Can You Use Hair Removal Cream Before Laser
- 3 Reasons [Why]
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Expert Team of
professionals
Over 1 million Treatments
delivered
9 Clinics
Across the UK
Rated 92%
on Trustpilot
Award winning
Clinics Across the UK
Many people want to remove hair quickly before laser treatment, but not all methods are safe. Hair removal creams work fast, but they contain strong chemicals that can cause problems.
No, you should not use hair removal cream before laser treatment. The chemicals can irritate the skin and interfere with the laser’s ability to target the hair follicle effectively. Instead, shaving is the recommended method to prepare for laser hair removal.
In this blog, we’ll cover the impact of hair removal creams on laser hair removal, potential risks, and the best pre-treatment hair removal methods.
Can You Use Hair Removal Cream Before Laser: The Answer Might Surprise You
Many people wonder if they can use hair removal creams before getting laser hair removal. While these creams provide a quick and painless way to remove hair, they may not be the best option before your laser treatment. Let’s explore how they affect the skin and why experts advise against them.
The Impact of Depilatory Creams on the Hair Follicle
Depilatory creams break down the hair’s structure, allowing it to be wiped away from the skin’s surface. However, they do not remove hair from the root. Laser hair removal concentrates on the hair follicle beneath the skin, while hair removal creams only remove hair from the surface. This may reduce the effectiveness of the laser treatment.
Why Laser Hair Removal Specialists Recommend Avoiding Hair Removal Creams
Experts advise against using depilatory creams before laser treatment for several reasons:
- Interference with the laser: Since the laser targets the pigment in the hair root, surface-level hair removal can reduce its effectiveness.
- Chemical exposure: Hair removal creams contain strong chemicals that can leave the skin irritated or sensitive.
- Increased risk of side effects: Damaged or irritated skin is more prone to burns, discoloration, or blisters after laser treatment.
Potential Risks of Using Hair Removal Cream Before Laser
Using depilatory creams before laser hair removal can lead to several unwanted side effects:
- Skin Irritation and Sensitivity
The chemicals in these creams can cause redness, burning, or allergic reactions. If the skin is irritated before laser treatment, it may worsen the discomfort. - Reduced Effectiveness of Laser Treatment
Laser treatment works best when the hair is present in the follicle. If the hair removal cream dissolves too much of the hair, the laser may not target it effectively. - Increased Risk of Side Effects
When depilatory creams already compromise the skin, it becomes more vulnerable. Laser treatment on irritated skin can lead to burns, blisters, or pigmentation changes.
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Best Hair Removal Methods Before Laser Treatment
To prepare for laser hair removal, specialists recommend using methods that keep the hair root intact. The best options include:
- Shaving: Trims the hair while leaving the follicle intact, making it the safest option before laser.
- Avoiding waxing, tweezing, or epilating: These methods remove hair from the core, which can reduce the laser’s effectiveness.
Conclusion
While hair removal creams might seem like a convenient choice, they can negatively affect laser hair removal results. To ensure the best outcome, follow professional recommendations and opt for shaving instead. Always consult your laser specialist for the best pre-treatment care.
- You may experience slight redness and swelling, which should resolve within 24 hours.
- Mineral make-up can be worn post 24 hours
- Avoid heat, saunas, hot tubs and sweaty activity for 24 hours; this includes the exercise of any kind.
- Avoid products containing exfoliating agents (retinoic acid, retinol, tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl
- peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, astringents, etc.)
- Avoid any exfoliation treatments for 2 weeks
- The skin may peel slightly- this is normal and will resolve within 48-72 hours
- Avoid direct sunlight or sunbeds for 72 hours
- You may resume your regular skincare routine 48-72hours after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shaving is the best method before laser treatment because it removes hair at the surface while keeping the follicle intact.
Laser hair treatment works by targeting the pigment in the hair root, so if a hair removal cream weakens or dissolves too much of the hair, the laser may not be as effective. Also, shaving avoids chemical irritation that can occur with depilatory creams.
No, it’s recommended to avoid hair removal creams between laser sessions. Since laser hair treatment targets the hair follicle, keeping the root intact is essential for optimal results. Using a depilatory cream weakens the hair structure, which may affect the laser's ability to work properly.
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