Laser hair removal Cape Town is quickly growing in popularity and for good reason. If you are after smooth and radiant skin and want to get rid of unwanted body hair, a laser hair removal treatment could be the perfect option for you. If you are considering laser hair removal in Cape Town, this article will cover all you need to know before making your first appointment, as well as all the best aftercare advice for the glowing skin you’ve been dreaming of.
What Is Laser Hair Removal Cape Town?
Laser hair removal Cape Town is a long-lasting treatment to remove unwanted body hair from all areas of your body. This medical procedure uses a very concentrated beam of light, the pigment in your hair and hair follicles absorbs this light energy and transforms it into heat. This process can either stop hair growth completely for a time or slow down hair growth in the future.
The lasting effects of laser hair removal depend on every individual skin type. You can slow the hair growth initially, but if you want to prevent it from returning a few maintenance treatments may be necessary. The initial treatment usually takes multiple sessions, but hereafter the maintenance treatments can be spread out and don’t need to happen too frequently. Laser Hair Removal Cape Town is a safe and effective way to thin and remove your body hair.
7 Things To Consider Before Starting Laser Hair Removal: Cape Town
When starting with your laser hair removal treatments it’s important to do your research beforehand. Reading up on all the pros and cons will help you feel comfortable that this is the right treatment for you. Researching the treatment beforehand will also help you find a professional and experienced clinic to get in touch with and begin your laser treatments.
With so many hair removal options on the market today it’s easy to quickly feel overwhelmed with where to begin. Deciding what you want out of your hair removal treatment will help you choose the right option for you. Some alternatives to laser treatment include:
- Waxing
- Shaving
- At-home laser devices
- Tweezing
- IPL hair removal devices
Laser hair removal is more costly than alternative treatments, but the effects are long-lasting, and many patients experience much better results. The following are some facts to consider before you start your laser hair removal treatments.
#1. Is It Painful?
Many people are frightened of laser treatments with the idea that they are extremely painful, but this may be one of the biggest misconceptions people have. Although laser treatments will cause you some discomfort, most devices are designed to make the process as comfortable as possible. The high-heat laser beams that infiltrate the hair follicle can cause sharp pain on your skin, but some laser devices minimise this with a cooling mechanism that has a constant flow of cold air over the area of skin receiving the laser beams.
Where you get your laser treatment also affects how painful it is. Certain areas have more sensitive skin than others, for example where your skin is thinner near your nose, chin and temples. It is also possible to feel some discomfort or irritation after treatment which is often compared to the feeling of sunburn. This side effect usually doesn’t last too long and there are many ways to care for your skin after treatment.
#2 What To Do Before Your First Treatment
If you contact a laser clinic they will inform you of all the necessary procedures to take before arriving for your first treatment. It is important to know that the area receiving laser treatment must be shaved before arriving. The laser beams can react with the hair on the surface of your skin, causing unnecessary irritation. To get the best results from your laser treatment, the following are the best ways to prepare.
Shave the treatment area before your treatment. It is recommended to shave the area at least 24 hours before your scheduled treatment to prevent hair regrowth.
Do not apply any skin product to the treatment area on the day of your treatment. For example, there should be no make-up, skin lotions, or even deodorants on your skin. This could lessen the effectiveness of the treatment or cause irritation.
Don’t wax or tweeze your hair before treatment, as it could lessen the effects of the laser on these hair follicles.
If your skin is sunburnt or has had recent exposure to the sun it is recommended to wait 4 weeks before your treatment begins. With sunburn your skin is already sensitive, the light energy from the laser could aggravate your skin further, even resulting in pigmentation or burns on the skin, so it is very important to wait for your sunburn to heal before starting treatments.
Do not begin treatment if you have recently got a fake tan. The laser hair removal treatment picks up the contrast in pigmentation between your hair and your skin, it is most effective when there is a stronger contrast between the two. Having a fake tan can reduce the effectiveness of the laser treatment, and overall is not recommended. If you have a fake tan, it is best to wait 4 weeks before starting treatments for best results.
#3 How Long Before I See Results?
With the initial stages of laser hair removal Cape Town, you will need to return for multiple treatments. It usually takes up to 8 or 12 treatments to see the most optimal results. It is important to get your treatments regularly in the first few weeks or months, this is because your hair follicles grow at different rates, and all hair is at different stages. Returning for treatments means you will target all hair follicles and prevent regrowth. Once you’ve undergone 8 to 12 treatments you will only need a maintenance treatment every once in a while, and you can enjoy smooth, soft skin without any hassle.
#4 How Long Is Each Treatment?
Surprisingly, most laser hair removal treatments are much quicker than you think, making it easy to fit them into your busy schedule. One session of laser hair removal Cape Town can be as quick as 15 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. A full face treatment is usually about 20 minutes long, but larger areas such as legs, arms, or back, can take up to 60 minutes or more.
#5 It Is Recommended To Stay Away From The Gym After Treatments
After laser treatment, your skin is sensitive and needs time to properly recover and heal itself. The laser heat will have an effect on your skin for up to 24 hours after treatment, and during this time it is recommended to stay away from the gym to prevent sweating. You will also have to refrain from any heat from hot showers or saunas, the heat and moisture can create an environment for bacteria to grow and cause skin irritation.
#6 Stay Away From The Sun
We’ve spoken about the importance of staying away from the sun before starting your laser treatments, but it is also important to keep out of the sun after treatment. Avoiding any UV exposure will protect your sensitive skin after treatment, and aid quick and effective healing. This is important to consider when scheduling your treatments, you don’t want to schedule a laser treatment right before you head off on a summer holiday.
#7 Consider Changing Certain Beauty Products Before And After Treatment
Speak to your dermatologist or laser practitioner about your skin type and beauty product routine before treatment for expert advice and recommendations. It is usually recommended to avoid harsh scrubs or products containing retinol and glycolic acid before your treatment and a few days after. If you are also receiving chemical peel treatments on your skin, you should avoid getting laser on these areas until they are fully healed.
Laser Hair Removal Cape Town: Top Tips For Aftercare
Looking after your skin is a long-term process, and it’s important to keep up a good skincare routine at all times. Every day you shed skin cells, but following a few steps to keep your skin hydrated and moisturised keeps it in a healthy condition. Good skin helps you look rejuvenated and radiant, and this can keep you feeling your best.
Skin Care is important at all times, but especially when your skin is sensitive after laser treatments. Once you’ve received your laser treatment, you want to make sure to properly care for the treated area to get the best results and quickest recovery. The following tips will help you care for your skin after treatment and avoid any irritation or side effects:
Apply a cold compress to the treated area after your session: The heat from the treatment can leave your skin red and irritated, or leave small bumps on the skin surface. This is a common side effect but disappears in a few hours. To reduce the redness and soothe the skin, you can apply a cold compress after each session.
Let the dead hair shed: After your treatment, you should see some dead hair shedding from the treated hair follicle. This is a normal part of the treatment and the shedding should fall out very quickly. It is usually not too noticeable and won’t cause discomfort.
Use a gentle cleanser after your treatments: It’s a good idea to use a mild and gentle soap for the first two days post-treatment. Avoid any cleansers with harsh chemicals or fragrances that could irritate your sensitive skin.
Exfoliate your skin: If you notice lots of dead hair shedding within 5 – 20 days after treatment, you can encourage the shedding by exfoliating your skin with an exfoliating cloth. This will leave your skin feeling smooth and soft.
NuSkinnovation: Effective, Pain-Free Laser Hair Removal Cape Town
At NuSkinnovation we are committed to providing the best service and care to our clients throughout their entire treatment process with us. NuSkinnovation is a trusted and specialised aesthetic clinic, with qualified and passionate practitioners ready to guide you through your next treatment.
We offer laser and IPL treatments with the most advanced technology for optimal results, along with cooling systems to ensure you are comfortable during treatment. Contact us today for more information on laser hair removal Cape Town, and speak to one of our practitioners for quality advice and a treatment plan that works for you.