If you have eczema or psoriasis, you may struggle to balance maintaining clear skin with the desire to remove unwanted hair. Shaving and waxing are generally effective, but they can irritate the skin and trigger flare-ups of psoriasis or eczema.
Laser hair removal can be a safe alternative to waxing and shaving—even for people with psoriasis or eczema. Treatments provide long-term hair removal, so you can achieve silky-smooth skin without worrying that regular shaving or waxing will trigger symptoms. Keep reading for tips on maximizing effectiveness and minimizing discomfort during laser hair removal for eczema and psoriasis patients.
About Laser Hair Removal
During laser hair removal, your technician uses a specialized device to deliver bursts of light energy to hairs’ roots. The energy heats the pigments in the hair and destroys the follicles so they can’t grow new hair in the future. Because the energy targets only certain pigments, it doesn’t directly affect the skin—just the darker pigments in the hair.
Still, the heat from laser hair removal can leave skin slightly sore or red right after treatment sessions. This discomfort generally disappears after a day or so with proper care.
Can You Do Laser Hair Removal on Psoriasis-Affected Skin?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to grow too quickly. This leads to patches of thick, dry, scaly skin called plaques. Plaques are most common on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. It’s a relatively common chronic condition that cycles between flare-ups and symptom-free periods.
Laser hair removal alone cannot cause psoriasis, but flares can be triggered by a variety of situations, including:
- Injury or irritation to the skin.
- Illness or infections, such as strep throat or skin infections.
- Cold and dry weather conditions.
It’s generally considered safe to have laser hair removal if you have psoriasis, but you should delay treatment if you’re having an active flare-up in the treatment area.
You may want to talk to your rheumatologist before undergoing laser hair removal. Your doctor can guide you on caring for your skin before and after treatment and help you reduce the risk of psoriasis flares after laser hair removal.
Laser Hair Removal and Eczema
Eczema, also called dermatitis, is a condition that causes dry, itchy patches of skin. Patients often experience redness, bumps, dry or flaky skin, and itching. It commonly appears on the hands, elbows, knees, ankles, feet, and neck.
Eczema can be triggered by external factors such as allergens, low-humidity weather, exposure to extreme heat or cold, and stress. Most experts recommend avoiding known eczema triggers and using gentle skincare products to reduce the risk and intensity of symptoms.
As with psoriasis, laser hair removal is safe for eczema, but it’s best to wait until you no longer have any active symptoms. The laser’s heat can trigger or prolong symptoms.
Preparing for Laser Hair Removal
Before treatment, you should talk to your technician about your history of psoriasis or eczema, including any triggers that could cause flare-ups. You can also arrange to have a patch test during your consultation. Your technician will use the laser on a small area, and you can monitor how your skin responds over the next few days. The results of your patch test can help you and your technician customize your treatment plan.
It’s also important to take care of your skin in the week leading up to any treatments. Avoid UV exposure, including direct sunlight and tanning beds. Use gentle skincare products to prevent irritation. Keep your skin well moisturized and drink plenty of water to support your moisture barrier.
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
After treatment, continue being gentle with your skin. Use cool compresses or ice packs to soothe soreness, redness, or inflammation. Take warm (not hot) showers, and use gentle cleansers and moisturizers.
It’s also best to avoid exercise, saunas, hot tubs, and swimming for one to two weeks after laser hair removal. This will give your skin time to recover and reduce the risk of chafing or bacterial exposure that can cause infection.
Laser Hair Removal in New York City
If you are considering laser hair removal in New York, contact the team at Laser By Monica. We can discuss your history of eczema or psoriasis and develop a customized treatment plan that’s safe and effective for you.
Contact us anytime or visit our NYC salon to learn more about laser hair removal for eczema and psoriasis patients in Manhattan. Our experienced technicians can help you achieve the results you want while managing any special skincare needs.