Laser Hair Removal: Show Off Your Smoothest Skin Ever

No matter how strong your skincare routine is, one feature tends to get in the way: hair. There is nothing wrong with bodily hair, of course, and most people want to keep at least some of it around (especially the hair on their heads). But when it comes to hair areas you’d rather keep bare and smooth, such as your arms, armpits, face, legs, groin, etc., you might wish that it would stay away for good. Shaving, waxing, and plucking are fine solutions to keeping your skin looking and feeling smooth, but results will only last for a short time, and you may have to deal with cuts, rashes, pimples, and other irritating side effects afterward.

If you can relate to the struggles outlined above, it might be time to consider laser hair removal. And with summer fast approaching, laser hair removal can allow you to show off your smoothest skin ever without worrying about shaving, waxing, or plucking. Let’s go over how laser hair removal works, why it’s worth thinking about, and how to prepare for this cosmetic procedure.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

If you’ve ever spent too much time in the sun without proper protection, you know that light and heat can have significant effects on your skin (namely its pigmentation). When uncontrolled, these effects can be quite damaging. But with the right approach and in the right conditions, the energy delivered from a light source can achieve desirable cosmetic outcomes without harming one’s body. This is the guiding principle behind various cosmetic dermatology services that implement laser beams, including laser hair removal.

During a laser hair removal treatment, a strong beam of light targets areas of unwanted hair growth. The heat energy from the laser damages one’s hair follicles without going further, inhibiting the follicles’ ability to grow hair in those locations. Simply put, laser hair removal slows hair growth to the point where it’s hardly noticeable. That said, over time, the hair will usually grow back, meaning patients should expect to undergo multiple treatments to achieve the best, longest-lasting results.

Why Laser Hair Removal?

So, if laser hair removal isn’t permanent, why is it worth considering? Additionally, some might express concerns with laser treatments in general. Fortunately, possible side effects are typically mild and in some cases comparable to those experienced after shaving, waxing, or plucking (i.e. some swelling, redness, irritation, and temporary pigmentation/texture changes). And just because laser hair removal doesn’t always produce permanent results doesn’t mean its results are anything to scoff at.

Indeed, when properly performed and maintained, laser hair removal results can last 6-12 months (typically after 6-8 treatments and touch-ups). Now only that, but several patients see an 80-90% reduction in unwanted hair after just 3-6 treatments. Plus, if and when any hair does grow back, it’s often thinner and lighter than it was before. In other words, laser hair removal delivers significantly longer-lasting and more reliable results than shaving, waxing, or plucking methods with minimal risk.

As always, though, speak with a cosmetic dermatology professional before deciding if laser hair removal is right for you. Those with certain skin types and/or pre-existing conditions might not be the best candidates for this procedure.

Getting Ready for Laser Hair Removal

Even if you are a solid candidate for laser hair removal, you want to do everything in your power to prepare for your treatments. Here are some steps to take prior to your visit:

• Expect minor discomfort during the 5-20-minute treatment (i.e. mild pricking)
• Only receive treatment from a board-certified dermatologist
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure for several weeks before treatment (better yet: wear sunscreen year-round for your skin’s health as a whole)
• Don’t pluck, wax, or bleach within 4 weeks of treatment
• Carefully shave one day before treatment (allows the laser to more easily reach follicles)
• Avoid taking blood-thinners the day of your treatment

In addition to the steps outlined above, maintain an open line of communication with your doctor or dermatologist to ensure you’re making the right moves before, during, and after your laser hair removal appointment.

Looking for Smoother Skin this Summer?

If you’ve had it with some of your hair and want the smoothest skin you’ve ever had this summer and beyond, talk to your dermatologist about laser hair removal. is also happy to give you more advice and resources regarding this process (Delray laser hair removal in particular). To learn more about our team and all the services we provide, contact us.