What to Expect Before and After Laser Hair Removal

To ensure the most effective laser hair removal treatment, we recommend the following guidelines as you prepare for your appointment:

1. Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning

For at least two weeks before your laser session, please avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanning products. Increased melanin from a tan can raise your risk of side effects, such as burns or pigmentation changes. Our advanced lasers are calibrated for your natural skin tone, so it’s important your skin is at its baseline color for treatment.

2. Pause Certain Hair Removal Methods

For best results, do not wax, pluck, or use hair removal creams on the area to be treated in the weeks leading up to your appointment. Laser hair removal targets the pigment in the hair root, which needs to be intact. However, you should shave the treatment area about 24 hours before your appointment to reduce surface hair while leaving the follicle undisturbed.

3. Prepare Your Skin on Treatment Day

Arrive with clean skin free from lotions, creams, deodorants, perfumes, or makeup. These substances can interfere with the laser and may increase your risk of irritation. If you use topical products containing retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), or beta hydroxy acids (BHA), discontinue them several days before your session or as recommended by your provider.

4. Review Your Medications

Let your Arden Creek technician know about any medications you are taking, including antibiotics, as certain medications can increase your skin’s sensitivity to light. If you have a history of cold sores and are planning to treat areas near your lips, please inform us in advance so we can recommend an antiviral medication to prevent an outbreak.

5. Personalized Care

Every client’s skin is unique. During your consultation, we’ll provide detailed, personalized instructions based on your skin type, hair color, and treatment area. Following our guidelines will help ensure your laser hair removal experience is safe, comfortable, and yields the best possible results.

Proper skincare before and after your appointment is essential for both safety and effectiveness.

Before Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment: To minimize irritation and maximize the effectiveness of your session, we recommend avoiding products that can make your skin more sensitive. Please discontinue the use of retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and topical acne medications for several days prior to your appointment. On the day of your treatment, arrive with clean skin—free of lotions, oils, deodorants, or makeup—on the area to be treated.

After Your Treatment: It’s normal for your skin to be a little red, sensitive, or mildly swollen after your laser session. To support optimal healing, use only gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers for the next few days. Avoid exfoliating products, strong acids, and any active ingredients until redness or sensitivity has resolved. Most importantly, protect your skin from the sun with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, as the treated area will be more vulnerable to UV damage.

Ongoing Care: Once your skin has fully recovered, you can gradually return to your regular skincare routine. However, everyone’s skin heals differently, so always follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your Arden Creek Laser and Aesthetics provider.

Immediately following your laser hair removal session, it’s common for the treated area to feel warm and slightly sensitive—much like a mild sunburn. Some clients describe a gentle tingling or stinging sensation, which typically fades within a few hours.

You may notice mild redness or slight swelling around the hair follicles. Occasionally, a bit of itchiness can occur as your skin heals. Rest assured, these side effects are temporary and part of the skin’s natural response to the treatment.

To minimize any discomfort, our Arden Creek Laser and Aesthetics team recommends applying a soothing moisturizer or a cool compress to the area. We are always here to answer your questions and guide you through post-treatment care.

Proper preparation is key to maximizing your comfort and your outcome. Here are some important steps to follow leading up to your appointment:

Optimize Your Skin Health

In the days before your treatment, keep your skin clean and well-moisturized. We recommend using a gentle cleanser and a fragrance-free moisturizer to maintain your skin’s natural balance. Avoid introducing any new skincare products, especially those containing retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), as these ingredients can make your skin more sensitive and prone to irritation.

Pause Exfoliation and Certain Treatments

To protect your skin, please avoid exfoliating treatments—including scrubs, chemical peels, or at-home exfoliants—for several days before your appointment at Arden Creek Laser and Aesthetics. These can make your skin more vulnerable during your procedure.

Sun Protection

Shielding your skin from the sun is especially important before your treatment. We advise staying out of direct sunlight. Remember to reapply as needed. Please also avoid tanning beds and artificial tanning methods.

Communicate About Your Skin Concerns

If you are prone to acne breakouts or have a history of cold sores, let our Arden Creek Laser and Aesthetics team know ahead of time. We may recommend a preventive medication to help you avoid flare-ups after your treatment.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and promote optimal healing.

Medication and Product Questions

If you have questions about any medications, supplements, or skincare products you are currently using, please reach out to us before your procedure. We are happy to review them to ensure your safety and best results.

If you have any other questions or concerns, our team is always here to help. For more information, contact us today to schedule a consultation online. We are conveniently located at 1451 River Park Drive, suite 210 Sacramento, CA 95815. We serve clients from greater Sacramento CA area, North Natomas CA, Arden-Arcade CA, Fair Oaks CA, Florin CA, Rio Linda CA, Lemon Hill CA, Elk Grove CA, Citrus Heights CA, and surrounding areas.