Pre-Treatment Care for Electrolysis

  1. Avoid Sun Exposure
    • Refrain from tanning or exposing the treated area to the sun for at least 48 hours before your appointment. Sunburned or overly tanned skin can be more sensitive during treatment.
  2. No Waxing or Tweezing
    • Do not wax, tweeze, or use depilatory creams for at least 2-3 weeks prior to your treatment. Shaving is the preferred method of hair removal before electrolysis as it leaves the hair follicle intact.
  3. Cleanse the Area
    • Ensure the treatment area is clean and free of lotions, oils, or makeup before your session. This helps the electrolysis process to be more effective.
  4. Avoid Certain Medications
    • If you’re on medications that increase skin sensitivity (such as Retin-A, Accutane, or certain antibiotics), consult with your electrologist about adjusting your treatment schedule.
  5. Avoid Caffeine
    • Refrain from consuming caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks, etc.) for at least 4 hours before your treatment. Caffeine can increase your sensitivity to pain during the procedure.
  6. Consider Pain Relief
    • If you have a low pain tolerance, you may take ibuprofen (or another over-the-counter pain reliever) 30-60 minutes before your treatment to help reduce discomfort. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
  7. Hydration
    • Make sure to drink plenty of water prior to your session to help keep your skin hydrated.

Post-Treatment Care for Electrolysis

  1. Avoid Touching the Treated Area
    • Try not to touch, scratch, or pick at the treated area for 24-48 hours to avoid irritation and prevent infection.
  2. Use a Soothing Gel or Cream
    • Apply an aloe vera gel or a soothing, fragrance-free lotion to the treated area to help calm the skin. Avoid products with alcohol or harsh chemicals.
  3. Limit Sun Exposure
    • Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 48 hours post-treatment. If you must be in the sun, use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect the treated skin.
  4. Avoid Hot Water and Steam
    • For the first 24-48 hours, avoid hot showers, saunas, or any heat treatments to prevent irritation and swelling.
  5. No Makeup (if treated on the face)
    • Avoid applying makeup to the treated area for at least 24 hours to allow the skin to heal properly and reduce the risk of irritation.
  6. Avoid Intense Physical Activity
    • Refrain from vigorous exercise, sweating, or activities that may cause friction or irritation to the treated area for at least 24-48 hours.
  7. Be Patient
    • It is normal to experience slight redness or swelling after the treatment. These effects typically subside within a few hours, but if discomfort persists, contact your electrologist.
  8. Continue to Shave, Don’t Tweeze or Wax
    • Between treatments, continue shaving the treated area. Do not tweeze, wax, or use depilatories as this can interfere with the electrolysis process.