What should I do after laser hair removal?

After a laser session, your skin looks different and you may wonder whether that is normal and what you should be doing about it.

What Cleveland Clinic says to expect

Cleveland Clinic says your skin might be red, swollen and a little painful after laser hair removal. It says you can use a cold compress on the treated area and that you should be able to go back to normal activities right away.

Cleveland Clinic also advises you not to expose the treated area to natural or artificial sunlight.

The first week

In its healing guidance, Cleveland Clinic says to wash your skin gently with soap and water and to avoid picking at or vigorously scrubbing the affected skin. The same guidance says to avoid sun exposure, both natural sunlight and tanning beds, for at least one week after treatment. After that, it says to use sunscreen whenever you are in the sun.

When to call

Red, swollen and a little painful is the description to compare against. Anything that goes well beyond it is a reason to contact the provider who treated you. Tell them what you see and when it started.

Where to read more

A WebMD overview of laser hair removal, its benefits, side effects and cost covers the wider picture. Cleveland Clinic's guide to how laser hair removal works and what to expect walks through the treatment itself.

Before your next visit, ask your provider what normal looks like on day one and day seven, and which change should prompt a call.