Can You Work Out After Laser Hair Removal? [+ Aftercare Tips]

Can You Work Out After Laser Hair Removal? Key Takeaways

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• You should skip intense workouts for a day or two after your laser hair removal session
• Working out too soon after laser hair removal can trap sweat and bacteria in freshly treated pores, leading to irritation and redness
• You can still do some light movement after your laser hair removal session

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The U.S. is leading the charge in the $828 billion fitness market, which proves just how many Americans see working out as a form of self-care.

But if you’re all in on both your workouts and your laser hair removal routine, figuring out how to balance the two without irritating your skin can get a little tricky.

You’re probably wondering, “Can you work out after laser hair removal?”

It’s a fair question, especially if your workout is the highlight of your day.

To keep it simple: no, you can’t work out straight after laser hair removal.

By the time you’re done reading, you will:

• Find out why you can’t work out right after your laser hair removal session

• Discover when you can work out

• Explore gentle exercises you can do and expert aftercare tips

When Can You Work Out After Laser Hair Removal?

It’s best to wait about 24 to 48 hours before jumping back into intense workouts after laser hair removal.

Give your skin time to settle and make sure it’s no longer red, warm, or sensitive first.

Why Should You Avoid Exercising Too Soon After Laser Hair Removal?

After laser hair removal, your skin is more sensitive and needs time to heal.

Jumping into intense workouts too soon can lead to irritation, redness, or even infection.

Sweat, heat, and friction from tight clothing can clog open follicles and stress the treated area.

Types of Exercise to Avoid After Laser Hair Removal

One of the most common questions we get is, “Can you work out after laser hair removal?” The short answer: not right away.

For the first day or two after your session, avoid any workouts that will make you sweat a lot or put pressure on the treated area.

When your body heats up and you start to sweat, it can irritate the treated area and slow down healing, sometimes causing redness and bumps.

That means skipping activities like:

• High-intensity workouts like running, spin class, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or hot yoga

• Weightlifting if it causes rubbing or pressure near the treated area

• Outdoor activities like hiking or biking in hot weather

• Swimming because pools and hot tubs can introduce bacteria irritating open follicles

Safe Exercises You Can Do After Laser Hair Removal

Skipping your usual workout doesn’t mean you have to stay completely still.

Light movement is perfectly fine, just keep it sweat-free and avoid anything that rubs or irritates the treated area.

If you’re itching to move, these are great go-to’s:

• Light walking (indoors or in cool weather)

• Gentle stretching or yoga that keeps you cool and relaxed

• Casual errands or daily activities that don’t break a sweat

• Desk-friendly movement like standing or pacing to stay loose

• Cycling on a stationary bike ( if the treated area isn’t in contact with the seat or tight clothing)

• Tai chi or slow-flow qigong for low-impact movement and relaxation

• Slow dancing in your kitchen totally counts, think swaying to your favorite song or sneaky leg stretches while stirring the pasta or folding laundry

How To Prep for Laser Hair Removal and Workouts Without Irritating Your Skin

With a bit of planning, you can easily balance your workouts and laser sessions without risking skin irritation.

It all comes down to timing, aftercare, and answering one of the most common questions we get: Can you work out after laser hair removal?

Here’s how to pull it off without stressing your skin:

1. Give Your Skin a Break Between Workouts and Treatments

Aim to get your workout the day before or wait at least one to two days after treatment.

This helps minimize the risk of heat, sweat, or friction interfering with the results you’re looking forward to.

2. Hydrate Like It’s Part of the Treatment

Staying hydrated helps your body bounce back faster after laser hair removal and reduces post-treatment redness or swelling.

Keep a water bottle handy before, during, and after both workouts and laser sessions.

3. Skip the Self-Tanner

Planning to glow up before your session? Save bronzing for after your session.

Laser targets pigment, and bronzed skin (even from a bottle) can interfere with how the laser works, raising your risk of irritation or uneven results.

Keep it “au naturel” for at least two weeks before your appointment.

4. Shave, Don’t Wax

Shave your skin and skip waxing about a day before your session because the laser needs the hair root to work properly, and waxing pulls it out.

12 Laser Hair Removal Aftercare Tips for Longer Lasting Results

Still wondering “Can you work out after laser hair removal?”

If you’ve exercised after laser hair removal, these simple steps will help soothe your skin and protect your results.

1. Skip the Gym Right After Your Session

We get it, routine matters. But hitting the gym too soon can expose freshly zapped skin to heat, sweat, and bacteria.

Give your skin at least one to two days to recover before diving back into intense movement.

2. Avoid Heat

We know, steamy showers feel like a hug for your soul.

But after laser hair removal, your skin would rather you keep it cool.

High temperatures can increase inflammation and slow the healing process.

Stick to lukewarm water for a few days and skip the steam until your skin fully settles down.

3. Ditch the Heavy Creams (For Now)

After a workout, your pores are more open and sensitive.

Using thick or oil-heavy products can clog follicles and lead to breakouts, especially in treated areas.

Choose a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer or a calming gel like aloe vera to keep your skin clean and clear.

4. Save the Scented Stuff

That fancy post-workout body spray or fragrant lotion? Put it back on the shelf.

After laser hair removal, stick with fragrance-free moisturizers and soothing gels like aloe because your skin is more sensitive than usual, and harsh ingredients or added scents can cause:

• Irritation 

• Redness 

• Breakouts 

5. Don’t Shave and Sweat Back-to-Back

If you’ve just shaved the treated area, give your skin a breather before working out.

Shaving can make the skin extra sensitive and adding sweat or tight clothing to the mix only increases the risk of irritation.

For the best results, leave at least a day between shaving and hitting the gym.

6. Hold Off Exfoliating

Exfoliating too soon (with scrubs, acids, or retinoids) can disrupt the healing process, leading to redness, sensitivity, or even scabbing.

Give your skin a break from anything gritty or harsh for at least five to seven days.

7. Choose Comfort Over Compression

Post-lasered skin needs room to breathe.

Skip tight leggings or compression gear, especially if you’re heading out.

Opt for loose, comfortable clothing that you’d wear for a relaxed night in watching your favorite series.

8. Cleanse Gently After Breaking a Sweat

If you sneak in a light workout after that 48-hour window, be sure to wash up gently. 

Sweat can trap bacteria in freshly treated pores, so use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to rinse away salt and grime without stripping your skins natural oils. 

9. Don’t Skip SPF Even Indoors

Laser-treated skin is more vulnerable to sun damage, even hours or days after your appointment.

If you’re heading outdoors (or sitting by a sunny window), use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. 

Sun protection helps prevent:

• Dark spots 

• Irritation 

• Delays in healing 

10. Hands Off the Treated Area

It might be tempting to touch your newly smooth skin, but resist the urge.

Avoiding contact helps prevent irritation.  Picking, rubbing, or wiping can irritate your follicles and negatively impact your results.

Give it space to settle in and do its thing. 

11. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine

We know it’s not what you want to hear, but try to cut back on your morning latte or evening glass of wine 24 hours before and after your laser session.

Caffeine can make you feel more sensitive during treatment, and alcohol can increase redness and slow down healing.

12. Follow Post-Treatment Care Instructions

Think of post-care as part two of your laser treatment.

Your laser specialist will guide you through this phase because how you care for your skin afterward directly impacts your results.

Skip it, and you risk setbacks, wasted sessions, and a longer treatment timeline.

Laser hair removal aftercare can help prevent scars, minimize breakouts, and ensure your laser results stick.

Feel Confident in Your Skin With Expert Care From Laser by Aleya

Still asking yourself, “Can you work out after laser hair removal?” Don’t worry, you’re not the only one.

It’s one of the most common questions we get from clients who want smooth skin and a consistent fitness routine.

Here’s the best part: You don’t have to choose between the two.

At Laser by Aleya, we do more than deliver great results; we also guide you through every step.  

Here’s what you’ll experience when you visit Laser by Aleya:

• Expert care from Aleya, a licensed laser specialist and electrologist
• Great deals (yes, including student discounts!) 

• Clear, upfront pricing 

• Electrolysis hair removal for those ready to achieve smooth, lasting results

From knowing when it’s safe to hit the gym again to caring for your skin after treatment, we’ll help you achieve your glow without compromising your active lifestyle.

Can You Work Out After Laser Hair Removal? FAQs

Can you work out after laser hair removal?

Not right away. It’s best to avoid intense workouts for one to two days after your laser session.

That’s because your skin will be more sensitive than usual, and sweat, heat, and friction can lead to irritation, redness, or even infection.

How long after laser hair removal can I work out?

You can safely return to your workout routine 24 to 48 hours after treatment, as long as the treated area feels calm (no lingering redness, warmth, or tenderness).

Can I work out before laser hair removal?

Yes, but give your skin time to cool down before your appointment.

If you want to squeeze in a workout, aim for earlier in the day or the day before your treatment.