I put off laser hair removal for years. I’d hear people rave about it, and yet I stayed stuck in the cycle of razors, stubble, and the occasional regretful wax appointment. Eventually, I gave in and booked my first session.
What I didn’t realize at the time, though, is that what happens before and after the laser session can have just as much impact on your results as the treatment itself.
So, if you’re considering laser hair removal (or you’re already in the thick of it), this guide is the skincare routine I wish I’d had from day one. It’s everything I learned the hard way about preparing your skin, babying it post-laser, and avoiding the pitfalls that can mess with your results.
Before Laser: Get Your Skin in the Right Headspace
First things first, laser hair removal is a commitment. You’re basically signing up for a skin journey that starts before you even set foot in the treatment room.
1. Stop Tanning
I know, I know. You look great with a tan. But lasers and tanned skin are not friends. The laser works by targeting the pigment in your hair, and if your skin is also pigmented (from the sun or self-tanner), it can confuse the laser and potentially burn you. No one wants that.
So ideally, you want to avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before your appointment. If you absolutely must go outside, wear SPF 50 and reapply like a maniac.
2. Shave 24 Hours Before
This one confused me at first. “Why would I shave if I’m going in for laser hair removal?” But the idea here is to remove the hair above the skin while leaving the follicle intact. That way, the laser can target the root without any surface hair to absorb the energy and cause irritation.
Do not wax, pluck, or use depilatory creams beforehand, as these remove the hair from the root, which is exactly what the laser needs to see.
3. Skip the Skincare Actives
About 2–3 days before your session, cut out chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, retinoids, or salicylic acid. These can make your skin more sensitive and reactive to the laser. Stick to gentle, hydrating products.
Here’s what my pre-laser skincare routine looked like:
- AM: Gentle cleanser, hydrating serum (like hyaluronic acid), moisturizer, SPF 50
- PM: Gentle cleanser, ceramide-rich moisturizer, and a good night’s sleep
During the Appointment: What I Didn’t Expect
I want to take a quick detour here because I feel like this isn’t talked about enough: laser hair removal can feel weird. It’s like someone is snapping a tiny rubber band against your skin, over and over again, while blowing cold air on it. Not exactly spa-day material, but not unbearable either.
Some areas, such as my underarms and bikini line, were more sensitive than others, and my technician provided me with a stress ball to squeeze, which proved more helpful than I expected. In any case, it was over quickly, and the results made it all worth it.
After Laser: Treat Your Skin Like It’s Made of Silk
Aftercare matters so much. I made a few rookie mistakes early on, but once I figured out a solid post-laser routine, my skin bounced back faster and felt way better between sessions.
1. Cool It Down
Your skin might feel like it has a mild sunburn, but don’t panic. That’s normal. I used a cold compress right after the session and again that evening. Aloe vera gel was also my best friend. Keep it in the fridge for extra chill.
2. Moisturize Like a Champ
Hydration is key. I used a fragrance-free moisturizer twice a day for about a week. Dry skin can get flaky and irritated after the laser treatment, making everything worse. Keep it juicy.
3. Avoid Heat and Friction
No hot showers, saunas, or workouts for at least 24 hours. Sweat can irritate freshly lasered skin, and friction from tight clothes or rough fabrics can cause even more redness and bumps.
Mid-Treatment Tip: Be Realistic About Results
This isn’t a one-and-done deal. Most people need 6 to 8 sessions spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart. Even then, results can vary depending on factors such as hair color, skin tone, hormones, and other individual variables.
I saw the most dramatic difference after my third session, especially in the underarm area, which I recommend targeting first if you’re still on the fence. The cost of armpit laser hair removal is typically low, relatively speaking, and the area tends to produce the best results.
Long-Term Aftercare: Staying Smooth and Safe
Even after your final session, your skincare routine shouldn’t go back to chaos. Here’s how I keep my skin happy long after the laser stopped firing:
1. SPF Is Non-Negotiable
Seriously, wear sunscreen every day. Your skin may be more sensitive to UV rays even weeks after treatment. Don’t undo all your progress with one rogue beach day.
2. Exfoliate
After about a week, I introduced light exfoliation to help prevent ingrown hairs. I used a soft scrub or a washcloth every few days, nothing intense. Think gentle polish, not sanding wood.
3. Watch for Regrowth
Some hairs will grow back finer and sparser, while others may disappear entirely. If you notice patches returning months later, a touch-up session can help. But for most people, the freedom from constant shaving or waxing is totally worth it.
Worth Every Zap
I won’t lie — laser hair removal isn’t exactly a pampering experience. But having smooth, bump-free skin with minimal maintenance is really worth it. And a solid skincare routine before and after each session makes the difference between okay results and amazing ones.
If you’re still undecided, start with one area (I chose my underarms first because I was so over shaving them daily), and commit to the skincare side of it just as seriously as the treatments. Future you will be very grateful.
