One of the most important things you can do after laser hair removal is to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your technician. The list of recommended dos and don’ts may seem overly cautious, but they’re all designed to minimize your risk of skin irritation, discomfort, infection, and scarring.
Avoiding sex after laser hair removal isn’t always listed in standard aftercare instructions, but you might want to wait a couple of days before planning a steamy date night. Keep reading to find out why it’s probably best to wait before having sex after laser hair removal.
Can I Have Sex After Laser Hair Removal?
It’s not a good idea to have sex immediately after bikini laser hair removal or Brazilian laser hair removal. Sex after laser hair removal in other areas, like the underarms or legs, is less risky, but you should avoid it if your skin feels sensitive or sore.
The skin in intimate areas is extremely delicate, so it’s important to keep it clean and protected after laser hair removal. Sex after Brazilian laser hair removal, in particular, can cause skin irritation. You could end up with painful chafing or lasting skin damage.
And no one likes to think about it, but we all have bacteria in our bodies. Sexual contact can introduce bacteria from your skin or your partner’s skin into small scrapes or irritated areas, which can increase the risk of infection.
How Laser Hair Removal Affects Your Skin
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive treatment that targets unwanted hair on the face, body, and intimate areas. It’s especially effective for bikini line hair removal and Brazilian treatments, which remove most or all pubic hair.
The procedure works by passing a laser over the targeted area, sending bursts of energy into the hair follicles. This energy heats the pigment in the hair, destroying the follicles so new hairs can’t grow back.
Recovery from laser hair removal is typically straightforward, with most people experiencing only mild discomfort. On the first day after treatment, you may notice redness, soreness, or slight swelling. It can feel similar to a sunburn, with comparable effects on the skin. The heat from the laser causes irritation, much like spending a day in the sun without sunscreen.
Even if your skin feels fine, the inflammation caused by laser hair removal can make it more susceptible to injury during the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment. Sun exposure, exercise, hot showers, and activities like swimming can cause chafing that may break the skin. Any scrape or scratch increases the risk of infection.
When Is It Safe To Have Sex After Laser Hair Removal?
To be safe, it’s best to avoid sex for about 48 hours after laser hair removal in the bikini area. If you experience any redness, swelling, or discomfort in the treated area, it’s best to wait a little longer until your skin feels fully healed.
For treatments on areas like the legs, arms, underarms, chest, or face, wait at least 24 hours and see how your skin feels. If there’s no lingering irritation, it’s probably safe to resume intimate activity.
If you aren’t sure if it’s okay to have sex, consult your laser hair removal technician or a dermatologist. They can give you guidance on what will be best for your skin.
Caring for Skin After Laser Hair Removal
When you resume intimate activities, it’s important to clean and dry the treated area after the physical contact. Take a warm (not hot) shower afterward and use a gentle, fragrance-free soap to cleanse the skin. Delicately pat yourself dry with a soft towel.
Other ways you can care for your skin after laser hair removal include:
- Applying cool compresses to soothe soreness and reduce inflammation.
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve discomfort.
- Not shaving the treated area for at least 48 hours.
- Staying out of the sun and avoiding tanning beds.
- Skipping exfoliation.
- Avoiding abrasive body scrubs.
- Avoiding skincare products with strong fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin.
At Laser by Monica, we provide every client with an open, respectful environment. We offer expert Brazilian laser hair removal and bikini laser hair removal in New York City and are happy to answer all your questions about proper aftercare.
Call Laser by Monica today to schedule your appointment, or stop by our studio to learn more about laser hair removal in NYC.