Can You Workout After Laser Hair Removal?

The main reason why you should avoid working out immediately after laser hair removal is because of sweat. Sweat is a natural and healthy response of your body to regulate your temperature and flush out toxins. However, sweat can also affect your laser hair removal and cause some problems.

First of all, sweat can interfere with the laser’s ability to target the hair follicles and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. This is because sweat contains salt, which can reflect the light and prevent it from reaching the hair roots. This can make the treatment less successful and require more sessions to achieve the desired results.

Secondly, sweat can increase the risk of overheating your skin and causing damage or discomfort. This is because your skin is already sensitive and inflamed after the laser treatment, and adding more heat can worsen the condition and delay the healing process. This can also increase the chances of developing side effects, such as redness, swelling, pain, irritation, infection, or scarring.

Cell Regenerate, explains how working out after laser hair removal can cause these problems:
“When you exercise, your body temperature rises and your pores open up. This allows sweat to seep into your skin and mix with the dead skin cells and bacteria that are being shed from your laser treatment. This can create a breeding ground for infection and inflammation, which can lead to complications such as folliculitis, ingrown hairs, or hyperpigmentation. Additionally, the friction and rubbing of your clothes or equipment can irritate your skin and cause more discomfort or damage.”

Therefore, it is advisable to avoid working out immediately after laser hair removal and give your skin some time to recover and heal.

The next question that you might have is: when can you resume working out after laser hair removal? The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. It depends on several factors, such as the area of treatment, the type of laser, the skin type, and the individual response.

However, as a general rule of thumb, you should wait at least 24 to 48 hours after laser hair removal before resuming any intense workouts that can cause excessive sweating or friction. This will allow your skin to calm down and reduce the inflammation and irritation. You should also monitor your skin for any signs of infection or complications and contact your doctor if you notice any.

The Wellness Nerd, gives a similar recommendation and explains the factors that may influence the recovery time:

“The recovery time after laser hair removal varies depending on the area of the body that was treated, the type of laser that was used, the skin type of the patient, and the individual reaction to the treatment. Some people may be able to resume working out the next day, while others may need to wait a few days or weeks. The best way to determine when you can work out after laser hair removal is to listen to your body and follow the aftercare instructions from your laser technician.”

Therefore, it is important to be patient and cautious when resuming working out after laser hair removal and not rush into it. You should also consult your laser technician for more specific and personalized advice.

Once you have waited the recommended time and your skin has healed and returned to its normal state, you can resume working out after laser hair removal. However, you still need to be careful and follow some tips and best practices to ensure that you work out safely and effectively and do not compromise the results of your laser treatment.

Here are some of the tips and best practices that you should follow:

Choose low-impact exercises that do not cause excessive sweating or friction, such as walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, or yoga. These exercises can help you stay fit and healthy without irritating your skin or affecting your laser hair removal. You should avoid high-intensity exercises that can make you sweat a lot or cause a lot of rubbing, such as running, jumping, lifting weights, or martial arts. These exercises can increase the risk of infection, inflammation, or scarring and reduce the effectiveness of your laser treatment.
Wear loose-fitting and breathable clothing that does not irritate your skin or trap moisture.

You should avoid tight-fitting, synthetic, or woolen clothing that can chafe your skin or cause overheating. You should also avoid wearing any accessories or jewelry that can scratch or rub your skin. You should opt for cotton, linen, or silk clothing that can keep your skin cool and comfortable.

Keep the treated area clean and dry and apply moisturizer or cream to hydrate and protect your skin. You should wash your skin with mild soap and water before and after working out and pat it dry with a soft towel. You should also apply a gentle, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic moisturizer or cream to your skin to prevent dryness, itching, or flaking. You should avoid any products that contain alcohol, acids, or retinoids, as these can irritate your skin or cause discoloration.

Avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen to prevent skin damage and discoloration. You should protect your skin from sun exposure and use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, regardless of the weather or the season. Sun exposure can cause your skin to become more sensitive, inflamed, or discolored after laser hair removal. You should also avoid tanning beds or artificial tanning products, as these can have the same effect.

Listen to your body and stop if you feel any discomfort or pain. You should pay attention to how your skin feels and reacts to working out after laser hair removal and stop if you notice any signs of irritation, infection, or complications. You should also contact your doctor or laser technician if you have any questions or concerns about your skin or your laser treatment.