Laser hair removal has grown increasingly popular as an effective solution to permanently eliminate unwanted hair growth, but there are certain points you should keep in mind before scheduling treatment.
One such factor is to avoid tanning prior to receiving laser treatments as this can reduce their efficacy and cause side effects. We’ve put together a guide on this so you can prepare appropriately.
Avoiding the Sun
Clients undergoing laser hair removal should avoid prolonged sun exposure or tanning beds in the weeks prior to each treatment in order to ensure maximum skin safety during its most vulnerable phase afterward. While this may prove challenging in summertime, this step is key to keeping skin healthy and happy!
Tanned skin makes it harder for laser hair removal sessions to differentiate between your hair’s pigment and that of your skin, and this could result in reduced efficacy, burns or hyperpigmentation in areas already treated. Therefore it’s wise to stay out of direct sunlight for at least a week prior to attending laser hair removal, as well as wearing sunscreen even on cloudy days when out and about.
Before getting laser hair removal, it is wise to avoid tanning beds as these can increase your risk of cancer and other health problems. Tanning beds emit harmful UV rays which damage skin by premature ageing, blotchiness, roughening and roughening; there is even evidence they cause melanomas (a serious form of skin cancer).
Utilizing a sunbed prior to laser hair removal increases the likelihood of burning during treatment, potentially resulting in blisters or scarring. Therefore, it’s vitally important that you follow your practitioner’s advice, protecting your skin with high SPF sunscreen sunscreens.
After laser hair removal, it’s also wise to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible, even though the temptation may be strong to get that gorgeous golden glow back! Your skin has now become more sensitive and needs time to recover between laser sessions; for best results it is wise to either stay out of direct sunlight altogether or wear high SPF sunscreen until your next laser session – then enjoy having hair-free skin!
Tanning Beds
Avoid tanning beds prior to laser hair removal treatments as the UV rays can impede with its results. A tan can alter skin pigment, and block laser beams from reaching hair follicles, leading to less effective results. To minimize exposure, wait until after all laser sessions have concluded before gradually reintroducing UV exposure as soon as you feel your skin can take it.
Many people mistakenly assume tanning beds are safer than sunlight since they emit less UVB rays; however, this is an unfortunate misconception. UVA and UVB rays can both cause irreparable skin damage; studies have actually indicated that tanning beds cause more UV damage than natural sunlight!
Reason being that tanning beds emit more UVA rays than the sun and with three times as high an intensity. This can result in premature skin aging as well as increase risk for cancers like melanomas.
Tanning beds may cause other health problems, including an increased risk of strokes due to UV radiation’s damage on our immune systems and retinal damage caused by high doses. They may also increase eye problems like cataracts or macular degeneration if UV damages the retina directly.
Be mindful that tanning before laser treatments could interfere with their ability to target hair follicles effectively and lead to additional treatment sessions needed. The best strategy would be avoiding tanning before laser sessions altogether; if necessary use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF to protect the treated skin while still giving an attractive natural-looking glow.
Sunscreen
If you suffer from acne, psoriasis, vitiligo or scleroderma, sun exposure can be detrimental. UV rays cause scarring and discolouration as well as worsen the symptoms associated with your condition – for this reason it is vitally important that sunblock is worn before laser hair removal treatment begins.
Sunscreen should always be worn regularly for optimal skin health, but especially after getting laser hair removal or another light therapy treatment. After receiving laser therapy, your skin is extremely vulnerable and it’s crucial that it stays protected from further sun damage or burns.
Sunscreen can help your skin remain youthful for many years by protecting against premature aging, hyperpigmentation and burns. Therefore, sunscreen should form part of your pre and post laser hair removal skin care routine.
Choose a sunscreen tailored specifically for your skin type by consulting with a dermatologist; they will know which sunscreen would work best.
When visiting a spa or salon for laser hair removal, ensure they have a doctor in attendance as the practitioner. Aim for one who specializes in dermatology or cosmetic surgery as well as laser hair removal techniques suitable for your particular skin type.
A physician is equipped to select the ideal laser for your skin type and monitor you during treatment to ensure there are no complications. They will also provide aftercare instructions as well as answer any queries that arise during this process.
Preparing for laser hair removal safely means staying out of direct sunlight or using a sunbed whenever possible; however, sometimes this is not feasible. When venturing outside for any extended period of time it is wise to apply a high SPF broad spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF protection as UV rays still present even on cloudy days.
Aftercare
Aftercare for laser hair removal can also be important in protecting and maintaining results. Avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen on areas treated should be practiced both prior to and post laser sessions; this will protect your skin from damage as well as hyperpigmentation or any unwanted side effects from happening.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, it is advisable to continue protecting the area that was treated with high SPF sunscreen and long-sleeved clothing if possible, especially during summer months. You should apply a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen regularly in order to reduce sunburn risk; treating areas will likely be sensitive to sunlight after their procedures; keeping these protected will ensure optimum results and ensure no disruption of treatment plans.
As part of the healing process after laser hair removal, small bumps on your skin are known as folliculitis and should be expected after each treatment session. You can help your recovery by staying out of direct sunlight and wearing loose-fitting clothing; additionally using hydrocortisone 1% cream along with Vaseline or Aquaphor applications several times each day will keep skin hydrated and healthier, speeding healing time faster.
If you decide to return to tanning in the future, it would be prudent to arrange an appointment with your laser hair removal provider first to ensure a safe treatment can be conducted without incurring undue skin damage. If they cannot effectively treat any area covered with clothing (even though covered), results will suffer and extra treatments may be required in order for you to achieve maximum hair removal results.
At Ulike, we only utilize medical-grade devices for laser and IPL hair removal treatments, including the award-winning Soprano Ice Platinum and Titanium systems. As these bypass pigmentation, they can safely be used even after recent sunbed usage has given rise to tanning; however we advise avoiding direct sunlight for several weeks prior to receiving treatments.
