Can I Work Out After Laser Hair Removal?

Feb 21

If you consider exercise an essential part of your daily routine, you might wonder how laser hair removal will affect your workout regimen. Today, we’re covering when you can work out following laser hair removal and why it’s so important to allow your skin to recover first. Join us for the dos and don’ts of working out after laser treatments!

What should you expect with laser hair removal?

Let’s start with the basics of laser hair removal for the face and body:

Is laser hair removal permanent?

Many people describe laser hair removal as a permanent solution for unwanted hair, but that isn’t the whole story. Laser treatments permanently disable hair follicles so they no longer generate new strands.

But thanks to genetic factors and hormone fluctuations, new follicles can appear in the treatment area over time. Most people find that occasional touch-up appointments help them maintain their results.

How long does it take?

Long-term hair reduction begins with an initial treatment series of six to 10 sessions scheduled four to eight weeks apart. This allows you to target all existing follicles in the active phase of the growth cycle.

One great thing about laser hair removal is that the actual procedure time is usually short and sweet. While large treatment areas may take 30 to 45 minutes, you can zap your Brazilian zone in 15 to 20 minutes, and facial areas may only take five to 10 minutes!

Learn more: How many sessions of laser hair removal do you need?

Laser hair removal aftercare

Let’s go over the basic aftercare protocols following laser hair removal:

In the first 72 hours after laser hair removal:

Don’t work out.
Avoid hot baths, saunas, and sweating. Instead, shower in lukewarm water.
Protect your skin from direct and ambient sun exposure.
Drink plenty of water.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to allow your skin to breathe.
Use only gentle skincare products like sunscreen and fragrance-free moisturizer.
Apply a cold compress or aloe vera gel to minimize the effects of treatment.

Once your skin has healed:

Reintroduce exercise into your normal routine.
Regularly apply broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Gently exfoliate the area to dislodge dead strands.
Avoid waxing, tweezing, and plucking.
Drink plenty of water and keep the area moisturized.

Can I work out after laser hair removal treatments?

For many of us, hitting the gym is an important part of self-care and optimal physical and mental health. Have no fear!

You’ll be able to work out again following laser hair removal — you just need to give your skin time to heal. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect following your treatment:

Immediately after laser treatments

Working out immediately after laser hair removal is strictly off-limits. During this time, your follicles are exposed, so excessive heat and sweat can make your treatment area a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Even in a sterile environment, friction caused by tight clothes and repetitive movements may create major irritation.

After 24 to 48 hours

After the initial 24 hours following laser hair removal, you can introduce low-impact movement into your routine, like light walking and gentle yoga. Remember, you don’t want to generate sweat or promote inflammation during this stage of the healing process. Continue to take it easy.

After 48 hours

Redness, swelling, and sensitivity should clear up by the second day of recovery. If your skin has fully recovered from laser hair removal, you should be able to return to your normal workout routine. Feel free to hit the weights, swim laps, or test your endurance on the trails. Just be sure to clean and dry your skin completely after exercising to eliminate any lingering sweat or bacteria.

Why is laser hair removal aftercare so important?

Laser aftercare instructions help you care for your skin as it heals. Here’s why these guidelines are so essential:

Reduces the risk of infection

Laser hair removal exposes follicles and makes them more vulnerable to harmful bacteria and infection, which is one great reason not to work out after treatment. Folliculitis, breakouts, and increased irritation can delay the healing process and negatively affect your overall results.

Learn more: How to prevent and treat folliculitis after laser hair removal

Promotes healing

Following appropriate aftercare instructions can help speed up the healing process by giving your post-laser skin what it needs to thrive. Staying hydrated, avoiding excessive heat, and protecting the area from sun exposure can minimize skin sensitivity and the time it takes for redness, swelling, and inflammation to disappear.

Relieves discomfort

Aftercare instructions are in place for your health and comfort. Wearing loose, comfy clothes, maintaining a lower temperature, and applying nourishing products like aloe and calming creams can reduce any discomfort you may experience in the days after laser hair removal.

Prevents ingrown hairs

When you work out immediately after laser hair removal, you’ll create friction that increases the risk of pesky, painful, ingrown hairs. To avoid these trapped strands, skip the gym and gently exfoliate every couple of days once your skin has healed.

Minimizes pigmentation changes

Failing to protect your skin from the sun will open the door for hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal. Apply a high-SPF sunscreen every day, wear protective clothing, and minimize your outside time during the healing process to ensure clear, blemish-free skin.

Discover an exceptional laser hair removal service at The Wax Room!

You don’t have to pay luxury medspa prices to enjoy silky-smooth skin! The Wax Room offers waxing services and laser hair removal to help you eliminate unwanted hair on your terms. Contact us today or book a consultation online to get started!

Mckenze Trachuk