You’ve taken the first exciting step toward silky smooth skin by booking your laser hair removal treatment with us here at Ethos Spa.
Now you may be wondering – what happens after? While laser hair removal uses concentrated light to penetrate the skin and zap those unwanted hairs at the root, the treatment also kickstarts a regenerative process that leads to skin peeling.
But there’s no need to fret – peeling is a common and temporary side effect indicating your skin’s positive response.
At Ethos Spa, we understand that smooth, hair-free skin is about more than just aesthetic appeal – it’s about unveiling your best, most confident self. That’s why we’re dedicated to delivering safe, customized laser hair removal using cutting-edge technology for transformative results.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the stages, timeline, and proper care for your skin as it renews itself through peeling after each laser session.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Result to Skin Peeling?
First, let’s briefly discuss how laser hair removal works:
- The concentrated beam targets the pigment in each hair follicle, heating it up to damage the hair root.
- The laser energy gets absorbed by the pigment without damaging the surrounding skin tissues. This disables the hair follicle’s ability to regrow, effectively destroying it.
- Now, while the laser precisely targets only the hair follicles, the light energy does absorb into the top epidermal layers of the skin, causing it to start shedding and renewing itself.
- This manifests as skin peeling and flaking for 5-14 days post-treatment.
As the damaged surface layers peel away, it allows for the renewed and regenerated skin underneath to emerge. So while peeling may seem unusual, it’s actually a positive sign of cellular turnover and your skin rejuvenating itself post-treatment!
What Skin Reactions Are Normal After Laser Hair Removal?
As your skin works to slough off those damaged outer layers and regenerate fresh new ones, you can expect to see:
- Flaking and Peeling: Your skin sheds visible dry, flaky patches. This is a sign of the renewal process at work. Avoid picking or scrubbing these areas.
- Tightness and Itchiness: Your skin may feel tight, dry and itchy as it peels. Moisturizing and hydration can provide relief.
- Pinkness and Swelling: Some redness and inflammation post-treatment is normal as your skin reacts to the laser.
- Sensitivity and Irritation: Your skin may be extra sensitive for a few days. Avoid irritants and fragrances on treatment areas.
- Rough Texture: Peeling skin may feel temporarily bumpy or uneven before smoothing out. Exfoliate gently once peeling stops.
- Darkened Pigmentation: In rare cases, treated skin can develop temporary hyperpigmentation. This fades over time.
While the sensations may cause discomfort, they signal your skin is actively renewing itself. Proper aftercare helps ease the peeling process.
Avoid picking or scrubbing the treatment areas during this delicate healing phase. Contact us immediately if you experience excessive swelling, blisters, burns or extreme pain.
How Long Does The Peeling and Flaking Last?
The duration of peeling and flaking can vary depending on your individual skin type and sensitivity, the body area treated, and the laser settings used. But on average, expect the process to last between 3 to 7 days after each session.
The peeling typically starts subsiding around a week post-treatment. However, your skin may remain slightly dry and sensitive for an additional 1 to 2 weeks as the renewal process runs its course. With consecutive laser sessions, the peeling effect is often less noticeable over time.
What Is the Best Way to Care for Peeling Skin After Laser Hair Removal?
Your aftercare routine is vital for easing any discomfort from skin peeling and facilitating proper healing. Here are our top tips:
- Gentle Cleansers: Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser on treatment areas instead of rough scrubs.
- Moisturize: Hydrate peeling skin with a nourishing, unscented moisturizer post-cleansing to counter dryness.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid attract moisture to soothe tight, flaky skin.
- Soothing Creams: Apply hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation and ease irritation or itching.
- SPF 30+: Protect freshly exfoliated skin with a mineral or zinc oxide-based sunscreen to avoid pigmentation.
- Loose Clothing: Avoid friction from tight fabrics rubbing on the tender, peeling skin.
- Cold Compresses: Soothe inflammation or discomfort with light cold compresses as needed.
- Supplements: Consider collagen, vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin E supplements to optimize healing.
- Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of products with exfoliants, retinols, fragrances or harsh chemicals on treated areas.
Check with your technician if you have any concerns about products you can safely use post-treatment. And contact us right away if you experience any unexpected reactions like blistering, oozing, or excessive pain.
Is My Peeling Skin Normal? When to Seek Help
As mentioned earlier, mild to moderate peeling for 3 to 7 days is perfectly normal and expected after laser hair removal. It’s a positive indicator that your skin is renewing itself. However, do let your Ethos Spa technician know if you experience any of the following:
- Severe or excessive redness, swelling, oozing, bleeding
- Ulceration or blistering of the treated areas
- Peeling that worsens or persists beyond 10 days
- Signs of infection – increased pain, heat, pus
- Allergic reaction – hives, severe itching or swelling
- Unbearable stinging or burning
In rare cases of severe reactions, blistering, or abnormal pain, you should seek medical attention immediately. Your Ethos Spa technician will give you complete aftercare instructions – be sure to follow them diligently and contact us if any concerns arise.
The Takeaway – Embrace the Peel!
At Ethos Spa, we recognize that the prospect of skin peeling after laser hair removal may seem concerning at first.
But keep in mind that it’s a temporary phase which indicates your skin rejuvenating itself from within. This process of renewal is what reveals your inner glow for the long run!
With our state-of-the-art laser technology and highly trained staff, we’re confident in delivering the smoothest hair removal experience with your comfort and safety as top priorities. Should any questions or concerns arise during your treatment journey with us, we’ll be ready to guide you every step of the way.
So embrace the peel, knowing it brings you one step closer to your best self – inside and out!
With customized precision protocols and our team’s expertise, you’re in the best of hands with Ethos Spa. Feel free to schedule a consultation to get started on your journey towards confidence today!
