Laser Hair Removal
Post-Care Guide
No waxing, bleaching or plucking during the course of treatment. Laser is effective as it targets hair follicle
No creams, lotions, makeup for 24 hours after treatment
Avoid using hot water or aggressively scrub the treated area for 24-48 hrs
Do not sweat a lot for the first 24hrs after treatment
In 7 days gently scrub the area every other day for a week or longer
No shaving of the treated area for 1-3 days post treatment
Apply sunscreen daily for the next 7 days
Avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before and after treatments
Avoid taking photosensitive medications for at least 2 weeks before and after treatment
Forgot to book your next appointment?
Click here!
In-Depth Aftercare Instructions
FIRST 24-72 HOURS (Days 1-3)
What You May Feel
Redness (“erythema”)
Raised bumps around follicles (“perifollicular edema”)
Warmth or mild swelling
Slight itching or tingling
These are normal responses and usually last from a few hours up to 24–48 hours.
❌ Avoid
NO hot showers or baths
NO saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis
NO heavy sweating or workouts
NO deodorant on underarms (for 24 hours)
NO makeup on treated facial areas for 12–24 hours
NO tanning, sun exposure, or sunbeds
NO picking, rubbing, or scratching
NO fragranced products, AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide
✅ Do
Cool the skin
Apply cold compresses or an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth for 10–15 minutes at a time.
This helps reduce heat and swelling.
Use soothing, non-active skincare
Recommended types:
Aloe vera gel (pure, fragrance-free)
100% aloe vera or post-laser gel
Centella asiatica (cica) gel
Thermal spring water spray (Avene/La Roche-Posay style)
Sun protection
Use SPF 30–50 daily on exposed areas.
Absolutely NO sunbathing or intentional tanning.
Wear loose clothing
Avoid friction on treated areas (especially bikini, underarms, chest).
Keep the area clean
Use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water only.
DAY 3–14 (NORMAL HEALING PHASE)
What You May See
Hairs begin to shed or “fall out” between days 7–14 — this is normal!
They are not growing, they are being pushed out of the follicle.
Skin should return to baseline by this point.
❌ Avoid
Waxing, plucking, threading (removes the follicle and disrupts treatment)
Harsh scrubs or chemical peels
Tanning or sun exposure (may cause hyperpigmentation)
✅ Do
Exfoliate gently (starting Day 5–7)
This helps hairs shed more easily.
Use:
A soft washcloth
A gentle exfoliating mitt
Mild exfoliant (NOT acids yet)
Moisturize regularly
Keeps skin barrier healthy and reduces ingrowns.
Use sunscreen consistently
🕒 AFTER 2 WEEKS
It’s normal to see small patches of regrowth — these are hairs entering a new growth cycle.
Shaving is allowed anytime.
Continue SPF daily.
Sun Care (Very Important)
Cynosure Elite iQ creates heat in the follicle — UV exposure can cause pigmentation changes.
Daily SPF 30–50
Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors
Wear protective clothing
Avoid sun for 7–10 days post-treatment
Products That Are Safe Immediately After
Aloe vera (pure)
Cica creams (Centella) or SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel, or AlumierMD Recovery Balm.
Thermal spring water spray
Hyaluronic acid serum -Hydrating B5 gel from SkinCeuticals
Ceramide moisturizer such as SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore, AlumierMD HydraCalm or Hydra Dew.
Gentle cleansers such as AlumierMD Sensi Calm or SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser. Those are not foamy.
What NOT to Use for 7 Days
Retinol
AHAs/BHAs
Vitamin C (acid forms)
Benzoyl peroxide
Perfumed lotions
Self-tanner on treated area
Any hair removal method other than shaving
When to Contact Your Provider
Seek medical attention if you experience:
Blistering
Increasing redness after 48 hours
Pus, yellow crust, or oozing
Severe swelling or pain
Darkening/lightening of skin that’s spreading
These can indicate infection or a reaction.