How to Prep for Your First Laser Appointment (and What NOT to Do)
Why Preparation Is Half the Results
Most people think great laser results come from the device.
Truth? It’s 50% prep, 50% healing, and 0% winging it.
Prepping your skin correctly helps you:
Avoid pigment issues or burns
Heal faster with less inflammation
Maximize collagen and clarity gains
Keep results consistent across sessions
At The Bare Effect, we design custom laser prep plans based on your skin type, treatment area, and seasonal sun exposure, so your skin is calm, hydrated, and ready to perform.
Step 1: Avoid the Sun Like It’s Your Ex
If you’ve had any sun exposure or tanning in the last few weeks, hit pause.
Lasers target pigment, and a tan is basically camouflage that tricks the laser into hitting the wrong target.
Do this:
Avoid direct sun exposure for 2 weeks minimum before your appointment.
Use broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily, even indoors near windows.
Wear hats, UPF clothing, or physical shade outdoors.
Don’t:
Use tanning beds, spray tans, or self-tanners.
Do outdoor workouts or pool days right before treatment.
Step 2: Stop Using Irritating Products
A common mistake? Coming in with active skincare on board.
Acids, retinoids, exfoliants. These are all great normally, but terrible before laser.
Stop these 3–5 days prior:
Retinol or prescription tretinoin
AHAs/BHAs (glycolic, salicylic, lactic acids)
Vitamin C (temporarily)
Scrubs, exfoliating pads, enzyme masks
Benzoyl peroxide or strong acne topicals
Why? These products thin the stratum corneum (outer skin layer), increasing sensitivity and risk of post-laser irritation.
Step 3: Focus on Barrier Repair
Healthy skin = predictable laser response.
Weak, dehydrated skin = irritation, redness, and slower healing.
Start 1–2 weeks before:
Load up on barrier-supportive skincare: ceramides, niacinamide, squalane, peptides.
Add a hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid or growth-factor based).
Stay consistent with moisturizers morning and night.
Eat collagen-supporting foods: protein, vitamin C, omega-3s, zinc.
(Your skin’s internal nutrition is your best “numbing cream.”)
Step 4: No Actives, No Waxing, No Harsh Treatments
Avoid for at least 1 week pre-laser:
Waxing, threading, depilatories on treatment areas
Botox or filler in the same zone
Chemical peels, microneedling, or other exfoliating facials
Any exfoliating home device (Clarisonic, PMD, microderm tools)
These all increase inflammation risk and can interfere with laser penetration depth.
Step 5: Arrive Clean, Shaved, and Product-Free
On the day of your appointment:
Shave the treatment area 12–24 hours beforehand (for laser hair removal only).
Come with no makeup, lotion, deodorant, or perfume on treatment zones.
Take your usual medications (unless your provider advises otherwise).
Drink plenty of water. Hydrated skin conducts laser energy more evenly.
Pro tip: If you’re prone to anxiety or pain sensitivity, skip caffeine that morning. It heightens nerve activity. Also, scheduling a week after your menstrual cycle is optimal for less sensitivity.
Step 6: The Day Before. Don’t DIY “Prep Masks”
We’ve seen it all: exfoliating scrubs, TikTok acids, even toothpaste “masks.”
Please… no.
If you want to pamper your skin, do it after your laser, not before. And with Bare approved products please! We like to stick to calm, barrier-friendly products only.
Step 7: What NOT to Do (No Matter What TikTok Says)
No “pre-laser exfoliation” hacks. You’ll just irritate your barrier.
No numbing creams at home. We’ll use professional numbing if needed.
No supplements that increase bleeding or bruising (fish oil, aspirin, high-dose vitamin E) for 48 hours prior.
No alcohol the night before. It dehydrates and can increase redness.
No “glow facials” right before. Overstimulation makes your skin reactive.
Bare Effect’s Smart-Prep Philosophy
Your laser results depend as much on your starting point as the treatment itself.
We use prep protocols based on:
Your Fitzpatrick skin type (melanin level)
Device type (Clarity II, UltraMD, or Tixel)
Season + sun exposure risk
Hormonal and barrier status
If your skin isn’t ready, we’ll pause, prep, and reschedule.
Because our goal isn’t to rush. It’s to keep your pigment, collagen, and barrier intact for the long game.
Aftercare Starts Before the Laser
The right pre-care sets you up for a smooth recovery:
Less inflammation
Shorter downtime
More even tone
Stronger collagen remodeling
Want a head start? Ask us about The Bare Effect Laser Prep Kit. Our curated barrier-support system designed specifically for Arizona skin.
Ready to Get Laser Smart?
Whether you’re prepping for Clarity II hair removal, UltraMD resurfacing, or Tixel rejuvenation, we’ll guide you step-by-step — from pre-care to post-care and everything in between.
Real people. Real results. Minimal effort. Maximum science.
📍 Serving Scottsdale • Arcadia • Paradise Valley • Phoenix Metro Area
Book your consultation or text (480) 447-9511 for personalized laser prep guidance.