Working Out After Laser Hair Removal: Everything You Need to Know

Satenik Karapetyan • August 16, 2025

If you’ve just had a laser hair removal session, you’re likely excited about your smoother skin and ready to get back to your routine. For many, that means heading to the gym or enjoying a workout. But one question comes up often: Can you workout after laser hair removal? Since your skin has just been exposed to concentrated light energy, it’s more sensitive than usual.

Jumping into exercise too soon can lead to redness, swelling, and irritation caused by sweat, friction, and increased body heat. That’s why giving your skin a short rest is key to protecting both your comfort and your results.

In this article, we’ll cover why it’s best to wait, how long you should pause workouts, and the steps you can take to keep your laser hair removal results smooth and healthy..

Can You Workout After Laser Hair Removal?

The short answer is no. It’s best to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before exercising after your treatment. Laser hair removal works by directing concentrated light into the hair follicles, which heats them and disrupts growth. While this is safe and effective, it leaves your skin more sensitive than usual.

When you work out, your body temperature rises, you sweat, and your skin experiences more friction. These factors can cause redness, swelling, and even infection in the freshly treated area.

Some people may feel comfortable after 24 hours, but if you had a larger area treated such as the legs or full body hair removal, giving yourself the full 48 hours is a safer choice.

Why Working Out Too Soon Can Be a Problem?

Here are the main reasons why exercising right after laser hair removal isn’t recommended:

  1. Skin Sensitivity: The laser’s heat temporarily makes your skin more delicate. Intense activity adds extra heat and friction, which can worsen discomfort.

  2. Sweat and Bacteria: Sweat can carry bacteria into open follicles, increasing the risk of breakouts or infection. This is especially important for areas like the back, underarms, or bikini line.

  3. Prolonged Redness: Blood flow increases during exercise, which can make redness and swelling last longer.

  4. Folliculitis Risk: This common irritation looks like small red bumps and can be triggered when sweat mixes with bacteria on freshly treated skin.

How Long Should You Wait?

Most specialists recommend waiting at least 24 hours before exercising if you’ve treated a small area such as the underarms or upper lip. For larger areas like the legs, back, chest, or full body hair removal, it’s better to wait 48 hours to prevent friction, heat buildup, and irritation.

Everyone’s skin heals at a different pace, so pay attention to how it feels. If the treated area still looks red, feels warm, or is tender after this period, allow extra recovery time before resuming workouts.

Types of Exercise to Avoid After Laser Hair Removal

Until your skin has recovered, it’s best to skip:

  • High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
  • Hot yoga or heated Pilates classes
  • Long-distance running
  • Swimming in chlorinated pools or natural bodies of water
  • Heavy weightlifting that causes significant sweating

These activities raise body temperature and can irritate the treated skin.

Light Activity That’s Usually Safe

If you prefer not to pause movement completely after laser hair removal, you can opt for light, low-impact activities that are less likely to irritate your skin. After the first 24 hours, gentle options include leisurely walking in a cool environment, light stretching, or non-heated yoga sessions. You can also try simple at home mobility exercises that keep your body active without generating excessive heat or sweat.

The main priority is to avoid anything that causes heavy perspiration, friction from clothing, or significant increases in body temperature, as these factors can lead to redness, discomfort, and slower recovery.

Tips for Safe Workouts After Laser Hair Removal

Once the initial healing period has passed, you can return to your fitness routine with a few adjustments:

  1. Wear loose, breathable clothing to avoid rubbing the treated skin.
  2. Stay hydrated to help your skin recover faster.
  3. Avoid direct sunlight on the treated areas if you’re outdoor and apply SPF.
  4. Keep skin clean and dry before and after exercise.
  5. Use gentle cleansers instead of harsh body scrubs for a few days.
  6. Avoid makeup, deodorant, or fragranced lotions on the treated area for the first day.
  7. Apply a cool compress to reduce heat or swelling.
  8. Use soothing Aloe Vera gel to calm the skin.

Why Exercise Can Interfere with Results?

Laser hair removal works best when the treated area stays cool and calm after each session. High heat from workouts can create the opposite environment. When your body temperature rises, sweat mixes with bacteria, and friction from clothing or equipment irritates the skin. This can cause micro tears or inflammation, slowing your skin’s recovery and possibly making it more sensitive for your next treatment.

If you’re committed to your workout schedule, plan your laser sessions on rest days or when you can give yourself at least a day or two before hitting the gym.

What If You Accidentally Worked Out Too Soon?

If you’ve already exercised within the first 24 hours and notice redness, itchiness, or small bumps, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

  1. Gently cleanse the area with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser
  2. Pat dry and avoid rubbing
  3. Apply Aloe Vera gel or a cooling product recommended by your provider
  4. Skip further exercise for the next 48 hours
  5. Contact your clinic if irritation worsens or if you see signs of infection

How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?

While this article focuses on post-treatment care, it’s worth noting that good preparation also supports healthy skin recovery afterward. If you’re wondering, learn more here "how to prepare for laser hair removal".

You can also learn more about service packages, including Laser hair removal price for women and for men, to plan your treatments.

Planning Around Events or Sports

If you have a major sports event, vacation, or outdoor activity on your calendar, it’s important to schedule your laser hair removal sessions with enough recovery time in between. Ideally, allow at least two to three days before participating in any high-intensity physical activity. This break helps your skin fully settle, reducing the risk of redness, swelling, or irritation during the event.

The advice is especially relevant for laser hair removal in Glendale, CA, where warm weather and sunny conditions make outdoor workouts common. Proper planning ensures you can enjoy your activities comfortably while protecting the results of your treatment.

Final Thoughts

Thinking of working out after laser hair removal? The safest approach is to give your skin a rest for 24 to 48 hours before returning to exercise. This short recovery period allows your skin to cool down, heal properly, and respond to the treatment without added irritation. While it may feel like a pause in your fitness schedule, it’s a small step that can make a big difference in achieving smooth, long-lasting results.

Whether you’ve treated a single area or chosen full body hair removal, those first couple of days are essential. Avoiding sweat, heat, and friction early on helps protect the follicles targeted during your session, setting you up for better results over time. Think of it as an investment in your skin, a little patience now will give you more confidence when you return to your workouts.

If you’re ready to enjoy silky, hair free skin, schedule your laser hair removal session with us today. Our services for Laser hair removal in Glendale, CA offer a safe and effective way to achieve the look you’ve always wanted. Book an appointment in advance!

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Smooth, hair free skin has long been associated with confidence and selfcare, but for many, the traditional methods like shaving, waxing, and threading are time consuming, painful, and expensive in the long run. That’s why full body laser hair removal is a goto solution for women and men looking for smooth, hair free skin that lasts. But is it right for you? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the pros, cons, long term results, costs, and what to expect including a look into laser hair removal in Glendale, CA at SM Skin LA Laser, where your comfort, results, and skin health come first. What Is Full Body Laser Hair Removal? Full body laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy to target hair follicles across multiple areas of the body arms, legs, chest, back, underarms, bikini area, and even the face. The pigment in the hair absorbs the laser energy, destroying the follicle and preventing future growth. 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This makes it especially appealing for those with busy lifestyles who want consistent results without the constant effort. 3. Saves Time and Money Over Time Full body laser hair removal becomes a cost saving investment over time. You eliminate the need for razors, waxing appointments, depilatory creams, and the frequent purchases tied to temporary hair removal methods. In addition to saving money, you’ll gain back valuable time that would otherwise be spent shaving or booking waxing sessions. 4. Reduced Risk of Ingrown Hairs and Irritation For many, traditional methods like waxing or shaving lead to skin irritation, redness, and painful ingrown hairs, especially on sensitive areas. Laser hair removal significantly reduces these issues by targeting the hair at the follicle level, preventing it from growing in a way that causes irritation. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with coarse, curly hair who are more prone to ingrown hairs. 5. Multiple Body Areas Can Be Treated Simultaneously Another advantage is the ability to treat various areas of the body in a single session. Whether it’s the legs, underarms, chest, back, or bikini line, full body laser hair removal offers an efficient approach to go hair free. The entire process is faster and more seamless compared to scheduling separate sessions for different zones. Cons of Full Body Laser Hair Removal 1. Multiple Sessions Are Required for Best Results Laser hair removal is not an instant solution. Hair grows in cycles, and the laser is most effective during the active growth phase. This means you’ll need around 6 to 8 sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, to see optimal results. Consistency is key, and missing appointments can delay progress. 2. Ineffective on Light-Colored Hair Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in the hair follicle. Because of this, it is less effective on blonde, red, white, or grey hair, which lacks sufficient pigment for the laser to detect. At SM Skin LA Laser in Glendale, CA , we offer electrolysis for those hair types. Electrolysis can permanently remove light colored hairs and ensures you don’t need to seek treatment elsewhere to complete your plan. 3. Higher Upfront Cost Packages for large areas or full-body treatments typically come at a higher price point. However, when compared to years of spending on waxing, razors, or other temporary solutions, many clients find the long-term savings and convenience justify the cost. 4. Mild Discomfort During Sessions Some clients report a snapping or stinging sensation during treatments often compared to a rubber band lightly snapping against the skin. However, the discomfort is typically brief and manageable. At SM Skin & Laser, we use the Candela GentleMax Pro, a state-of-the-art system designed with cooling features that help minimize discomfort and make the experience more tolerable, even for sensitive skin types. Laser Hair Removal for Women: A Popular Choice Women commonly choose full body laser hair removal to eliminate hair from: Underarms Legs Bikini/Brazilian area Arms Back of neck Stomach or back Laser Hair Removal Price for Women Pricing varies based on area size and sessions needed. At SM Skin & Laser, we offer transparent, no-surprise pricing with no hidden fees or aggressive packages. You’ll always know what you’re paying for. Example starting points: Underarms: $65 per session Full Legs: $165 per session Bikini / Brazilian: $155 per session Full Body : $450 per session - Plus, every treatment earns you 10% back through our loyalty program a little thank you for trusting us with your skin. Laser Hair Removal for Men: Rising in Popularity Men now make up a growing portion of laser hair removal clients. Common areas include: Chest and stomach Back and shoulders Beard line and neck Arms and legs It’s ideal for athletes, professionals, and anyone who wants a groomed, clean look without constant maintenance. Laser Hair Removal Price for Men Men’s pricing tends to be slightly higher due to hair density. Starting points include: Full Back: $170 per session Full Chest: $85 per session Neck: $40 per session Full Body Packages: Available upon consultation We offer custom packages that consider your hair growth patterns and desired results plus loyalty rewards for consistent clients. Is Laser Hair Removal Safe? Yes, when performed by experienced, licensed professionals using FDA-approved devices, laser hair removal is a safe and effective cosmetic treatment for long-term. At SM Skin LA Laser, we prioritize both safety and results by using the Candela GentleMax Pro, one of the most trusted systems in the industry. This advanced technology combines dual wavelengths (755 nm and 1064 nm) with a built-in cooling system that protects the skin’s surface during treatment. This allows us to treat a wide range of skin tones from fair to deep with precision and minimal discomfort. The integrated cooling also helps reduce the risk of burns, redness, or post-treatment irritation, making the experience more comfortable for our clients. Before any procedure, our team performs a thorough skin analysis and a melanin test. This ensures the laser settings are customized to your specific skin type, hair color, and sensitivity level. We never rush this step your safety and skin health are our top priorities. Additionally, all sessions are performed in a clean, private studio environment that eliminates the risks often associated with high-volume, impersonal med spas. Who Shouldn’t Have Laser Hair Removal? While laser hair removal is generally safe for most healthy individuals, there are certain conditions and circumstances under which it may not be the best option. A consultation with a licensed laser technician is essential to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you. You may need to delay or avoid laser hair removal if you: Are pregnant or currently breastfeeding: Although there’s no concrete evidence of harm, most providers recommend postponing laser treatments until after pregnancy and nursing, as a precaution. Have active skin infections, rashes, or open wounds in the treatment area: Treating irritated or broken skin can worsen inflammation and interfere with healing. Are taking photosensitizing medications, such as Accutane or certain antibiotics: These drugs can increase your skin’s sensitivity to light and raise the risk of burns or pigmentation changes. You’ll need to discontinue such medications well in advance (under medical guidance) before proceeding with laser. Have very light, blonde, white, or grey hair: Since laser relies on melanin (pigment) to target the hair follicle, it’s often ineffective on light-colored hair. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options we offer electrolysis, a permanent hair removal solution that works for all hair colors, including red and grey. Suffer from certain chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or vitiligo in the treatment area: Laser treatment may aggravate these conditions. During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your medical history, current medications, and skin concerns in detail to ensure a safe and customized approach. Your skin’s long-term health and your peace of mind are always at the center of our care. 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Ready to Get Started? Book a consultation today to learn more about: Full body laser hair removal Laser hair removal for women or men Pricing and custom packages Electrolysis add-ons Loyalty rewards program Your skin deserves expert care and we’re here to help you feel your best, every day.
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