Laser Hair Removal for Sensitive Skin: What You Should Know

No longer does beauty have to mean pain, though many men and women considering laser treatments — like laser hair removal — still worry about potential discomfort during and after their procedure. This is especially true for patients who may already have sensitive skin. While it's true that people with sensitive skin may experience slightly more irritative symptoms following laser hair removal, most patients still report treatment to be highly tolerable. Not only that, but there are steps you can take to help reduce pain during laser hair removal and minimize post-treatment irritation — like applying a topical numbing cream and avoiding sun exposure both before and after your appointment.

Here, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa and the knowledgeable team at The DeRosa Center in Boston, MA share helpful tips on what to know about laser hair removal with sensitive skin, including how to prepare for your laser session and how to care for skin after laser hair removal.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

While everyone's sensitivity level and pain tolerance are unique, most patients report that laser hair removal is not particularly uncomfortable — often reporting treatment as more of an irritation or annoyance rather than discomfort. Still, it is important to know what to expect with laser hair removal. For many people, laser hair removal feels similar to the sensation of a rubber band snapping against the skin, with discomfort subsiding once the treatment concludes.

Will laser skin removal hurt worse on sensitive skin?

If your skin is naturally sensitive, you may experience a slightly more intense sensation during laser hair removal than another patient might. Regardless of your skin's sensitivity, our caring team is committed to the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of all our patients, and we are proud to perform laser hair removal with the advanced GentleMax Pro® laser — well-known for its minimal discomfort and versatility in treating a wide range of skin types.

Additionally, we can discuss the possibility of applying a topical anesthetic cream to numb the target areas prior to treatment. It's also important to know how to care for your skin after treatment to avoid worsening sensitivity and unwanted laser hair removal side effects, like burning, irritation, and even discoloration.

How do you care for sensitive skin after laser hair removal?

Even patients without existing skin sensitivity may find that their skin is irritated or sensitive after treatment — much like the symptoms of a sunburn. Additionally, patients with sensitive skin prior to treatment may notice a slight increase in sensitivity after laser hair removal. In either case, patients should follow appropriate skincare instructions after laser hair removal to help minimize irritation and sensitivity while reducing the risk of side effects. While everyone's skincare needs are different, some general skincare instructions after laser hair removal may include:

• Avoid sun exposure and UV rays both before and after treatment
• Wear sunscreen
• Keep the skin moisturized
• Use gentle, fragrance-free products
• Do not use harsh exfoliants, peels, and certain acidic agents
• Refrain from strenuous physical activity for 24 hours after treatment
• Avoid getting overheated, including the use of hot tubs, hot baths, etc.

Based on your skin's response to treatment, our dedicated aesthetic providers will provide comprehensive laser hair removal aftercare instructions to help ensure you have a comfortable experience and can enjoy the smoother skin you've wanted now and in the future.

Put down the razor with laser hair removal in Boston, MA

Whether you are embarrassed by unwanted hair growth or are simply tired of the constant upkeep of DIY hair removal methods, you may be excited to learn more about the long-lasting results that can be achieved with laser hair removal. Join the many men and women who have smooth, sexy, virtually hair-free skin they can show off with confidence by calling The DeRosa Center to schedule your private consultation and skin assessment with our experienced aesthetic laser providers, under the direction of Boston, MA double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa today.