By Laura
Updated: September 24, 2024
5 minutes
Laser hair removal is now a widely used technique to achieve permanent hair reduction. Unlike the typical hair removal methods, it targets hair follicles to achieve long-lasting smooth skin. Since the method involves the use of heat, there can be some aftereffects of laser that can be minimized with proper aftercare.
One such common side effect is dry skin. Sufficient aftercare ensures a smooth healing process, keeps skin moisturized, and maintains the health of your skin. Do you also have dry skin after laser hair removal and wondering what to do? Here’s the answer!
Table of Contents:
- Part 1: Why Does Laser Hair Removal Cause Dry Skin?
- Part 2: How to Treat Dry Skin After Laser Hair Removal?
- Part 3: Laser Hair Removal Aftercare to Prevent Dry Skin
- Part 4: When to Seek Help for Dry Skin After Laser Hair Removal?
Part 1: Why Does Laser Hair Removal Cause Dry Skin?
A laser hair removal device generates heat, primarily affecting the hair follicles to achieve permanent hair reduction. The treatment strips natural oils from the skin, making it dry and sensitive. In addition, temporary redness and irritation can intensify already-existing skin dryness.
There is also a possibility that sebum glands may be affected due to heat produced by a laser device. These glands are closely associated with hair follicles and keep skin and follicles hydrated. Body hair plays an important role in the distribution of sebum throughout the skin.
As the hair is removed and sebum glands get affected, it can also lead to skin dryness.
Part 2: How to Treat Dry Skin After Laser Hair Removal?
Moisturize Regularly
How do we normally treat our dry skin? Use a moisturizer, right? That’s exactly what you need to do after laser hair removal. As heat strips the body of its natural moisture, you need to provide it with external hydration so that the skin healing process goes smoothly.
Use gentle moisturizers or body lotions with no fragrances or harsh ingredients in them. You can also try products with plant-based products like aloe vera or coconut which are good hydrating agents.
Avoid Scratching the Treated Area
It is natural for your skin to be irritated after laser hair removal. This makes you want to scratch the area but you must resist this temptation. It will only damage your skin exacerbating dryness, redness, and discomfort.
To reduce the itching, wear loose clothes so that the fibers from the clothes can increase skin irritation.
Try Aloe Vera Gel
Another way to soothe the irritated skin is using aloe vera gel. It has natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. It will provide you comfort and a cooling sensation after application.
Ensure that the gel is natural and does not contain any artificial products it that can be harmful to the skin.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day also helps in keeping the skin and body hydrated. This promotes the overall health of the skin and speeds up the recovery process.
If you are not used to drinking much water during your day, you can set reminders hours apart or buy some beautiful water bottles that will make you want to use them.
Part 3: Laser Hair Removal Aftercare to Prevent Dry Skin
Ensure Sun Protection
Continuous exposure to the sun reduces moisture from the skin making it dry and flaky. After laser hair removal, skin becomes sensitive and more prone to damage by the sun’s rays. The more the exposure, the increased the chances of dryness.
Therefore, you must avoid going out in the intense sun for at least two days. Even if you go, wear full clothes, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen with SPF above 30.
Avoid Applying Harsh Products
There are times when our cleansers, scrubs, face wash, or body wash contain harsh ingredients like salicylic acid, hydroxy acid, or retinoids. Applying such products after laser can irritate the skin and increase skin dryness.
Even alcohol-based products should not be used as they can also dry out the skin causing it to be flaky and itchy.
Exfoliate Regularly
Regular exfoliation does not help prevent skin dryness directly but it allows better absorption of moisturizer. Usually, when a dead cell layer is built on the top of the skin, moisturizers cannot seep deeper thus they have a reduced effect.
As an exfoliant clears the skin of all the dead cells, it will allow the product to go deep and provide better results.
No Hot Showers and Intense Workouts
Hot showers, saunas, or hot water baths must be avoided after laser hair removal. They produce heat, irritate the skin, and make your skin dry. You can rather go for a lukewarm water bath to soothe your skin after your laser hair removal session.
Part 4: When to Seek Help for Dry Skin After Laser Hair Removal?
The side effects of laser hair removal like redness, irritation, and dryness are temporary and do not last more than 48 hours. Mild to moderate dryness can be easily treated at home using moisturizers, aloe vera gel, and other calming products.
However, if it persists for long even after following all the aftercare steps, you must seek professional help. Here are some other signs that indicate that you need professional help:
- Excessive dryness and flakiness on the skin that may later develop into cracks
- Continuous irritation or burning sensation that does not go away even after using over-the-counter products
- If there are any signs of infection like redness, inflammation, pus, or fever
Conclusion
The occurrence of dry skin after laser hair removal is attributed to the heat that strips away moisture from the skin. There is also a possibility that it affects sebaceous glands which are responsible for maintaining skin hydration.
Luckily, this can be effectively managed at home by using gentle moisturizers or natural products like aloe vera. In addition, the dryness can be prevented from increasing further by protecting the skin from the sun and avoiding heat exposure or harsh products.
Hence, small aftercare steps of laser hair removal can help you keep the skin moisturized, glowy, and healthy.
