Laser Hair Removal Aftercare: How to Look After Your Skin
Oct 6, 2026 · By Studio M Laser & Esthetics
The short answer: after laser hair removal, avoid sun and tanning for one to two weeks, avoid heat and intense exercise for the first 24 to 48 hours, and apply SPF 30 or higher daily. Mild redness and warmth are usual and temporary.
What is normal
Mild redness, warmth, swelling, or irritation may occur after treatment. It is usually temporary and settles as your skin recovers. Most clients return to normal activities straight after treatment, with little to no downtime.
Your aftercare timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| First 24 to 48 hours | Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, swimming, and intense exercise. Avoid scrubs, exfoliants, retinol, acids, perfumes, and deodorant on the area. |
| Daily | Keep the area clean and moisturised with a fragrance-free product. Apply SPF 30 or higher on treated skin. |
| One to two weeks | Avoid sun exposure, tanning, and self-tanning products. |
| Between sessions | Avoid waxing, plucking, threading, and depilatory creams. Shaving is the approved option. |
What progress looks like
These are real Studio M cases, showing the legs before treatment and after three sessions. Results vary.
Protecting your results
Keeping your course on schedule matters. Book your next session when your practitioner recommends it, and avoid tanning and sun exposure between sessions. Let your practitioner know if your skin or hair changes.
When to contact us
Contact your practitioner if the area becomes very painful, blistered, or swollen, or if you notice signs of infection. Do not wait if you are worried.
Frequently asked questions
Can I exercise after treatment?
Avoid intense exercise and heat on the treated area for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Is there downtime?
Most clients return to normal activities right away, with little to no downtime.
Can I shave between sessions?
Yes. Shaving is the approved option between sessions, while waxing and plucking are not.
Book your next session
Explore our laser hair reduction treatments, or book a consultation at Studio M in Surrey.
Treatments mentioned in this article
Last updated Oct 6, 2026. This article is for general information and does not constitute medical advice — a consultation will confirm whether a treatment is right for you.