Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses wavelengths of light to eliminate unwanted hair. The laser works in tiny bursts, targeting the melanin pigment in your hair follicles. When the light is absorbed by the melanin, it converts to heat. This damages the hair follicles, making it harder to grow new hair.

Laser hair removal is most effective during the anagen phase of hair growth. During this phase, your hair is actively growing and contains the most melanin. You’ll need multiple sessions to achieve optimal results because not all of your hairs are in the same growth phase at any given time.

Because of this process, many people assume that laser hair removal will be painful. There can be a mild stinging sensation during laser treatment, but there shouldn’t be any significant pain, and you shouldn’t need to use numbing cream for laser hair removal.

In fact, applying numbing cream before laser hair removal can decrease the efficacy of your treatment and increase your risk of unpleasant side effects. In this post, we’ll explain why.

How Numbing Creams Work

Many clinics now advertise numbing creams as part of their laser hair removal services, promising a more comfortable experience. These creams work by temporarily desensitizing the skin and blocking nerve signals to your brain, which helps reduce the perception of pain during the procedure.

The active ingredient in most numbing creams is lidocaine, though some clinics offer stronger, prescription-strength options, such as BLT, a combination of benzocaine, lidocaine, and tetracaine. BLT is known for being the most powerful numbing cream used for laser treatments.

While numbing creams can be effective at reducing discomfort, it’s important to note that they don’t just block pain—they block all sensations, including the ability to feel heat. This can lead to potential issues, such as not feeling if the skin becomes overly heated during treatment.

Benefits of Using Numbing Cream

Numbing cream primarily offers one benefit: it temporarily blocks sensation.

Reduced Discomfort

Some med spas promote numbing creams as a way to make laser hair removal more comfortable, especially for sensitive areas like the underarms or bikini line. However, at SEV, discomfort is rarely an issue, as our treatments are designed to be gentle.

Catering to Low Pain Thresholds

For clients who are concerned about pain or have a low pain tolerance, numbing cream can provide reassurance. While it may help with anxiety, there are often better ways to manage comfort during treatment.

Improved Experience & Adherence

Offering numbing cream may help clients feel more at ease, making it easier for them to commit to their treatment plan and stay consistent with their sessions.

Risks and Considerations

Before opting for numbing cream during laser hair removal, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and risks.

Skin Irritation or Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may have allergic reactions to the ingredients in numbing creams, such as lidocaine. These can range from mild skin irritation or breakouts to more severe reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Unsafe Creams

Not all numbing creams are created equal. Some over-the-counter products can be too strong, and improper application (such as using large amounts or applying over broad areas) may lead to adverse effects.

Pre-Existing Health Conditions

Many numbing creams contain active ingredients ending in “-caine,” which are processed by the liver. If you have liver conditions or a history of liver disease, it’s important to avoid these creams.

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The Case Against Numbing Cream for Laser Hair Removal

Now that you know how numbing cream works, it’s important to understand why it shouldn’t be necessary for your laser hair removal experience. The truth is, laser hair removal should not be painful. If you’re feeling significant discomfort, it may indicate that the device settings aren’t properly adjusted to your skin type.

Improper settings can lead to irritation, inflammation, or even burns. The issue with numbing cream is that it blocks sensations, including any discomfort from the laser. If something is wrong, you won’t be able to feel it, meaning you can’t request an adjustment mid-session. This increases the risk of burns or other skin damage.

In short, laser hair removal should cause only mild discomfort—often described as a light pinch or the snap of a rubber band. By skipping numbing cream, you ensure that you can immediately notify your provider if something feels off, allowing them to adjust the treatment for your safety.

Your Guide to Comfort During Laser Hair Removal

At SEV, we make laser hair removal as comfortable as possible. Each session is paired with a cooling device that blasts your skin with cold air before and after every laser pulse. Our lasers are equipped with skin sensors that continuously monitor your skin’s temperature to prevent overexposure.

After treatment, you may experience mild redness or warmth, which can be easily soothed at home using cold compresses, aloe vera, or a gentle moisturizer.

If you’ve had a more uncomfortable experience with hair removal in the past, you might be more sensitive to discomfort during your sessions. Our expert nurses and technicians are trained to adjust the laser settings to your needs and comfort level, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.

If you’re still concerned about sensitivity, our team recommends taking an over-the-counter painkiller before your session. This will help reduce any discomfort without affecting the treatment’s safety, allowing you to remain aware of any sensations while still feeling at ease.

While numbing cream might seem like a good option, the reality is that the best “numbing” is simply using the right laser, settings, and provider. If you do opt for numbing cream, it’s important to consult with a professional first and inform our team at SEV before applying anything.

Experience the Comfort of SEV Laser Hair Removal

At SEV Laser, we prioritize your comfort and safety above all. 

By matching the right laser to your skin type and using cooling technology between bursts, we ensure that your experience is as pleasant as possible. While we make every effort to minimize discomfort, your safety is our top concern. 

Only you can gauge whether the laser intensity feels right, which is why we encourage you to communicate any discomfort during your session. Our nurses remain vigilant for signs of discomfort to ensure your SEV experience is as comfortable and welcoming as possible. 

Ready to achieve smooth, hair-free skin with safe, minimally painful treatments? Book now to get started or schedule a personalized consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read our FAQ

Can you use numbing cream before laser hair removal?

While you can use a numbing cream before laser hair removal, we don’t recommend it and you shouldn’t need it if the laser is correctly set. Advanced laser platforms like the Candela GentleMax Pro and Cynosure Elite iQ can be adjusted to match clients’ skin types, and cooling devices eliminate the need for numbing creams entirely.

Can I use hydrocortisone cream after laser hair removal?

If you have a strong reaction to laser hair removal, you can use a low-strength hydrocortisone cream to ease itching. Make sure to tell us about your reaction before your next session; your laser settings may need adjustments.

Does numbing cream affect laser hair removal?

Numbing cream won’t interfere with the technical side of laser hair removal. However, you won’t be able to feel whether the laser is adjusted properly. If the laser is too weak, your treatment might be less effective overall, but if it’s too strong, you might experience side effects.

What cream should I use after laser hair removal?

Unscented aloe vera gel, a neutral balm or cream, or mild fragrance-free lotion can be used after each laser hair removal session. If you experience significant skin irritation, apply some hydrocortisone cream and inform our nurses.