Book
Skincare / Guides / Skin care after laser hair removal

Aftercare guide

Skin care after laser hair removal

The short answerAfter laser hair removal, treat the area gently for a few days: a mild cleanser, a soothing fragrance-free moisturizer and daily sunscreen on anything the sun sees. Skip exfoliants, retinoids, self-tanner and hot tubs, and shave rather than wax or pluck between sessions.

Shop the routine, $182

The laser hair removal routine

Calm, moisturize, protect. Simple enough for any area.

  1. 1EltaMD Elta Foaming Facial CleanserCleanse

    Elta Foaming Facial Cleanser

    EltaMDEltaMD's gentle foaming cleanser. Lukewarm water and no scrubbing.$45

  2. 2Alastin Ultra-Nourishing MoisturizerSoothe

    Ultra-Nourishing Moisturizer

    AlastinAlastin formulates it to hydrate, nourish and soothe. Fragrance-free care suits freshly treated skin.$92

  3. 3EltaMD UX AOX Mist - SPF 40Protect

    UX AOX Mist – SPF 40

    EltaMDA sheer mineral SPF 40 spray that is easy to use on legs, arms and underarms.$45

The complete routine, 3 products$182$68 away from free shippingBuy the routine now

Day by day

General guidance. Your provider's aftercare instructions come first.

Day 0 to 2Redness and small bumps around follicles are common and settle quickly. Cool compresses help. No hot showers, saunas or heavy workouts.
Week 1 to 3Treated hairs shed. It can look like regrowth, but it is the hair working its way out. Do not pluck.
Between sessionsShave only, no waxing or plucking, since the laser needs the root. Daily SPF on treated areas that see the sun.

What not to do after laser hair removal

Avoid exfoliating scrubs, acids, retinoids, self-tanner, hot tubs and direct sun on the area for a few days, and follow anything specific your provider told you.

Why sunscreen matters between sessions

Laser hair removal works best on skin that has not been recently tanned, and freshly treated skin is more sensitive to the sun. Daily SPF protects your results and keeps you on schedule for the next session.

Between sessions, for rough or bumpy skin

AlphaRet Body Cream is a nightly cream for rough, dry skin on the body. Use it only on fully healed skin, and stop a few days before your next session.

AlphaRet Body Cream

skinbetter science
AlphaRet Body Cream
$120

Questions people ask

What is the best moisturizer after laser hair removal?

A soothing, fragrance-free one. Alastin Ultra-Nourishing is the one in our routine.

Can I shave after laser hair removal?

Yes, shaving between sessions is fine. Avoid waxing and plucking.

Do I need sunscreen after laser hair removal?

Yes, on any treated area the sun sees, every day.

Why does my hair look like it is growing back?

Treated hairs shed over the following weeks. That is expected.

Treatment at BHRC

Laser hair removal

Most people need a series of sessions. Ask your provider about your schedule.

Read about laser hair removal

Keep reading

What to put on your face after microneedlingMorpheus8 aftercare: the products to use, day by dayWhat to put on your face after CO2 laserSkincare after IPL and Clear + BrilliantShop all skincare

Products are dispensed by Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center, an authorized retailer. This guide is general education, not medical advice. Follow the aftercare instructions from your own provider.