Is Vaseline Good for Laser Hair Removal Burns?

Laser hair removal uses high-intensity light to kill unwanted hair follicles on the skin. While this intense light annihilates stubborn hair follicles, it can also cause laser burns.

 These burns are painful and can lead to scab formation and permanent scars on the skin. Thus, it is essential to treat the burns and prevent them from worsening. One of the home remedies to treat burns from laser hair removal is the application of Vaseline on the skin.

 So, in this article, let’s find out “Is Vaseline good for Laser hair removal burn?” 

Table of Contents:

• Part 1: What Causes Burns During Laser Hair Removal?
• Part 2: How  Does  Vaseline Help Heal Burns?
• Part 3: Is Vaseline Good for Laser Hair Removal Burns?
• Part 4: How to Use Vaseline for Laser Hair  Removal Burns?
• Part 5: Alternative Treatments for Laser Hair Removal Burns
  

Part 1: What Causes Burns During Laser Hair Removal?

The energy used in laser hair removal is high-intensity light which is going to be converted into heat as it reaches its target. This intense light with high energy output can cause burns. 

However, some factors make your skin more prone to laser hair removal burns.

Reasons Why Laser Hair Removal Causes Burns

Here are the reasons why you might be getting laser hair removal burns. 

1. Improper Pre-Care of Skin

Some of the basic pre-care steps before laser hair removal include avoiding active ingredients 24-48 hours before your session, staying away from the sun, and keeping skin well-hydrated. 

If your skin is tanned, photosensitive, and dry or has a damaged barrier, the chances of getting laser hair removal are high. 

2. Performing Laser on Incompatible Skin Tone and Hair Color

Most lasers use light that targets the pigment without discriminating against skin or hair. Getting laser hair removal on dark skin leads to the absorption of light energy in the skin rather than the hair.

Additionally, getting laser hair removal using light hair colors also has similar effects. Thus, the laser burns the skin instead of the hair follicles. 

3. Sensitive Skin 

Some people have sensitive skin in general while others suffer from conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. In such cases, skin is prone to irritation and burns caused by lasers.

Also, some medications make skin photosensitive. Thus, it is important to discuss your skin condition and the medicines you are taking with the laser hair removal expert beforehand. 

4. Wrong Technique of Laser Hair Removal

In laser hair removal, the device is flashed on one section of the skin once or twice after proper contact. If the skin contact of the laser is prolonged, more energy is absorbed into the skin causing burns. 

Furthermore, using a laser device with debris on the window or using high-intensity settings on delicate areas of the skin also causes burns. 

Symptoms of Burns Caused by Laser Hair Removal

The skin becomes red and slightly irritated after a laser hair removal session. To differentiate it from burns, here are the signs and symptoms you should notice,

• Increased pain and discomfort in the area treated with laser hair removal
• Skin becoming white or charred 
• Development of blisters 
• Formation of crusts on the skin
• Changes in the skin color and texture
• Inflammation 
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation 

Part 2: How  Does  Vaseline Help Heal Burns?

Vaseline has long been used in skincare, and it plays a role in the treatment of mild laser hair removal burns as well. 

Use of Vaseline in Skincare 

Here are uses of vaseline for skincare, 

• Skin slugging in which Vaseline forms the topmost layer and seals the benefits of underlying skincare products 
• For intense moisturization of dull and dehydrated skin
• To form a physical barrier on the skin while promoting the healing of the natural skin barrier 
• To hydrate chapped lips 
• To reduce soreness of skin caused by hair removal method 
• To reduce the redness and itching in chafed areas of the skin
• To aid DIY hair removal 

Benefits of Vaseline for Burns

In cases of burns caused by laser hair removal or any other hair removal method, applying Vaseline over the burnt area helps, 

• Forming a physical protective layer over the burnt area against environmental factors like gems, infections, dust, and impurities 
• Hydrating the burnt skin by keeping it moisturized
• Preventing skin irritation and thus worsening the burns
• Boosting the healing process and fasten the recovery from the burns

When to Use Vaseline for Burns

The use of Vaseline for laser hair removal burns is recommended in cases where the intensity of the burn is not intense. So, you can use it for, 

• Minor burns and inflammation with no blisters 
• Abrasions 
• Burns with no signs of infection 

Part 3: Is Vaseline Good for Laser Hair Removal Burns?

Let us first discuss the pros and cons of using Vaseline on burns to determine if it is a good treatment option for burns or not. 

Pros of Vaseline for Laser Hair Removal Burns

Here are the reasons why, 

• Vaselines protect the skin from further damage caused by environmental factors 
• It forms a layer of insulation on the burn
• It hydrates the skin so that skin heals quickly 
• It prevents infections by resisting the entry of microbes into the burnt area 

Cons of Vaseline for Laser Hair Removal Burns

You should be careful about using Vaseline on the burnt area because of the following side effects of Vaseline, 

• As it forms a layer of insulation on the skin, it might trap the heat and worsen the skin condition. Note that it happens when you apply Vaseline on fresh burns.
• If your skin is allergic to vaseline, sensitive, or acne-prone, it can aggravate the skin condition instead of relieving it. 
• Applying Vaseline on the skin without properly cleaning increases the chances of infection as bacteria and moisture are trapped in the skin. 
• Vaseline does not work for severe burns with blisters. 

Considering the pros and cons of using Vaseline on the burns, we suggest that you use it for mild burns on normal skin after cleaning it. Also, avoid using Vaseline on hyper-sensitive skin or skin with severe burns. 

Part 4: How to Use Vaseline for Laser Hair  Removal Burns?

Below are the steps to apply Vaseline on the burns caused by laser hair removal, 

• First of all, asses the intensity of the burns to determine if it is mild or severe. Vaseline works for mild burns, and you need a dermatologist’s consultation for severe burns. 
• Wait for a few minutes immediately after getting the burns to allow excessive heat to dissipate. 
• Wash the burnt area with cool to lukewarm soap water. 
• Wash your hands well and apply a thick layer of Vaseline over the burnt area. 
• Leave it on until the skin is in a better condition. 
• Reapply the vaseline on the laser hair removal burns as required. 

Part 5: Alternative Treatments for Laser Hair Removal Burns

In addition to Vaseline, here are some other treatment options for laser hair removal burns. 

1. Aloe Vera Gels

Vaseline has a thick consistency and some people are just allergic to it. In such cases, aloe vera gels serve as a lightweight and quickly absorbing alternative to vaseline. 

Take pure or organic aloe vera gel and apply it gently on the area with laser hair removal burns. Aloe vera gel hydrates the skin, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the healing process. 

2. Over the Counter Burn Creams

In mild to moderate burns, over-the-counter burn ointments are useful. Therefore, if you are feeling severe pain in the burn or the skin is too red and inflamed, get an over-the-counter burn cream with silver sulfadiazine and apply it liberally over the area with burns. 

3. Cool Compresses

One of the first-aid steps in treating laser hair removal burns is to prevent the burn from worsening. You can do so by cooling down the heated area. For this, take a cold compress from any pharmacy or make your own by wrapping ice in a clean towel. 

Gently press this cool compress on the laser hair removal burn and rub it to soothe the skin. 

4. Prescription Creams 

Last but not least, prescription creams can be used for laser hair removal burns. As laser hair removal burns can be very painful, these creams include 

• Hydrocortisone ointment to soothe inflammation 
• Topical antibiotics to prevent infections
• Lignocaine to relieve pain

Conclusion 

Vaseline works effectively in the treatment of laser hair removal burns because of its skin moisturizing and skin barrier strengthening properties. Additionally, it boosts the healing process in the skin by keeping away infections and impurities. 

However, it is important to remember that Vaseline only works for mild burns and abrasions, and you need expert consultation for severe burns.