Should I apply an anesthetic cream after laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal: how does it work?

Laser hair removal works by transmitting a light beam from the laser. This beam directly targets the hair follicle to permanently destroy it.

A slight tingling or warming sensation, a slight tug like a rubber band on the skin, may be felt during treatment. With the latest generation of lasers , which are all equipped with a cooling system, these sensations are less painful and therefore more bearable.

However, depending on the areas that are treated in permanent laser hair removal, depending on the degree of sensitivity of the people, it is preferable to use an anesthetic cream for laser hair removal, a cream to be applied a few hours before a session.

Should you apply anesthetic cream after laser hair removal? It's safe to say that in most cases, it's preferable if you're a sensitive person.

How to apply and use an anesthetic cream before a hair removal session?

During a laser hair removal session, depending on the area being treated, anesthetic cream for bikini line hair removal is recommended. It's also recommended for the underarms, face , and upper lip, as these are particularly sensitive areas. For the legs and thighs, sessions are often longer, but generally less painful.

Therefore, on these sensitive areas, at least two hours before the session, it is preferable to apply a specific anesthetic cream that your practitioner will have been able to prescribe and advise you on beforehand.

For laser hair removal treatment, it is necessary to follow the protocol recommended by the practitioner at the time of the consultation prior to this treatment; there is a preparation procedure to follow.

Which anesthetic cream should I choose?

The cream may be prescribed to you by your practitioner, the person who will carry out your laser hair removal treatment, whether in a beauty salon , a cosmetic clinic or a beauty center.

There are, in fact, different types of anesthetic creams that can be suitable for application during a laser hair removal session or any other procedure that uses a laser.

These creams are based on lidocaine or prilocaine, so you should make sure you are not allergic to these substances, otherwise other alternatives will be preferred.

Generally these are creams that are only available with a prescription from a doctor.

How to apply anesthetic cream?

The anesthetic cream is applied to clean, shaved skin.

Each treatment area should be covered with a generous layer of cream. The creamed area should then be wrapped in cellophane. This should be left on for at least two hours to allow the cream to fully absorb into the skin.

For your information, and to reassure you, please note that as a general rule, only 20% of patients undergoing laser hair removal treatment use an anesthetic cream before a laser hair removal session. 

FAQs

Should I apply anesthetic cream after laser hair removal?

Anesthetic cream is an analgesic substance that helps reduce pain in the area of ​​application. When laser hair removal is applied to soft skin, the use of this cream is essential. It can be applied to the skin before or after laser hair removal.

How to cope with the pain after laser hair removal?

Depending on the patient's sensitivity, it is also possible to apply an anesthetic cream at least 1 hour before the session to reduce the sensations of the laser on the skin. To soothe the heating sensation after the session, it is recommended to apply a soothing and moisturizing cream.

Does numbing cream help with laser hair removal?

Anesthetic cream can be applied for leg, eyebrow, or bikini line waxing. It acts on the nerve endings in the skin to reduce the pain caused by the laser.

What soothing cream is recommended after a laser hair removal session?

We recommend applying Biafine, a medical cream. This treatment will help your skin recover from the laser treatment. It should be used occasionally and reduces the sensation of heat caused by the laser hair removal device.

Conclusion

Using an anesthetic hair removal cream before a laser session is therefore necessary depending on the area treated but especially depending on the sensitivity of each person.

The vast majority of people do not use creams. Some people find the pain very mild, while others have a harder time tolerating the mild effects of the laser.

Furthermore, today's lasers are all equipped with cooling systems, which significantly reduces unpleasant effects, such as sensations of heat and tingling. It is important to follow all protocols and instructions provided during the pre-treatment consultation. The use of an anesthetic cream before a laser hair removal session is therefore a decision for each person, depending on their level of sensitivity.