Laser hair removal has gained immense popularity among people seeking a permanent solution for body hair removal. It has served as a great option as using lasers for hair removal is highly effective. It essentially stops the hair follicles from regrowing. However, before opting for laser hair removal, you should be aware of the possible side effects.

In most cases, laser hair removal safely removes hair from any area on the body. This result can either last for a long time or permanently. Most people find the process to be completely safe and painless. However, this may differ from person to person depending on their skin type and hair growth.

Here the commonly found side effects of laser hair removal:

While side effects can occur after laser hair removal, most of them tend to be temporary and minor. However, if you experience these side effects for a long time, it could be a major problem. In such a case, you should consult a dermatologist at the earliest.

1. Redness and irritation
Laser hair removal can sometimes damage the hair follicles of the targeted area. The body’s reaction to this damage is immense irritation and redness in these areas. Furthermore, you may experience tingling or tenderness, along with slight swelling.

These symptoms persist for a short time. The affected skin can start to appear similar to waxed or plucked skin. Dermatologists administer topical anesthetics before laser hair removal to avoid this reaction. This helps reduce the skin’s reaction to the procedure effectively.

Mostly, irritation usually subsides after a few hours of the treatment. You can use ice packs or have cool baths to manage the redness and swelling.

2. Crusting
Some cases show skin crusting as a side effect of laser hair removal in the affected area. While it is a trivial issue, it can lead to major inconvenience.

Crusting can cause scarring or scabbing. You can prevent the occurrence of this side effect by treating the affected area with a moisturizer.

3. Eye injury
Laser hair removal includes the use of powerful lasers. This puts your eyes at the potential risk of injury. This risk is higher when the laser is being used for facial hair removal. Hence, you are required to use protective eyewear during the procedure to avoid injury.

4. Risk of skin infection
Similar to other methods of hair removal, laser hair removal can potentially damage your hair follicles. This makes you prone to skin infections. Skin infections are the last thing anybody wants when aiming to have hairless, beautiful skin.

The process should be undertaken after consulting a dermatologist. If you do see signs of a skin infection, you should treat the affected area like a wound.

Furthermore, if you suffer a skin infection due to laser hair removal, refrain from applying over-the-counter antibiotic creams, especially when the affected area is large.