Before & After Electrolysis
Before and After Electrolysis
What to do. What not to do.
Before.
It's important to ensure your provider has enough hair growth to easily grab the hair with a pair of tweezers. This means no tweezing or waxing one to two weeks prior to beginning treatment and timing shaving appropriately.
If you have not used tretinoin in the past, now is not the time to start using it. If your skin is not resilient, you will want to stop using actives or having aggressive skin treatments prior to beginning electrolysis.
Hydrate. This is important for the 24 hours prior to electrolysis as well hydrated skin conducts the galvanic current more efficiently and effectively. Even a cup of water immediately before treatment will help.
Try to avoid direct sun exposure for 24-48 before treatment to reduce a potential increase in sensitivity.
Arrive with clean skin. If you are wearing makeup, you can ask to cleanse your skin before treatment. Your provider will use a gentle product to remove any sunscreen or pollution from the area being treated to prep the skin for treatment.
Arrive 30-60 minutes before your appointment to apply numbing agents (available in our reception area), if you have time and find electrolysis uncomfortable.
After.
Your reaction to electrolysis is unique to you. Some people experience mild redness for a few minutes, others for a few days. Some people experience swelling in the area, especially if it’s a small and sensitive area, others none at all. Here are some general guidelines for aftercare you may find helpful and a few everyone should try to follow:
Redness can be reduced by using calming products designed to calm inflammation.
Keep your hands clean or avoid touching the area entirely.
Avoid direct sun exposure whenever possible by wearing hats or using sunscreen.
Do not apply makeup directly after electrolysis.
Avoid saunas and hot tubs for 24 hours. We’ve added heat to your skin. It takes time to recover.
Strenuous workouts should be avoided until your skin is calm.
Apply ice for swelling, if you experience it.
If your skin is highly reactive, you may find calming products beneficial. Your provider will sooth the area with witch hazel or another cooling product immediately after electrolysis, but some people need more. Moss and Barrier products were designed specifically for those undergoing electrolysis and other aggressive procedures. You may find them helpful.
Some people experience small pustules around their follicles after electrolysis. These are caused from heat and/or inflammation at the treatment site and can be part of the healing process for some people. Avoid popping them. Gently cleanse the area with witch hazel or another mild astringent or an epsom salt compress.
Scabbing may occur with some people. Like the pustules, this can be a normal reaction for some people after treatment. Apply cooling and mild products, such as witch hazel.
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is temporary and should be expected. Tranexamic acid can be a valuable topical ingredient to help these spots lift faster.
An Important Note for Those With Highly Pigmented Skin and Curly Hair
Ingrown hairs are a common problem and can result in discoloration, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation. If you are experiencing ingrown hairs, it is highly advisable to use a salicylic acid wash, left on for three minutes before rinsing, to clear follicles and to help prevent ingrown hairs. Hypopigmentation cannot be reversed, therefore prevention is key. The only solution for loss of pigment is cosmetic tattooing.
