What You Must Do After Your Electrolysis Treatment
Immediately following your Electrolysis hair removal treatment, you may experience slight redness and/or tenderness on your skin. These are all temporary reactions to the treatment and are perfectly normal. They are directly related to how much work was done, the skin condition and the area treated (i.e. the area around the mouth) and are especially true after the initial appointment. These reactions will disappear over the following one to two days.
Your electrolysis aftercare begins at the studio - immediately after the treatment - where I ensure that your skin is soothed and free from bacteria. However, each treated follicle is wide open after treatment and thus more susceptible to bacteria. Therefore, cleanliness and good aftercare are essential to ensure that there are no skin complications following treatment and to ensure you are getting the most out of each session.
First 24 -48 hours after your electrolysis
Hands Off
Keep it clean and refrain from touching, rubbing, scratching or squeezing the treated areas so the transfer of bacteria will be limited. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the treated area.
Cool it Off
As already said, swelling, redness and tenderness are normal skin reactions, especially after your initial appointment. The post-treatment sensation feels similar to a sunburn. Allowing them to go unchallenged will make the recovery period much longer. Use a wrapped ice pack - 20 min on and 20 min off, but never ever place ice directly to the skin!
Be Mild
Avoid using harsh soap or water saturation (soaking baths) on the treated area. To keep the area clean, use a mild skin cleanser that does not contain any glycolic acids, as this may cause sensitivity.
Avoid Friction
Avoid anything that would cause friction and irritation on the treated area. So don't exfoliate, scrub or use peels 5-7 days following treatment. You can resume your skincare routine after your skin has healed. Also, do not rub the area with flannels or towels. These activities can increase swelling and irritation.
Say No to the Sun
Stay out of the sun for at least 48 - 72 hours after treatment, and use sunscreen with SPF 25 or above. It is vital to protect your skin from the sun after electrolysis, else, you could subject your skin to hyperpigmentation.
Keep it Dry
Refrain from physical exercise, swimming, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and anything that will get you sweaty for at least 48 hours after treatment, to ensure that no unnecessary bacteria is introduced into the treated areas.
Keep it Calm
Apply a soothing aftercare cream or gel twice a day for at least two or three days to soothe the skin.
Avoid Occulsive Products
Don't use any occlusive product, such as Vaseline, or oily, perfumed or alcohol-based products, as they will prevent the evaporation of heat present in the skin following electrolysis treatment and thus hinder the healing process. Don't use tanning products.
Say no to Deodorants
If treating underarms, do not use deodorant or antiperspirant for 24 hours after treatment.
Dress Wisely
Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes, especially if we have treated bikini, nape, and underarm areas to allow the skin maximum breathing and healing opportunities.
Avoid Make-Up
After face treatments, please refrain from using makeup, especially creamy foundations, for 24 -48 hours after treatment. If you must wear make-up, a mineral-based is the best option.
Healing Period (2-7 Days After Treatment)
Two to three days after an electrolysis treatment, there is usually no evidence of the treatment at all. But during the healing period, some small scabs may form. These are completely normal and you should not worry about them. They are nature's way of healing the follicles that we have treated. Make sure you do not remove them. They will disappear on their own in 7-10 days. Removing a scab prematurely can cause scars and increase chances of infection.
But, if your skin heals with small pimples, this can mean cross-infection. If so, I would like you to inform me about it. A change in your aftercare products and some extra care during the healing period is usually the solution.
In Between Your Electrolysis Appointments
Be sure that regular electrolysis treatments will minimise the need for growth management, but some re-growth is to be expected. To manage hair growth in-between appointments, you can trim hair with scissors, bleach, or shave. Please do not tweeze, wax, or thread, as this will undo all the work we have already accomplished with electrolysis. Laser is also an absolute no-no.
Keep it Regular
Once you start electrolysis, stick to the treatment plan, as treatments must be performed upon the detection of re-growth. Left untreated, hair will reconstitute itself to its original diameter and depth. The more closely you adhere to a treatment schedule, the sooner you will become hair-free forever.
Book your next electrolysis appointment, and make sure to follow those tips in the meantime!
Questions?
Please read the FAQs or contact me.
