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Aftercare for Electrolysis
Refrain from touching the treated area: Touching the area can introduce bacteria to the skin and will increase your chance of an infection. If you must touch your face, wash your hands first. *This is recommended until all scabs and open wounds are healed.
Icing: If you wish, apply an ice pack to the treated area (with a clean barrier between your skin and the ice pack) as needed for swelling, redness, and discomfort. You may ice up to 5 times a day with a maximum of 10-15 minutes each application. Do not apply cold therapy continuously. *This is recommended for as long as needed.
Wash the skin: Starting the night after your appointment, wash the treated area twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, with a gentle cleanser. For face, use products such as, but not limited to, Vanicream, CeraVe, or Cetaphil. For body work, use a gentle fragrance-free soap such as, but not limited to, Dove Sensitive or Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash. Wash with light pressure and pat dry with a clean towel or a disposable face towel. *This is recommended for one week after treatment or until the area is healed.
Antiseptic: Use a topical antiseptic such as witch hazel or hypochlorous acid (HOCl) spray designed for the face/body 2-3 times a day before application/reapplication of moisturizer. Witch hazel can help prevent infection by killing bacteria and reducing the risk of scarring. Apply with a clean cotton round. Hypochlorous acid calms inflammation, reduces redness, and supports natural healing by killing bacteria and other irritants without damaging the skin. A HOCl spray can be applied after cleansing to help prevent breakouts, soothe irritation, and promote a clearer complexion post-treatment. *This is recommended for one week after treatment or until the area is healed.
Moisturize: Apply a sensitive-skin-safe moisturizer 2-3 times a day after each wash and mid day if the skin seems dry. Aloe vera gel is recommended for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and support the healing process. Alternatively, a thin layer of Aquaphor may be used to create a protective barrier that locks in moisture and aids in recovery. These products may be used individually or in combination, depending on your personal preference. However, it is essential to apply only a thin layer of any product. Over-application, especially of ointments, can inhibit the skin’s ability to breathe and may slow the natural healing process. *This is recommended for one week after treatment or until the area is healed.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen must be applied twice a day to any area that may be exposed to the sun after treatment (face, arms, legs, neck, etc). Sunscreen should be applied in the morning after your moisturizer and again halfway through your day with thoroughly washed hands. The sunscreen should be SPF 30 and above. EltaMD and BYOMA are good brand options for the face and neck. *Continue using sunscreen for the full duration of your electrolysis treatments to help minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation and sunburns.
Wear loose clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothing to avoid friction and irritation to the treated area. This is especially important with electrolysis in the genital region. *This is recommended for one week after treatment or until the area is healed.
Hygiene tips: Always have clean bed sheets and pillow cases after your electrolysis treatment. You do not want to introduce any bacteria into the skin from contaminated items. If you have received electrolysis in the genital region, always wash your hands before and after using the restroom. Washing your hands before use of the restroom will decrease the likelihood of transmitting the bacteria on your hands obtained from touching surfaces throughout your day to the treatment area. Change your undergarments twice daily for the first 48 hours. Underwear collects sweat, dirt, and bacteria, creating a warm, moist environment that promotes the rapid growth of harmful microbes. To prevent the treatment area from sticking to your underwear, we recommend wearing a sanitary pad and changing it 2-3 times a day to prevent bacterial growth for the first 24 hours after your electrolysis treatment. Showers should be with warm water, not hot water, and make sure you wash all treated areas gently with non-abrasive items. Do not use loofahs or exfoliants for the first week after treatment or until healed.
Things to Avoid
Discontinue epilating and depilatories: While actively in the processes of permanent hair removal, do not use depilatory creams, waxing, or tweezing. These remove the hair from the follicle, making it impossible for the electrologist to treat the root. This will also interfere with your hair growth cycle. To remove unwanted hair between appointments, shave with a razor. Foil razors are the gentlest on the skin and should be the only razor used when scabs are present.
Do not pick the scab: This can create scarring and infection. Small pinpoint scabs are a normal and temporary part of the skin’s healing process. They act as a protective shield over the tiny wounds in the hair follicles to prevent infection and aid recovery. Using moisturizer can help keep the scabs soft.
Do not wear a tight fitting or used mask: Nothing should rub against the treated vulnerable skin. A used mask can harbor bacteria, sweat, oil, and other debris that is normally harmless to healthy skin. However, these can cause pustules, bumps, and infection when in contact with vulnerable skin.
Do not wear makeup for 24-48 hours: Makeup can introduce bacteria and irritants, hindering the skin’s critical 24-48 hour healing and recovery phase.
Avoid sun exposure: The sun can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Do not exercise for 48 hours: Sweat can lead to infections in open follicles.
Avoid hot baths, saunas, and swimming for 48 hours: Steaming hot water and the bacteria found in pools can irritate the skin and increase the risk of infection.
Avoid applying tension: Please do not apply any tension to the treated area until completely healed. This includes, but is not limited to, tucking.
Lastly, learn about what to expect during the healing process: Your Skin After Electrolysis.