— Primary
Aerolase Neo Laser.
The 650-microsecond Nd:YAG laser. Use for PFB may extend beyond cleared indications. Your consultation includes an honest assessment of expected outcomes.
Learn about Aerolase— Gallery / Skin Conditions / Pseudofolliculitis (PFB)
Razor bumps, gently calmed.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae — chronic razor bumps — disproportionately affects men with curly or coarse facial hair, and is particularly common in melanin-rich skin. The Aerolase Neo's contactless approach addresses the inflammatory cycle without aggravating already-irritated skin.
4–6Typical Sessions
AllSkin Tones I–VI
Min.Typical Downtime
1 / 2
Photos courtesy of Aerolase® — individual results vary.
— Our Approach
Inflammation, gently addressed.
PFB is a chronic inflammatory cycle. Our approach is to break that cycle while respecting how reactive the affected skin already is.
— The Technology
650 microseconds of restraint.
The Aerolase Neo's 650-microsecond pulse delivers energy quickly and exits — minimizing the bulk heating that can otherwise worsen the inflammatory cycle in PFB.
It's contactless. No cooling gel, no anesthetic, no surface contact — three details that matter for skin that responds with bumps and ingrowns at the slightest provocation.
— What It May Help
What it may support.
- May support the appearance and frequency of razor bumps
- Addresses the inflammatory cycle without harsh thermal stress
- Suitable for use on all Fitzpatrick skin types — particularly relevant for darker skin
- Can coordinate with hair-removal goals when appropriate
- Use for PFB may extend beyond cleared indications
- Honest expectations set during your consultation
— Recommended Treatments
Built around your plan.
PFB management combines focused laser sessions with adjustments to shaving habits and gentle home care.
— Adjunctive
Soothing skincare.
PCA Skin and EltaMD regimens for sensitive, inflammation-prone skin. Gentle, anti-inflammatory ingredients that support skin during the treatment series.
Learn about PCA Peels— Maintenance
Shave habits.
Sharp blades, proper preparation, hair-with-the-grain direction, and avoiding pull-and-cut techniques all reduce PFB. Your consultation includes specific guidance.
Learn about Facials— What to Expect
A clear path.
PFB responds gradually to a combination of treatment and adjusted habits.
01
— Consultation
Free assessment.
Your esthetician reviews your skin, history, medications, and goals. You'll leave with a treatment plan, an honest timeline, and clear pricing — no pressure.
02
— Treatment
In-office sessions.
Each Aerolase session typically runs 20–30 minutes. The treatment is contactless and most clients return to their day right after, with little to no downtime.
03
— Series
Four to six visits.
Sessions are spaced 3–4 weeks apart. Many clients see calming of inflammation and fewer new bumps across the series, with continued improvement after.
04
— Maintenance
Stay protected.
Adjusted shave habits, gentle home care, and periodic maintenance sessions help maintain calm skin. PFB is chronic — ongoing care matters.
— Common Questions
Good questions. Simple answers.
If you don't see your question here, our team is happy to answer it during your free consultation.
Is the treatment safe for darker skin tones?
The Aerolase Neo is FDA-cleared for use on all Fitzpatrick skin types (I–VI), including melanin-rich skin. Its short 650-microsecond pulse is designed to minimize the heat-related side effects that can be a concern with some traditional treatments. Any treatment risks specific to your skin will be reviewed during your complimentary consultation.
Should I stop shaving?
Not necessarily, but how you shave matters. Sharp blades, proper preparation, and shaving with the grain are key. Some clients opt for laser hair reduction in PFB-prone areas — this can be discussed at consultation.
Will PFB go away completely?
PFB is a chronic tendency that can be managed but not always cured. Realistic expectations: meaningful reduction in frequency and severity of bumps, calmer skin between flares.
Does the treatment hurt?
Most clients describe the sensation as a series of brief, warm pulses. The treatment is contactless and doesn't typically require numbing, though sensitivity varies. If you have particularly sensitive skin, let your provider know during the consultation and they'll adjust the protocol.
Will the marks left by past bumps fade too?
Often yes — the same Aerolase Neo protocol that addresses active inflammation can also help with the post-inflammatory marks left behind.
Can this be combined with hair removal?
Yes, in many cases. Reducing the hair in PFB-prone areas can significantly reduce the underlying problem. Your consultation will discuss whether this is appropriate.
Ready when you are.
Book your free consultation — we'll match the right treatment plan to your skin, your goals, and your timeline. No deposit. No commitment.
— Explore More
See what else we treat.
Browse the full gallery — every condition we work with, with real before-and-after results from actual patients.
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Important information. Individual results vary.
Photographs shown are of actual patients who have provided written authorization for the use of their images. Results depicted are individual outcomes and are not a guarantee or prediction of any particular result for any other person. Clinical outcomes depend on a number of factors including skin condition, treatment adherence, individual response, and ongoing care. No treatment is risk-free; the potential benefits, side effects, and any treatment-specific risks will be reviewed with you in detail during your complimentary consultation.
Skin R&R treatments are performed by licensed providers operating under appropriate medical supervision. Provider credentials are available on request and at each location. The Aerolase Neo® is an FDA-cleared 650-microsecond 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. Cleared indications include the treatment of acne and benign pigmented and vascular lesions on Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI. Use for the condition discussed on this page may extend beyond cleared indications; specifics — including realistic expectations, potential benefits, and any known limitations — will be reviewed in detail during your complimentary consultation. Some patients pictured may have received complimentary or reduced-cost treatment in exchange for the use of their photographs.
Photos courtesy of Aerolase® where indicated and used with permission. © Skin R&R. Not medical advice. For medical concerns, consult a qualified provider.