By Amerley Ollennu
From wrinkles, lines and sagging to scarring, sun damage, hair and tattoo removal – there isn’t much today's high-tech aesthetic lasers can’t do. But while they have become more efficacious and even less painful, pre-treatment prep and post-treatment aftercare are a must. Read on to discover our experts' do’s and don’ts.Do your research
“Do not go to just any clinic that is offering the treatment. Ensure that the person who will deliver your treatment is highly experienced. There are many aestheticians who have only had a two-hour training on a device and to get the best and safest outcome from an advanced procedure, the practitioner needs to be a bona fide, well-trained expert.”Spirithoula Koukoufikis, Senior Medical Aesthetician at Skinfluencer
Do not fake tan
Whatever areas you are treating be sure to not have used any self tan, and ensure your fake (or real) tan has completely faded before your skin makes contact with any laser. The ingredients used in fake tan can be irritating to newly lasered skin causing rashes, bumps and even burns.”Anna Baker, Aesthetic Nurse, Trainer & Qualified Educator
Do shave
“When it comes to laser hair removal, shave the hair 24 hours before treatment. Hair can absorb more laser energy and can produce more heat on the skin surface so it is best to shave first. But not right before your session as too close to treatment can disturb the skin balance, and if you cut yourself while shaving, that can also cause an uncomfortable experience and the therapist may have to avoid obviously injured areas of the skin. This is also true for laser skin rejuvenation treatments.”Dr Bhavjit Kaur, Co-Founder and Director of Health & Aesthetic Clinic
Do use SPF
Prolonged UV exposure causes skin damage and sensitivity which is not conducive to any form of laser treatment – further damage to the skin can ensue. So, do your best to avoid being in the sun and wear an SPF of at least 30 religiously. Post laser, skin will be left more sensitive to UV, so keep wearing your SPF and avoid sun exposure for at least a month afterwards, to avoid hypopigmentation (the formation of light spots).”Spirithoula Koukoufikis
Do keep skin cool
“To minimise the chances of skin reactions, as well as skin heating, the treatment areas are often cooled before, during and following the procedure. If the area still feels hot at home, a cool clean flannel or ice pack may be used. But, it is important not to allow ice packs to have direct contact with the skin – so cover it with a tea towel first!”Anna Baker
Don’t use retinoids
“Retinoids make the skin very sensitive to lasers and may cause side effects like redness, burns, and swelling post treatment. To avoid this, stop using retinoids (and strong AHAs, BHAs and benzoyl peroxide) five days before going under any laser beam.”Dr Bhavjit Kaur
Anna Baker, Aesthetic Nurse, Trainer & Qualified Educator
My name is Anna Baker, I am a full time Aesthetic Nurse, Trainer and Qualified Educator. I split my practice between working in a consultancy basis for...
Book with Anna Baker
Bhavjit Kaur, Aesthetic Doctor
An aesthetic physician with over 26 years of clinical experience, Dr Bhavjit Kaur is the co-founder and director of Health & Aesthetic Clinic (London)...
Book with Bhavjit Kaur
