Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help you reduce or eliminate unwanted hair growth. It works by delivering a concentrated beam of light to the hair follicle, which damages the follicle and prevents it from producing new hair.
While laser hair removal is a safe and effective treatment, it does cause some temporary side effects, such as redness, swelling, and irritation. This is because the laser damages the skin in order to destroy the hair follicle.
Because of these side effects, it is important to avoid certain activities after laser hair removal, including exercise. Exercising can increase your body temperature and cause you to sweat, both of which can irritate the treated area and lead to complications.
How long should you wait to work out after laser hair removal?
Most experts recommend waiting at least 24-48 hours before exercising after laser hair removal. This gives your skin time to heal and reduces the risk of complications.
However, if your skin is still red, swollen, or irritated after 48 hours, you should wait until these symptoms subside before exercising. It is also important to listen to your body and avoid exercising if you feel any pain or discomfort.
What types of exercise should you avoid after laser hair removal?
It is important to avoid any type of exercise that will raise your body temperature and cause you to sweat excessively after laser hair removal. This includes:
- Intense workouts, such as HIIT, running, and weightlifting
- Hot yoga and other activities that are performed in a warm environment
- Sports that involve a lot of contact, such as football and basketball
Instead, it is best to choose low-impact exercises that will not raise your body temperature or cause you to sweat too much. This includes:
- Walking
- Stretching
- Swimming
- Yoga (avoid hot yoga)
Tips for exercising safely after laser hair removal
If you are going to exercise after laser hair removal, it is important to take some precautions to minimize the risk of complications. Here are a few tips:
- Take a cool shower before and after your workout. This will help to keep your skin cool and reduce the risk of irritation.
- Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing. This will help to prevent your skin from rubbing against your clothes and causing irritation.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration can increase the risk of skin irritation.
- Avoid exposing the treated area to direct sunlight. Sunlight can irritate the skin and make the side effects of laser hair removal worse.
- If you experience any pain or discomfort, stop exercising immediately.
Conclusion
It is generally safe to work out after laser hair removal, but it is important to wait at least 24-48 hours before doing so. This gives your skin time to heal and reduces the risk of complications.
It is also important to choose low-impact exercises that will not raise your body temperature or cause you to sweat excessively. And be sure to take precautions, such as taking a cool shower before and after your workout and wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing.
If you have any questions or concerns about exercising after laser hair removal, be sure to talk to your doctor or aesthetician.