Why are my legs so itchy after laser hair removal? | Skin Perfection (2024)

FAQs

Why are my legs so itchy after laser hair removal? | Skin Perfection? ›

During the laser hair removal process, the heat from the laser is concentrated on the hair follicles. This damages the follicles, deterring hair growth, but can cause temporary inflammation. This inflammation can result in itchiness, similar to the sensation you may experience after a minor sunburn.

Apply cold compresses to the treated area after the treatment. This helps reduce inflammation and relieve itching. Keep the treated area clean and free from any irritants.

Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream as needed for redness, itching, and swelling for 1-2 days post treatment or as directed.

Apply cool compresses

Wet a clean, soft washcloth with cool water and place it on the treated area for several minutes at a time. You can also use an ice pack wrapped in a paper towel. This method helps to reduce temporary swelling and pain after your laser hair removal treatment.

You may experience some redness, small bumps, irritation, and temporary discomfort directly after a treatment, but only on the area that was lasered. This is temporary and should go away on its own within a few hours to a couple days.

During the laser hair removal process, the heat from the laser is concentrated on the hair follicles. This damages the follicles, deterring hair growth, but can cause temporary inflammation. This inflammation can result in itchiness, similar to the sensation you may experience after a minor sunburn.

Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.

Right After Treatment: Mitigate Swelling and Redness

Most people will experience some redness, swelling, or stinging on the face. An ice pack or cool wet cloth can be applied on the skin to relieve these side effects. An over-the-counter pain reliever can be useful to reduce swelling and alleviate more severe pain.

Use Moisturiser. Dry skin is a lot more likely to feel itchy and uncomfortable so try applying a gentle moisturiser. Some formulations also include aloe vera which is particularly good for red and itchy skin.

You may also experience itching or stinging for a few days after the procedure. Depending on the treatment, some people may have what looks like a severe sunburn. The skin will be raw, oozing and may even blister. A yellow liquid may ooze from treated areas to form a crust.

What happens if you don't exfoliate after laser hair removal? ›

5-14 days after treatment

If you don't exfoliate these hairs some may become trapped so it's best to lightly exfoliate every few days to avoid this. If you continue to shave you may not notice this happening but it is nothing to worry about, it is a sign treatment has been effective.

Yes, you can, and should, moisturise after laser hair removal. While you should not moisturise before your laser hair removal appointment, after your appointment is a different story. The best moisturisers to use after laser hair removal are perfume free. This will help to avoid excess skin irritation.

Moisturise: Keep your skin hydrated with a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturiser. This makes it easier for the shedding hair to push through the skin. Avoid hair removal methods: Resist the temptation to use tweezers, wax, or other hair removal methods on the treated area.

Some things you should do to treat your skin after having laser hair removal include: Apply hydrocortisone cream: If you experience itching or redness in the treated area, apply hydrocortisone cream to relieve these symptoms without further irritating the treated area.

If the red is bumpy follicular edema feels a bit uncomfortable to you, you can use hydrocortisone cream or treat it with cool compresses to soothe it. Also, you may apply an aloe vera gel. Wash the treatment area with mild soap and cold water. Avoid hot water for at least 24 hours.

If you experience a histamine reaction after laser hair removal, you can use an over-the-counter antihistamine, for example, Benadryl, Zyrtec, or Allegra, to help reduce the itching and swelling. Applying a cool compress or using soothing creams/gels to the affected area can also help to soothe the skin.

Laser Bumps

You can minimize their intensity by avoiding direct sunlight and activities that make you sweat. You should also apply Vaseline®, Aquaphor®, or hydrocortisone 1% to the affected areas thrice a day.