact low-impact exercises you can do. 

• Meditation and yoga as it does not involve raised body temperature or sweating
• Taking a stroll around a part when the weather is fine 

Part 5: Immediate Post-Treatment Guidelines

Here are some post-treatment guidelines to achieve the best results of laser hair removal. You need to take these measures for 2 to 7 days after the session.

• After the laser, treat your body with cool compresses, aloe vera, and moisturizes to nourish your skin and boost it to heal
• Use prescription creams if your doctor has recommended some. Also, pay attention to the instructions of your doctor for post-treatment care
• Do not exercise or swim 
• Do not wear makeup or active skincare products
• Do not go to spas, saunas, or hot showers
• Do not scratch or pick the treated area
• Wear loose clothes and allow airflow

Conclusion 

Exercise makes the body sweat and heat up. This leads to skin irritation, rashes, inflammation, and delayed recovery which is why the doctors encourage clients to take a 2-day break from workouts after laser hair removal sessions. 

Therefore, even if you love exercise, pamper your body and let it recover before going to the gym.