Unwanted hair can be an annoying problem during the heat of summer. People have traditionally tried to eliminate unwanted hair by shaving, plucking and waxing.
Most laser technicians advise against sun exposure or tanning prior to and following laser hair removal treatments as heat sensitive skin can become burned, scarred and hyper-pigmented after being exposed to radiant heat from sunlight. But is laser hair removal still viable during summertime?
Safety
Laser hair removal offers a permanent solution to these annoying tasks of tweezing, shaving and waxing for smooth skin – lasting anywhere between minutes to over an hour depending on which area needs treating.
Are You Preparing to Undergo Laser Hair Removal this Summer? Those seeking laser hair removal during summer should be mindful that sun rays could have an adverse impact on results of treatment, so taking precautionary steps such as staying out of direct sunlight or wearing broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 should help protect their skin.
Before and after your session, try to stay out of direct sunlight for two weeks; this includes tanning beds and sunless spray tanning products as this will help prevent sun damage to the area which could result in discoloration or burns.
Tannin creams or lotions should also be avoided on areas you are treating; as these could interfere with the results of laser treatment, it would be wiser to wait until after having had them lasered before applying such products. Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protection should always be worn post-laser procedure.
As part of your laser hair removal regimen, it is advised to avoid sunburn for one month after each laser hair removal treatment, so as to maintain clear and even skin tone on any beach vacation you might take place after. Furthermore, tanning should also be avoided during summer months regardless of any plans to perform laser hair removal or not.
Laser hair removal treatments should be undertaken between fall and winter for optimal results, giving your complexion time to clear up before summer arrives and giving you time to build up a consistent tan. If considering multiple laser sessions, start scheduling them for spring as this allows for maximum effectiveness: most men and women require between six to eight sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart in order to experience hair-free skin by summertime.
Side effects
With summer around the corner, now is an excellent time to reflect on your desired body image. For some this may mean donning bikinis or other revealing swimwear; for others it could mean using laser hair removal technology for silky smooth skin. Shaving, waxing and other traditional forms of hair removal such as shaving are messy, painful processes which take long time and fail to produce results; in comparison laser hair removal offers safe, fast and permanent solutions.
Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in hair follicles to destroy them, with best results for those with dark hair and light skin tones, although other colors and skin tones may benefit as well. Although not recommended on sunburned or tanned skin due to heat damage risking scarring or changes in complexion.
As such, it’s wise to avoid direct sunlight for two weeks prior and post laser hair removal sessions. Furthermore, sunscreen must also be worn daily during this period to protect your skin from UV rays from the sun.
Other potential side effects from laser hair removal treatments may include swelling, redness and blistering. If any of these side effects appear it’s important to seek medical advice immediately; do your research beforehand in order to locate a certified laser technician with experience treating people of various skin types.
As well, it’s essential to remain aware of any medications or skin conditions which could prevent laser hair removal, including pregnant women, those living with genital herpes and anyone taking acne medications such as retinoids or Accutane.
Schedule your appointment
Shaving, plucking and waxing unwanted body hair can be an ongoing hassle that keeps resurfacing. But there are solutions out there to help get rid of it permanently; laser hair removal being one such solution. With quick treatment times that leave no cuts, stubble or ingrowns behind compared to traditional methods, laser hair removal is an effective and quick option that could give you smooth skin this summer without cuts, stubble or ingrowns as side effects.
Step one is finding a qualified practitioner specializing in laser hair removal. Search for someone licensed and with access to dermatologists on staff who offer laser treatments. Inquire about their equipment used to treat different skin types; ask about patch tests performed; ask about treatment timelines; if none of this is provided then look elsewhere.
After you have found a practitioner, arrange your appointment. You may require multiple sessions depending on the area of body being treated – it could take six to eight treatments for smooth hairless skin to emerge. In between treatments it’s wise to stay out of the sun and use at least SPF 30 sunscreen protection.
After treatment, your treated area may be sensitive and itchy; this is normal and should subside in time. Avoid applying moisturizers or scented lotions directly onto the areas treated unless absolutely necessary; resume normal activities; just avoid swimming until the skin has fully recovered.
Your hair follicles may experience different stages in their growth cycles and it takes multiple sessions for them all to come into sync with one another.
Spring Street Dermatology in SOHO, Tribeca or Uptown offers laser hair removal treatments that will give you that smooth summer look. Contact us now and schedule your consultation appointment with one of our cosmetic dermatologists – together we’ll create a safe yet effective plan to achieve your goals! Call or visit one of our offices now – don’t wait – let’s get going!
Results
Laser hair removal results are gradually achieved over several sessions of laser treatment, with some people seeing permanent reduction in treated areas after several treatments. It is essential that you follow all pre and post treatment instructions from your skin care clinic regarding sun exposure before beginning this procedure.
Prevention of sun and tanning exposure at least two weeks prior and post session is crucial for optimal results. Sun exposure makes skin more vulnerable to heat exposure; using laser on sunburned or tanned skin could result in burns, hyperpigmentation and scarring that would compromise results of laser treatment.
After laser hair removal, it is also wise to wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat when venturing outside as your pores may be more susceptible to sun damage than usual.
If laser hair removal requires exposure to the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen with protection from both UVA and UVB rays for best results. Cover up with loose-fitting hats, long pants and sleeves as necessary to maximize protection.
Note that while laser hair removal destroys hair follicles permanently, new growth may still appear over time. Therefore, regular appointments must be scheduled in order to maintain an uninterrupted hairless complexion.
Laser hair removal may be your perfect solution if you want to avoid razor burns, ingrown hairs, painful waxing and chemical depilatories that cause skin damage. With proper care and preparation, laser hair removal could give you smooth hairless skin throughout summertime!
