Laser treatments have become one of the most popular ways to address a variety of skin concerns, from pigmentation and texture to redness, hair removal, and tattoo removal. Whether you're receiving a pigment-correcting laser, SHR hair removal, skin resurfacing, or another light-based procedure, proper preparation and aftercare make a significant difference in the quality of your results.

At Regimen MD in Fountain Valley, CA, patients often ask what they should do before and after their laser sessions. This guide walks you through everything you need to know so you feel confident and ready for your appointment.

Why Preparation Matters

Laser technology works by directing targeted energy into the skin. For the treatment to be both safe and effective, your skin needs to be in an optimal state. Proper preparation helps:

• Reduce the risk of irritation
• Improve comfort during the session
• Enhance the laser’s ability to target pigment, follicles, or tissue
• Minimize side effects
• Support smoother healing and better long-term results

Taking a little extra time to prep ensures your laser treatment delivers the best outcome possible.

What to Avoid Before Your Laser Session

Avoid sun exposure

Sun exposure is one of the most important things to avoid before any laser treatment. Tanned or sunburned skin increases the risk of pigmentation changes and sensitivity.

Try to avoid:

• Direct sunlight
• Tanning beds
• Outdoor activities without SPF

Most providers recommend avoiding tanning for at least two weeks prior.

Stop retinoids and exfoliants

Retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other exfoliating products can make the skin more sensitive.

Pause these 3–7 days before treatment unless your provider recommends otherwise.

Avoid waxing, plucking, or threading

For laser hair removal specifically, the hair follicle must remain intact so the laser can properly target it.

Shaving is fine, but avoid:

• Waxing
• Threading
• Plucking
• Depilatory creams

Skip active breakouts or skin injuries

If the treatment area is irritated, inflamed, or broken, it’s best to reschedule until the skin is fully healed.

Make sure the skin is clean

Avoid applying:

• Makeup
• Lotions
• Deodorant (for underarm laser hair removal)
• Oils or self-tanners

A clean surface ensures the laser can make proper contact with the skin.

What You CAN Do Before Your Appointment

Hydrate well

Hydrated skin responds better to laser energy and heals more comfortably.

Shave before laser hair removal

Shave the area 24 hours before treatment unless instructed otherwise. This allows the laser to target the hair beneath the surface without burning surface hair.

Review your medications

Some medications increase photosensitivity or affect healing. Talk with your provider about anything you're currently taking.

Share your skin history

Let your provider know about:

• Past reactions to lasers
• History of hyperpigmentation
• Any recent treatments (chemical peels, microneedling, etc.)
• Medical conditions

This helps ensure the safest possible settings for your treatment.

What to Expect During Your Laser Treatment

The exact experience varies depending on whether you're receiving hair removal, pigment correction, resurfacing, tattoo removal, or vascular treatment. However, most sessions follow a similar structure.

Consultation and assessment

Your provider will evaluate your skin, discuss your goals, and determine the appropriate laser settings.

Cleansing the area

The skin is cleaned to remove any oil, makeup, or residue.

Protective eyewear

You’ll be given protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser.

The treatment

Depending on the laser type, you may feel:

• Mild warmth
• A light snapping sensation
• A gentle prickling feeling
• Slight pressure

Many modern lasers include cooling technology to enhance comfort.

Duration

Sessions typically last between 10 minutes and 60 minutes depending on the treatment area.

Aftercare: Essential Steps for Smooth Healing

Proper aftercare reduces irritation and ensures the best results.

Expect mild redness or swelling

It’s normal to experience temporary redness, warmth, or slight swelling. This often fades within a few hours to a couple of days.

Avoid sun exposure

Your skin will be more sensitive to UV light after treatment. Use sunscreen daily and avoid direct sunlight for at least one to two weeks.

Keep the skin clean and moisturized

Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.

Avoid heat

For 24–48 hours after treatment, avoid:

• Hot showers
• Saunas
• Steam rooms
• Intense workouts

Heat can increase inflammation after a laser session.

Skip active or harsh skincare

Avoid for several days:

• Retinoids
• Scrubs
• Toners with alcohol
• Acids (AHA/BHA)
• Vitamin C (if your skin feels sensitive)

Let your skin calm and repair itself before reintroducing actives.

Do not pick or scratch

If you develop temporary darkening or flaking (common after pigment-targeting treatments), let it shed naturally.

Follow your provider’s instructions

Your treatment plan may include specific aftercare steps depending on the laser used. Always follow personalized recommendations.

When You Will See Results

Results depend on the type of laser treatment:

• Hair removal: gradual reduction over multiple sessions
• Pigmentation: spots may darken first, then lighten within days
• Resurfacing: smoother texture and tone after a week, with continued collagen improvement
• Vascular treatment: redness or veins reduce over several weeks
• Tattoo removal: fading appears between each session as ink breaks down

Consistency is key. Most laser treatments require a series of appointments for optimal results.

Ready for Your First Laser Treatment?

Regimen MD in Fountain Valley, CA offers advanced laser treatments designed to target pigmentation, hair removal, texture, redness, tattoo removal, and more. If you're ready to begin your laser journey with expert guidance and personalized care, contact our team today to schedule your consultation.