One of the key instructions given during laser hair removal is limiting sun exposure as this will help avoid skin damage and hyper-pigmentation due to treatment.
Due to the heat used during treatment, your skin becomes particularly susceptible to UV rays after laser treatment and must be protected accordingly.
Sunburns
Laser hair removal is an extremely safe and effective solution to unwanted body hair, with some precautions needed before and after sessions to protect the skin. Most importantly, sun exposure must be limited in order to avoid burns, hyperpigmentation and scarring – though this may prove challenging if self-tanning or living in hot climates are present – thus leading to myths that laser hair removal cannot or shouldn’t be performed safely during summer. But in reality, this procedure can still be conducted safely provided all necessary safeguards are observed.
Reason being, laser’s light energy penetrates skin layers to damage hair follicles. Melanin in skin absorbs this light and damages hair follicles preventing new hair growth from sprouting in that spot. Therefore it is crucial not to sunbathe prior to and following laser hair removal sessions for best results.
As well as avoiding direct sunlight, it is also advisable to use SPF 50+ sunscreen daily prior and post laser hair removal treatment. Even those with skin types 1 through very pale 2 will gain from protecting their skin with SPF.
Before going in for laser hair removal, it’s also essential to avoid shaving or waxing the area that will be treated, as doing so could promote regrowth.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, use a fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and minimize any irritation and discomfort experienced from post-treatment procedures. This will help ensure optimal results from laser hair removal sessions.
Avoiding direct sunlight following laser hair removal may seem counterintuitive, but it is absolutely vital for maintaining good skin health. Your skin will become more susceptible to hyper-pigmentation and scarring after treatment; for this reason, those seeking laser hair removal in summer should apply ample sunscreen with SPF 50+ protection, wear wide-brimmed hats and pants when going outdoors.
Hyper-pigmentation
Laser hair removal uses intense light energy to target melanin pigmentation and destroy hair follicles responsible for growth, but this process leaves your skin especially susceptible to sun damage, so it is wise not only to avoid sunlight prior to and following treatment sessions but also remain out of it afterward.
Following laser hair removal, your skin may feel redder and appear darker for some time post-treatment. As it heals, however, these areas will eventually return to their previous state and return to pre-treatment conditions; but be wary as overexposure to sunlight could permanently damage newly healed areas, leading to hyperpigmentation or permanent scarring.
Hyper-pigmentation occurs when your skin produces too much melanin to cover damaged tissues, often temporarily but sometimes lasting long term depending on your skin tone and its severity. People with darker skin are more likely to be affected than those with lighter skin during times of hormonal shifts such as puberty or pregnancy, so avoid sun exposure between treatments as much as possible and wear sunscreen tinted with iron oxide to protect yourself from UVA/UVB rays. To minimize hyper-pigmentation use laser hair removal instructions given to you by following them and using sunscreen tinted with iron oxide which helps protects from UVA/UVB rays.
As well as staying out of the sun, you should avoid plucking or waxing any area being treated, as doing so could trigger further regrowth. Your doctor might recommend applying skin bleaching cream prior to and post treatment; you should also stay clear of sunless tanning products and medications that can thin the skin.
When considering laser hair removal, it’s best to limit sun exposure for two weeks prior and post procedure, particularly if your skin has a tan. Otherwise, there is too great of a risk of burning, scarring and hyper-pigmentation; if this cannot be accomplished use a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen in order to shield the area treated at all times – hot baths or showers may trigger hair regrowth as well as any excessive heat exposure which might worsen its results.
Scarring
Laser hair removal works by blasting concentrated beams of light that turn into heat to destroy hair follicles, with treatments typically lasting anywhere from minutes to several hours depending on the area being treated. After treatment, skin may feel slightly swollen and red; placing a cold compress regularly over it will help relieve discomfort; in addition, consulting with your dermatologist might allow them to apply a steroid cream that will also reduce any inflammation or swelling in that area.
Prior to beginning laser hair removal, one of the most crucial things you need to remember is limiting sun exposure. After treatment, skin becomes extremely vulnerable, making the sun’s exposure an especially potent source of side effects such as hyperpigmentation, burns, and scarring. Furthermore, tanning prior to and post laser hair removal could render its efficacy less effective.
Avoiding sun exposure prior to laser hair removal sessions is the key to minimizing adverse reactions. If you plan on getting laser hair removal, begin limiting sun exposure in the weeks before your appointment – this includes staying away from tanning beds and using high SPF broad spectrum sunscreen daily.
Laser hair removal involves having a dermatologist press a handheld device against the skin and trigger the laser, creating a slight snapping sound similar to an elastic band snapping against it. While for some patients this could be uncomfortable, your dermatologist might numb your skin first with local anesthesia to make your experience more bearable.
After laser hair removal, your skin may become extra susceptible to UV ray damage from sunlight and therefore you should refrain from direct exposure for several weeks following treatment. Instead, apply plenty of high SPF sunscreen or wear protective clothing like hats and long sleeves if going outside in direct sunlight is inevitable.
Avoid shaving, waxing, tweezing and plucking the area surrounding a laser hair removal treatment area. Moisturizer should also be applied post-treatment in order to combat dryness and irritation – aloe vera gel may prove particularly helpful here – while scrubbing should also be avoided to avoid developing scabs on your skin.
Irritation
Laser hair removal is one of the fastest and easiest ways to remove unwanted body hair, with results seen immediately and often taking only minutes. Although laser hair removal treatments may work on any area of the body, there are certain key points that must be remembered before and after getting one done; in particular, sun exposure must be limited prior to and following treatments to minimize side effects and any possible adverse reactions.
Before each laser hair removal appointment, it is recommended to avoid prolonged sunlight exposure for two weeks prior to booking an appointment. Exposure to excessive sunlight may cause your skin to dry out and dehydrate, interfering with how well the laser works on that area – leading to itchy, inflamed and irritated sensations as well as possible rashes if left unattended.
As well as avoiding excessive sun exposure, you should refrain from using any sunless skin lightening creams or tanning beds. Other methods of hair removal like waxing or plucking should also be avoided as they can disrupt hair follicle roots and stimulate regrowth. Furthermore, medications which thin blood should also be avoided.
If you must venture outside after laser hair removal, wear sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30. Reapply the sunscreen often – particularly after sweating or swimming – as you would when working outdoors. A wide-brimmed hat or long sleeves may provide further protection.
Ideal is to limit sun exposure during and post laser hair removal treatments, but that may not always be possible for people working outdoors or going to gym classes. To minimize sunburn risks such as hyper-pigmentation, scarring, or any other potential side effects associated with laser hair removal treatments, it would be prudent to plan them during fall or winter treatments and schedule your visits around these periods of time. This will reduce risks such as sunburn and scarring as a result of laser hair removal treatments.
