Book a Consultation Book Consultation
Laser / Prep & Aftercare

Prep & Aftercare

Follow these guidelines to get the best results from your laser or skin treatment — and to keep yourself safe.

Laser Hair Removal Beauty & Skin Treatments Book a consultation
Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal

Candela GentleMax Pro PLUS · All treatment areas

Before your session

Preparation

✓
Shave 24 hours beforeShave the treatment area the day before your session. Do not wax, thread or use depilatory creams for 4 weeks beforehand.
✓
Avoid sun exposureNo sunbathing or sunbeds for 2 weeks before. Tanned skin increases the risk of side effects and may require rescheduling.
✓
No fake tanAny fake tan must be completely faded before treatment — including gradual tanners. Test a small area if unsure.
✓
Clean, dry skinNo creams, oils, perfume or deodorant on the treatment area on the day of your session.
✓
MedicationsSome medications increase photosensitivity. Let us know at consultation if you take any regular medication, including antibiotics or Roaccutane.
✓
Patch test requiredMandatory before your first laser session — completed at your consultation appointment.
After your session

Aftercare

✓
Redness is normalMild redness and warmth around the follicles is expected and will subside within 2–4 hours. Apply a cool compress if needed.
✓
Apply SPF 50 dailyProtect treated skin from sun exposure for at least 2 weeks after every session. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50.
✓
Avoid heat for 24 hoursNo hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs or intense exercise for 24 hours after treatment.
✓
Let hair shed naturallyTreated hairs will shed over 2–3 weeks. Don't pick or scratch at the treated follicles — let them release on their own.
✓
No waxing between sessionsYou can shave between sessions, but no waxing, threading or depilatory creams — these remove the hair root that laser targets.
For best results

Getting the most from your sessions

✓
Attend all sessionsLaser targets hairs in the active (anagen) growth phase. Only a proportion are in this phase at any time — multiple sessions catch them all.
✓
Keep to your session spacingSessions are typically 6–8 weeks apart for body areas, 4–6 weeks for the face. Consistent spacing gives the best results.
✓
Maintain consistent skin toneAvoid tanning between sessions. Consistent skin tone allows us to use optimal settings safely at every appointment.
✓
Tell us about changesLet us know before each session if your medication has changed, if you've been pregnant, or if you've had significant sun exposure.
✓
Complete your full courseMost clients need 6–10 sessions for significant permanent reduction. Starting and not finishing leaves hair in an inconsistent state.
Beauty & Skin Treatments

Beauty & Skin Treatments

Microneedling · Chemical Peels · LED Therapy · Facials

Before your treatment

Preparation

✓
Arrive with clean skinNo makeup, SPF or skincare products on the treatment area. Cleanse thoroughly on the morning of your appointment.
✓
Avoid active ingredientsStop using retinoids (vitamin A), AHAs, BHAs and other exfoliating acids for 48 hours before microneedling or peels.
✓
No sunburnAvoid sunburn on the treatment area. Active sunburn means we cannot treat safely — treatment will be rescheduled.
✓
Disclose current productsTell your practitioner what skincare you're currently using — some products interact with treatment protocols.
✓
Stay hydratedDrink plenty of water in the 24 hours before microneedling. Well-hydrated skin responds better.
After your treatment

Aftercare

✓
Microneedling: 24h downtimeRedness and tightness for 24–48 hours is normal. Use only the products recommended by your practitioner. No makeup for 24 hours.
✓
Chemical peels: avoid pickingMedium-depth peels involve 3–5 days of visible peeling. Do not pick or peel the skin — this risks scarring and uneven results.
✓
SPF 50 every dayYour skin is more photosensitive after all skin treatments. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50 every morning for at least 2 weeks.
✓
Gentle cleanser onlyUse a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser for at least 48 hours. No physical exfoliants, cleansing brushes or hot water.
✓
LED: immediate return to normalLED therapy has zero downtime. You can apply makeup and resume normal activity immediately after treatment.
For best results

Getting the most from your sessions

✓
Follow your session planMicroneedling and peels work cumulatively. Sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart allow the skin to recover and respond fully before the next treatment.
✓
Use your home skincareYour practitioner will recommend a supporting home skincare routine. Consistent use between sessions significantly enhances results.
✓
Avoid retinoids during a courseDo not use prescription retinoids or high-strength vitamin A during an active microneedling or peel course unless specifically advised.
✓
Complete your full courseSkin remodelling treatments (particularly microneedling) build results over time. The most significant improvements often appear after sessions 4–6.

Questions about your treatment?

Ask at your consultation — or contact us before your session and we'll advise.

Book Consultation → Contact us →
Not sure where to start?

Book a consultation — we'll build your plan

30 minutes. Skin and hair assessment. A personalised treatment plan. £30 — fully credited back at your first session.

Book a Consultation — £30 credited back → Explore Laser →
v369 · p26