Skin redness and a feeling of warmth after a laser hair removal session are not uncommon, and sometimes an area may even be burned.

In most cases, we are talking about first-degree burns, which are benign. How to prevent and treat burns related to laser hair removal, it is necessary to properly care for and monitor even a small burn, in order to avoid any possible complications. You must choose carefully and attentively the beauty salon , center or clinic for your laser hair removal treatment.

In this article we will see what precautions should be taken to ensure optimal healing of a laser burn, then also see how to prevent and how to treat such a burn.

Is it redness or burning?

Indeed, the first thing is to know how to differentiate what is associated with skin redness and what is associated with a burn. Redness is generally painless, rather diffuse, it disappears a few hours after the laser session. A burn is more painful, it can be accompanied by blisters, we can distinguish peeling skin, then, the persistent burning sensations are felt.

How to prevent and treat burns related to laser hair removal, first of all it is essential to entrust a laser hair removal treatment to qualified and certified persons in the use of lasers and to correctly follow the instructions and precautions given during the consultation prior to treatment.

How does a laser burn occur?

There are several factors that can cause a burn after a laser hair removal session. Before looking at these factors, it is necessary to understand how lasers work on the skin .

During a laser hair removal session, the laser projects a light beam that is absorbed by the melanin in the hair in order to destroy the hair bulb. As we have said, some factors can cause burns, here are some of them:

A poorly adjusted laser

Indeed, if the laser power is not adapted to the skin type or hair color, the risk of burning is increased. Darker skin contains more melanin and due to excessive absorption of laser energy, overheating of the epidermis can occur.

Excessive heat

If the laser heat is too intense and remains focused on the treated area for too long, it can damage the surrounding skin and therefore cause a burn.

An unsuitable laser

If the laser is not adapted to your skin and/or hair type, it can cause damage. Some lasers are better suited for light skin, while others are better suited for dark skin. It is important to have a laser hair removal session performed by a qualified professional.

Improper precautions before and/or after the session

If you have exposed yourself to the sun before or after a laser session, if you have applied unsuitable products to your skin, if you use perfume, deodorant, if you have not strictly followed the instructions, all of this can lead to risks of burns, it is essential to carefully respect the process and safety instructions during a permanent laser hair removal treatment.

Laser cooling system failure

The lasers used today are all equipped with a cooling system. If this is not activated or if it is faulty, it can inevitably cause burns. On the one hand, if the skin overheats, on the other hand, if the application is prolonged and intense on the same area, even if the cooling system is working well, there may be a risk of burns due to the cold, this due to poor scanning of the laser over the treated area.

How to prevent a possible laser burn during a hair removal session?

To prevent burns and hair removal, it is necessary to follow the instructions and all precautions that are clearly explained by the practitioner during the preliminary consultation before any permanent laser hair removal treatment. Among the main precautions to take are:

Keep the area to be treated clean

It's important to thoroughly cleanse your skin before a laser session, avoiding using unsuitable products that are too harsh on your skin. It's best to use a neutral soap. After showering, avoid using deodorant, perfume, or scented body lotion. Don't scrub your skin too hard; dry gently.

Ensure good hydration for your skin

By applying moisturizers several times a day, you can maintain good hydration of your skin.

Avoid sun exposure

It is very important to avoid sun exposure during the entire laser hair removal treatment, no sunburn, no tanned skin, it is necessary to use a sunscreen with a high protection factor.

Remember to shave before a laser session and never use tweezers or wax; this is one of the guidelines to follow.

How to treat a laser burn from a hair removal session?

First of all, when a burn is noticed immediately during and/or after the laser session in a laser hair removal treatment, it is advisable to cool and clean the burned area well.

As soon as you feel a strong heat or burning sensation, you should immediately inform the person handling the laser. At that point, the area will be cooled and cleaned with warm water and neutral soap.

Any burn, even a minor one, must be monitored to avoid any possible complications.

Do not burst the blisters. If blisters appear, do not burst them! This can increase the risk of infection, so it is best to consult your doctor immediately.

Clean the burned area thoroughly with neutral soap and warm water. Then apply a thick layer of soothing cream to the affected area.

Sometimes the affected area can be protected with a bandage. One thing is certain: meticulous care is essential for a burn to prevent noticeable scarring .

Monitoring the affected area is important, especially if there are blisters, abnormal pigmentation, and especially severe pain. In these cases, it is best to see your doctor, who can refer you to a dermatologist who will assess the severity of the burn and prescribe the appropriate laser burn treatment.

A laser burn should never be neglected, laser burn healing and hair removal, so that it takes place in the best conditions and without after-effects, it is advisable to carefully follow the burn hair removal protocol.

Note: After a burn you can take an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen for example, this can help reduce inflammation and pain.

FAQs

How to recognize a burn from laser hair removal?

A burn from laser hair removal is a localized "sunburn" with or without blisters (bubbles on the redness). If a burn occurs, the doctor must be notified and the patient must be seen again.

What to do immediately if you get a burn after laser hair removal?

Contact the center or doctor who performed the procedure directly, then: Cool the affected area: Immediately apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a clean cloth to the burned area.

How long does it take for a laser burn to heal?

Depending on the laser treatment used (ablative laser or not, fractional CO2 laser, Erbium laser, etc.) and the type of scar, it may be necessary to carry out 2 to 4 sessions spaced several weeks apart before observing a significant improvement.

Do laser burns leave permanent scars?

Unlike normal scars, which eventually blend into the surrounding skin, these remain thick, raised, and sometimes even painful. These scars are also characterized by their red or pinkish appearance, which may be attributed to increased vascularity in the affected area.

How to prevent the risk of burns during a laser hair removal session?

When it comes to burns from laser hair removal, prevention is entirely possible. The first step is to ensure the treatment is performed by an experienced practitioner. Since tanned skin is more susceptible to burns, it is advisable to avoid sun exposure. Certain skincare products should also be avoided.

Conclusion

As you will have understood, a burn during laser hair removal should never be taken lightly!

It is very important to trust a beauty institute, a cosmetic clinic or a reputable beauty center with qualified laser staff, it is crucial to follow the pre- and post-treatment instructions. including shaving the area before the laser session and avoiding any exposure to the sun. It is advisable to inform the practitioner of any medical history (taking medication, etc.) / or recent tanning!

In case of a burn, do not hesitate to consult your doctor who may refer you to a dermatologist.