Read Time: 3 min. Author Note : Reviewed by the medical team at First Ave Medical Spa, a physician-directed clinic in Kitsilano, Vancouver BC.
Laser hair removal aftercare starts the moment you leave the clinic. What you do — and avoid — in the days after your session has a direct impact on your results and how quickly your skin heals.
Here are the 8 steps our Vancouver physicians recommend after every treatment.
It is completely normal to notice redness and mild warmth in the treated area for a few hours. This usually settles within 24 to 48 hours and feels similar to a light sunburn.
You may also see hair starting to shed in the 7 to 21 days after treatment. This is a good sign — it means the laser worked.Laser Hair Removal Vancouver
Apply a cool (not ice-cold) compress or plain aloe vera gel to calm redness and warmth. Do this in the first few hours after your session. Avoid placing ice directly on the skin — extreme cold can cause irritation.
Hot water increases blood flow and can make redness worse. Stick to lukewarm water for the first 48 hours. Skip steam rooms, saunas, and hot tubs during this period as well.
This is the most important laser hair removal aftercare rule. Treated skin is more sensitive to UV rays for up to four weeks after each session. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning — even on overcast days. The Canadian Dermatology Association confirms that UV rays penetrate cloud cover and can cause pigmentation changes on healing skin.
Exercise raises body temperature and causes sweating, both of which can irritate the treated area. Wait at least 24 to 48 hours before returning to workouts. Light walking is fine, but hot yoga, spin class, and heavy lifting should wait.
Hair will shed naturally over the weeks following treatment. Do not pull, tweeze, or wax the hairs out — let them fall on their own. Picking at the skin can cause irritation or scarring. Shaving is safe after day four or five once redness has fully settled.
Keep the treated skin hydrated. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser without retinol, AHAs, or active exfoliants. Health Canada recommends fragrance-free formulas for sensitive and post-procedure skin. Apply it twice daily to support the skin barrier.
For at least 48 hours, stay away from spray tans, self-tanning products, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol-based creams. These can all irritate healing skin or interfere with the treatment result.
Laser hair removal aftercare also means keeping up with your sessions. Hair grows in cycles, so each treatment targets follicles at a different stage. Missing or delaying appointments reduces your overall results. Most clients need six to eight sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Learn more in our guide: How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Do You Need in Vancouver?
Our physician-directed team at First Ave Medical Spa is here to help you get the most from every treatment.
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Considering your options? Read: Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing in Vancouver — Which Is Better?
Yes — but use lukewarm water only. Avoid hot showers for the first 48 hours. Hot water increases redness and can irritate the treated area while it is still healing.
Wait 24 to 48 hours before returning to exercise. High-intensity workouts raise body temperature and cause sweating, both of which can aggravate the treated skin. Light walking is fine right away.
Yes. Shedding in the 7 to 21 days following treatment is completely normal and is a sign the laser worked. The hair shaft pushes out of the follicle on its own — do not tweeze or pull.
Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser and SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Avoid retinol, AHAs, and harsh active ingredients for at least 48 hours. Plain aloe vera gel is a safe, soothing option on day one.