Pre-laser preparation?

[Guest Jenny_W]

I have booked my first laser session for next week to start attacking my beard. I know this will take many sessions but I have to start somewhere, don't I? Can anyone tell me how to prepare please?

The person booking my appointment told me to:

- Wear 30+ sunscreen on my face every day

- Stay out of the sun as much as possible

- Do not pluck / bleach / solarium tan my skin

Is there anything else I should do?

Should I shave or not shave, or is this really only relavent to electrolysis?

How long has the reddening of the skin lasted for most people? I've got work the next day and I don't want to give the game away...

Jenny

[Guest BrenGirl]

Definitely shave about an hour or so before going so your skin is as smooth as possible. The laser works best that way. It's also suggested to take some pain killers before going and to reduce swelling but I've never done that.

My first few appointments really weren't that bad. I was a little sore but my face didn't stay all red very long. Later once my technician started turning up the intensity my face would be really sore and red for a few days. I got a few questions about it in the beginning but I just said I have sensitive skin and it was shaving irritation. It worked for me.

[Guest KarenLyn]

Shave before laser treatments. Whether or not you need to do anything else depends on you. The only pain I experienced was during the actual treatment and the redness only lasted 30-45mins. For your first time, you should probably take something for the pain and possibly have an icepack ready.

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

There will be redness. How long it lasts will vary by person. Along with what everyone else suggested, I brought along some aloe vera sunburn gel to put on my skin afterwards to help with the redness. Ice packs will be very helpful and if your tech doesn't have any, bring your own. Your face is going to be really hot and I think I went through 2-3 ice packs after a session.