Pre- & Post-Treatment Care Information

Important Notes:

1. Stop shaving treatment area(s) at least 3 days prior to treatment! Letting these hairs grow to a length between ⅛-½ inch is absolutely crucial for treatment. If hairs are significantly longer than ½ inch, please trim with clippers accordingly. 

2. For your own comfort please stay hydrated and refrain from drinking alcoholic or caffeinated beverages 12-24 hrs before treatment!

3. Please shower and cleanse the treatment area prior to our session.

4. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for the treatment area, e.g. wear a tank top for armpit treatment (For more sensitive areas I have sheets available for draping)

Recommended Skin Care:

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water! Electrolysis acts on the water in your skin so this is very important for the effectiveness of treatment. Aiming for at least 90 oz of water per day is a good threshold to maintaining healthy skin for treatment.

• Rest Well: Ensure you get plenty of sleep, especially the night before your appointment, to help your skin be at its best. 

• Exfoliate Regularly: This helps keep your skin healthy and prepped for treatment. Consider using a gentle exfoliator 2-3 times a week. 

• Moisturize Regularly: Maintain your skin's hydration for optimal results. A light, non-comedogenic moisturizer is ideal. (Comedogenic ingredients are heavier substances known for clogging pores, causing blemishes and problems)

• Use Sunscreen Daily: Protect your skin from UV damage with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

Avoid:

• Retinoids/Vitamin A: Stop all retinol, retinoid, or any vitamin A skin care product treatments at least a week (7 days) before electrolysis. 

• Accutane: There are risks associated with taking accutane while being treated with electrolysis. If you do take accutane, please contact your dermatologist and/or doctor for more information. 

Additional Tips: 

• Distractions: It can be helpful to bring something to act as a distraction during treatment: Audiobooks, music, podcasts and/or a fidget/stimming toy.

Some clients use topical anesthetic (numbing creams) that contain 3% or 5% lidocaine which can lessen the discomfort associated with electrolysis. Some clients use prescription creams, but you can also find over the counter options at most pharmacies or online. Common brands include EMLA, LMX, and Numb Master, but do your own research and find the best fit for you!

Common Practices:

1. Read the Package:Please read the full package of the product you are using! Prioritize and follow any associated instructions, warnings, or necessary information given directly from your choice of product and its company! The following are simply common practices:

2. Perform a Patch Test: Apply a small amount of the anesthetic cream to a small area of your skin to check for any allergic reactions. Wait for 24 hours. If you experience redness, swelling, or itching, do not use the product.

3. Clean the Area: Clean the area to be treated with a gentle cleanser and water. Pat dry with a clean towel.

4. Apply the Anesthetic: Apply a thick layer of the anesthetic cream to the area. Do not rub it in; let it sit on the surface of the skin.

5. Cover the Area: Cover the area with plastic wrap. This helps the skin absorb the cream more effectively and prevents it from rubbing off.

6. Wait: Allow the cream to remain on your skin for the recommended time, usually approximately 1 hour. Refer to the product instructions for exact timing.

7. Remove the Wrap and Cream: Just before your appointment, remove the plastic wrap and wipe off the cream gently with a clean cloth or tissue. Wash the area again with a gentle cleanser and water to remove any residue.

8. Inform Your Electrologist: Let your electrologist know that you have used a topical anesthetic and share the brand and concentration of the product.

If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms after applying a cream, contact a healthcare professional immediately!

Avoid:

• Picking at the Skin: It’s crucial to avoid this at all costs to prevent irritation, infection, and complications post treatment. Most side effects of electrolysis are mild, but may include redness, swelling, blisters, scabs and/or dryness. These all should subside in the days following. Just remember, healing is quicker and safer when you leave the treated area unpicked

• Irritation: Refrain from activities that cause friction or sweating 48 hours after treatment, such as going to the gym or riding a bicycle. If the area remains red or bothered, extend this period. Wearing loose, breathable clothing can help reduce irritation. 

• Sun Exposure: Stay out of the sun for 48 hours after treatment to avoid irritation and pigmentation issues. If you must go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen to protect the treated area. 

• Swimming: Avoid swimming in chlorinated or salt water for 48 hours post-treatment to prevent irritation. 

• Makeup: Try to avoid applying makeup for at least 24 hours. If you must use makeup, choose non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic products. 

• Harsh Cleansers: Avoid washing with soap for at least 24 hours. During this time wash using clean water only. After 24 hours, you may use a gentle cleanser. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel, rather than rubbing.

• Exfoliating: Wait to exfoliate until the treatment area is fully healed and cleared, generally 5-7 days at most. Exfoliating right after electrolysis can interrupt the skin's healing similar to picking, causing unwanted problems and complications to the healing process.

Do: 

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help your skin recover. Staying hydrated aids in the healing process. 

• Contact Joy: If you have any questions or concerns post-treatment, do not hesitate to reach out. Your recovery, health, wellbeing, and the health of your skin is of the utmost importance to me, inside and outside of your appointments! 

Additional Tips: 

• Ice Packs: Applying a cold compress or ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) to the treated area for short periods can help reduce swelling and discomfort. 

• Aloe Vera Gel: Applying pure aloe vera gel can soothe and cool the treated area, aiding in the healing process. If new aloe vera gel, please apply a patch test to your arm to check for any allergies before applying to the treatment area. 

• Antibiotic Ointment: If you notice any signs of infection or if your electrologist recommends it, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the treated area. 

• Follow-Up Appointments: Consistency is key with electrolysis. Make sure to schedule and keep your follow-up appointments for the best results.