Laser hair removal requires relatively little prep and aftercare compared to other hair removal methods. AtSEV Laser, the treatment is tailored to your unique skin type, reducing pain and inflammation. Our nurses accomplish this using advanced machines with adjustable lasers and cooling devices.
However, what you eat before and after treatment can also leave your skin extra soft and smooth, or red and itchy. Here’s a quick guide to the role of nutrition in skin health and laser hair removal.
Importance of Hydration
Water makes up around60% of a healthy adult’s body mass, making it a major component in cells and tissues. As you might expect, skin health has a lot to do with hydration. Dry skin won’t be as amenable to laser hair removal as hydrated skin.
Staying hydrated improves blood flow and elasticity, both of which aid in faster recovery. You should aim to drink roughly 8 or more glasses of water every day, especially in the days before and after your laser hair removal session. Flavored water counts towards this intake, so don’t be afraid to indulge in a squeeze of lemon, some fruit, or some drink mix!
Role of Vitamins and Minerals
Your body needs plenty of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. This is especially true when it comes to your skin, hair, and nails. Poor skin can serve as an early warning if your body is deficient in one or more supplements. Here’s where you might want to top up when considering laser hair removal.
Vitamin C
Vitamin Cpromotes collagen production and biosynthesis, helping to repair damaged skin and reduce inflammation. You can take vitamin C in supplement form, and also get it from citrus fruits, bell peppers, and cruciferous veggies like broccoli and brussels sprouts.
Zinc
Zincsupports immune functionand skin healing, by promoting the healthy development and function of cells responsible for mediating immunity in the human body. You can take zinc as a tablet, or get extra zinc from protein sources like nuts, seeds, legumes, eggs, meat, and dairy products.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E acts as a natural antioxidant. In the same wayvitamin E reduces oxidative stresscaused by sun exposure (photoaging), it also helps protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by the laser. You can take vitamin E in a capsule or by eating greens, nuts, seed oils, avocados, and fish.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, allowing them to reduce inflammation and improve skin health, potentially minimizing redness after your laser hair removal procedure. Foods rich in omega-3s include healthy fish like salmon, nuts and seeds like walnuts and flaxseeds, legumes like edamame, and eggs.
Avoiding Inflammatory Foods
You’re going to want to avoid inflammatory foods before and after your laser hair removal treatment. Stay away from processed foods full of sugar and trans fats, like sugary drinks and snacks, fast foods, and processed meats.
Consumption of these types ofultra-processed foods has been linked to low-grade inflammation. This can delay your skin’s recovery. Try to replace these with fresh bread, fruits, vegetables, fish, and sources of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
Protein for Skin Repair
You’ll want to get plenty of protein if you’re planning on laser hair removal treatments. Protein provides amino acids necessary for tissue repair. Amino acids helpregulate protein metabolism and support collagen production. Both of these processes are critical for healthy skin.
Try to include lean meats, eggs, and dairy in your diet to aid in skin recovery. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan diet, focus on legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains instead.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Foods like blueberries, spinach, and green tea are high in antioxidants that support overall skin health. These help protect the skin and promote healing byreducing oxidative stresscaused by the laser during hair removal.
Other foods high in antioxidants include raw apples, pears, tomatoes, and onions. You can also get antioxidants from whole grains, nuts, herbs, spices, and dark chocolate. Adding these foods to your diet can improve your overall health in addition to bolstering your skin.
Foods to Avoid Before Treatment
There are a few foods you’d be wise to skip in the days before and after laser hair removal. By limiting or eliminating these foods, you can better prepare your skin for treatment.
Alcohol
The consumption ofalcoholic beverages causes dehydration. Dehydrated skin can be more sensitive to the laser used during the hair removal process. Try to reduce or eliminate alcoholic drinks when preparing for hair removal.
Caffeine
Caffeine can heighten skin sensitivity or cause irritation, and alsoreduces collagen synthesis. If you drink a lot of coffee, tea, energy drinks, or soda, you’ll want to cut back for a little while. The same goes if you consume large amounts of other caffeine-rich foods like chocolate, guarana berries, or energy bars.
Post-Treatment Skincare and Nutrition
After your laser hair removal treatment, you’ll want to up your skin care game. Staying on top of your skin’s nutritional needs will aid in your recovery. Try these tips to help your skin bounce back faster following your session.
Embrace Cooling Foods
Cucumbers and aloe vera both have acooling, healing effect, which can soothe the skin when applied topically as a gel or cream. Cucumbers and aloe vera also have nutritional benefits when eaten, but you’ll get the most immediate results by applying products directly to your skin.
Avoid Spicy Foods
Spicy foods that contain ingredients likefresh or dried chili pepper, chili sauce, chili oil, or other hot spicescan dilate blood vessels. This process, known as vasodilation, can worsen redness or swelling, increasing inflammation and irritation.
You don’t have to cut spicy or processed foods entirely to make a positive impact. You just have to temporarily adjust what you eat while your skin recovers. Follow these guidelines starting a week or so before your first treatment, and make sure to care for your skin after each session.
Setting Yourself Up For Hair Removal Success
The skin is the largest organ in the body, protecting you from external threats. When you combine a nutritious diet with sun protection and a skincare routine that includes moisturizers and sunscreen, you create a better environment for yourself.
Not only will your skin look and feel healthier, but you’ll develop fewer wrinkles and respond better to laser hair removal. Once you’ve done your research and preparation, you can trust the professionals to handle the rest.
If you want to improve your skin and prepare for laser hair removal, feel free to consult our specialists beforehand. Along withup-front, flexible pricingand inclusive treatment, we provide customers with the information they need to continue looking their best long after they’ve left the clinic.
Book With SEV, Look Your Best
When you book with SEV Laser for hair removal, your safety and satisfaction become our priority. Our nurses are mindful and considerate of all people, and we use theCandela GentleMax ProorCynosure Elite iQplatforms.
Both are dual-wavelength machines that can be adjusted to target hair follicles according to the client’s skin type. Combined with a nutritious diet and cooling devices, you can enjoy smooth sailing towards smoother skin.
Learn more about the SEV Laser process byscheduling a consultation. Our staff can answer questions, address your concerns, and help you decide whether your skin is ready for laser hair removal.
