Electrolysis Aftercare

NO TOUCHING PLEASE - Bacteria is all over your body and on everything you touch, so never touch the treated area unless your hands are thoroughly washed. Touching your skin with dirty hands will cause you to break out and increase the likelihood of infection and/or pustules.

APPLY ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT - Apply Neosporin or any antibiotic cream to the treated area the night of your treatment. Apply with clean hands, cotton swabs or cotton rounds two a day, for up to a week. These medicines are designed to kill bacteria on your skin and prevent infections. This will help your skin heal even faster, especially in facial areas.  Make sure to follow the recommended dosage on the label or ask your local pharmacist.

PLEASE DON’T SCRATCH - It is normal for your skin to feel itchy and irritated for a few days following your treatment. This is inflammation and is part of the healing process. Resist the urge to scratch because you will create tiny abrasions in the skin and bacteria from your nails will enter them causing a nasty skin infection.  It will also cause more inflammation to the area which means more itching. If you are tempted to scratch, it is advised to take an antihistamine or apply an anti-histamine cream. If your skin is irritated apply 1% Hydrocortisone cream such as Cortizone 10 or Cortaid. It is anti-inflammatory and will reduce redness, itching and swelling.  Be sure to follow the recommended dosage on the label or ask your local pharmacist.

NO ASTRINGENTS - Avoid any harsh products until skin is fully healed.  This includes perfumes, acne medicine, astringents, toners or anything with an alcohol base. These products will dry out your skin. Witch hazel or Hibiclens is recommended to cleanse the skin.

NO PICKING - Picking at scabs/crusts can cause permanent scarring! Crusts can occur and is a natural part of the healing process.  Crusts are lymph fluid that has drained from the treated hair follicle and has dried up at the surface.  If crusts appear, allow them to fall off on their own.  Using an antibiotic cream and Aloe Vera gel on the area for a couple days after treatment will likely prevent scabs from forming.  Keeping the area moisturized with Aloe Vera several times a day can help prevent scabs from even forming.

COLD COMPRESSES FEEL AMAZING - To reduce inflammation and swelling you can use an icepack on the treated area after your treatment and will reduce swelling and inflammation. I have these on hand so ask for one “for the road”. If you experience discomfort while your skin is healing, try using an epsom salt compress.  Add one teaspoon of Epsom salt to half a cup of warm water.  Mix and apply the mixture with a clean washcloth for a few minutes at a time. This can be repeated until symptoms subside.

SKIP THE WORKOUT - Avoid exercising after your electrolysis appointment.  Excessive sweating can cause bacteria to enter open follicles causing a minor infection. It can often present in a breakout of several white pustules.

STAY IN THE SHADE - Immediately after treatment, you must stay out of the sun to prevent hyperpigmentation. An area that has been treated is extra sensitive to hyperpigmentation.  If you must be out in the sun wear a hat or cover the area (eg legs) or wear SPF rated clothing. The treatment area is also very sensitive to heat.  Skin that has been treated by thermolysis is especially at risk because heat is used to release the hair. Do not leave your home without using sunblock with a minimum of 15 SPF.

NO HOT TUBS, SAUNAS, AND POOLS - Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and pools in the first 48 hours. Your treated follicles are open and can easily become infected and irritated from the chemicals used for disinfecting of these facilities.

GO FRESH FACED - Please do not apply makeup for at least 48 hours after electrolysis. Your follicles are open and can easily become infected. Eye makeup is generally okay, but skip the foundation or powder. Make-up brushes and sponges are full of bacteria that will cause you to break out. Washing your makeup brushes with a antimicrobial cleanser before you restart your makeup usage is recommended.

DO NOT SHAVE - Avoid shaving the treated area for at least 48 hours post treatment. This can cause microscopic cuts and scrapes allowing bacteria to enter the follicles which can cause infection. Shaving can also cause ingrown hairs to form.  Let the skin heal completely prior to shaving.

PUT DOWN THE TWEEZERS - Once you start the electrolysis process you must stop tweezing, epilating, and/or waxing. If you need to trim for an event shaving or trimming with cuticle scissors is recommended. Be sure to ask me for guidance before you trim so you don’t negatively affect your next appointment.

STICK TO A REGULAR TREATMENT SCHEDULE - Keeping on a regular electrolysis treatment schedule is very important.  If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, clip, shave, or use a depilatory cream such as Nair to remove the hairs. Our goal is to treat the new regrowth as soon as it starts to appear, when the roots are not very deep and thick. It will result in a more effective treatment. Fine hairs are much easier to treat that thick deep ones.  So be sure to maintain a regular treatment schedule!