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How To Prepare For The First Laser Hair Removal Session

Even when you don’t know how laser hair removal works, you do know that there is a solution available especially when you are tired of waxing or shaving. And, this solution is the only permanent solution to this problem. This is a noninvasive procedure that is very quick and the reward is softer and smoother skin. In this article, you will learn how this treatment works and how you can prepare for your first laser hair removal in Virginia.

The science of laser hair removal

The science behind this treatment is pretty simple. Laser light pulses target melanin in hair follicles which further damages the hair follicles. Hair follicles are too damaged to regrow new hair. Although this treatment is perfect for dark hair and light skin combinations, other hair skin combinations can also reap the benefits of laser hair removal. The extent of the damage caused to hair depends on the wavelength. Laser with longer wavelength can destroy hair follicles with greater precision. However, this is achievable when pigment selectivity and the wavelength are very accurate. The will also prevent any damage to the surrounding tissues.

Preparing for laser hair removal session

If you are choosing laser hair removal to get rid of unwanted hair, start with finding the right board-certified doctor. This doctor is specialized in cosmetic surgery. Don’t forget to see the experience and success rate of the doctor. Sometimes it is a licensed nurse or an assistant of the physician performing this procedure. However, ask the doctor if he will be supervising or not. There are some salons, spas and other facilities offering hair removal in which there are non-medical personals offering this treatment. Stay away from them. You need a qualified dermatologist for that.

Before you go for laser hair removal in Virginia, start with a consultation with the doctor. The doctor will review your medical history. The doctor will discuss benefits, risks and complications (although there is hardly any complication involved in this treatment) with you. Also take some photos if you want to do a before-and-after assessment. Here is what you should do before the first session.

Stay out of the sun

Do this to avoid skin tanning. This increases the skin lightening risk. This also increases the risk of side-effects. Skin tanning, whether due to sunless tanning or sun exposure, it must be faded before the laser hair removal session. Start avoiding the sun or any artificial skin tanning six weeks before the laser hair treatment session.

Avoid waxing, plucking and electrolysis

The hair removal methods like waxing, plucking and electrolysis before laser hair removal session can interfere with the treatment by disturbing the hair follicle. Shaving will not disturb the treatment. Shaving preserves both hair follicle and shaft. Buy a new razor a day before the treatment. Shaving makes it easy for the laser to reach the follicles. When you are using a new razor, this makes sure that there are no bacteria. This will prevent conditions like dermatitis after the treatment.

Check your skincare regimen

During the first consultation, tell the doctor about anti-aging products you are using. The doctor may ask you to stop using certain anti-aging products on the skin before and after the treatment. Salicylic acid, alphahydroxy acid, benzoyl peroxide and there are many ingredients that can interfere with the treatment.

Cleanse your skin

Cleanse the site. There should be no lotions, cosmetics and creams applied on the skin. Avoid using deodorant.

Wear the right clothing

Once the treatment is done, keep the treated area a little exposed. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Some topical cream might be applied to the treated area. Moreover, abrasive and tight clothing can cause discomfort especially if you have sensitive skin.