Before beginning laser hair removal sessions, it is wise to limit sun exposure for both your safety and to achieve the best possible results. This will increase both productivity and safety during sessions.
Sun damage can lead to premature aging, hyper-pigmentation, burns and skin cancer – making it important to use sunscreen with an SPF rating higher than 30 prior to going outdoors.
Sunburns
Laser hair removal targets dark pigmentation found in hair follicles to disrupt its growth, creating significant improvements to skin tone, especially for darker skin types. If you have sunburned skin, laser treatments cannot be performed, as doing so would cause irritation and complications; similarly, self-tanning products should be avoided at least a week before visiting for your appointment.
Since its development, laser technology has advanced immensely, becoming capable of targeting darker melanin pigment without harming surrounding skin. Therefore, laser hair removal in summer should be safe if your skin has been properly prepared and protected prior to treatment.
Staying out of the sun and using sunscreen for 72 hours before beginning laser sessions can give your skin time to recover, making the subsequent sessions less sensitive. When speaking to your practitioner about recent sun exposure it will assist with pre-treatment planning as well as future sessions.
After treatment, your skin may still be sensitive to heat. Therefore, for the remainder of your sun exposure exposure time it would be prudent to wear long-sleeved shirts and hats until your skin has time to settle and heal itself.
Two weeks post-laser treatment, avoid tanning as UV rays can harm your skin and delay its recovery. If you do need to go outside, be sure to reapply sunscreen frequently in order to maintain optimal levels of protection from sunburn.
Some individuals are tempted to lie about their past sun exposure in order to continue receiving laser treatments on a regular basis, but doing so could actually do more damage in the long run. Lying about sun exposure prevents skin from healing after each session and may lead to hyperpigmentation among other issues. Furthermore, lying may skew future laser treatment results as these will target damaged rather than undamaged skin cells.
Premature Aging
Sun exposure has the power to accelerate aging by degrading proteins that maintain skin’s firmness and elasticity, manifesting themselves through age spots, uneven pigmentation and freckles across both the face and body. We offer treatments including laser therapy and resurfacing skin peels which may provide some relief.
Spider veins on legs and faces caused by UV radiation can be unsightly and sometimes painful, as well as cause itching or discomfort. Our laser therapy treatments may help alleviate this condition; it is however wise to refrain from tanning prior to and post treatment sessions for best results.
Laser hair removal is an efficient, noninvasive solution to unwanted hair growth that does not involve downtime. Ideal for people tired of shaving, waxing and tweezing to remove unwanted hair, laser treatment may permanently slow hair growth with enough treatments.
Most individuals require four to six treatments at six week intervals, in which their dark hair follicles absorb heat from the laser’s light energy, damaging and stopping further hair growth. The number of sessions depends on both how much hair there is and your skin’s reaction to laser.
Though some individuals may be genetically predisposed to premature aging, you can protect your skin and delay its signs with sun protection, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity. Smoking cessation, another major contributor to premature aging, should also be prioritized.
Laser treatments can also help address common concerns like unwanted hair, wrinkles and fine lines on hands – which often affect teens’ self-esteem negatively. By treating these issues head on, Braverman can help teens feel more comfortable in their bodies at an age when confidence is a vital component of success in school and life.
Nearly everyone has unwanted body and facial hair that needs to be addressed, but traditional methods of removal can be painful and time consuming – shaving typically lasts two days while waxing can last hours. Laser hair removal provides an efficient, non-invasive solution to reduce unwanted hair permanently without resorting to methods such as shaving, waxing and tweezing.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation, or dark spots and patches on the skin, may be caused by numerous factors; some temporary while others more long-term. Commonly associated with an underlying medical condition or medication abuse; treatment options exist regardless of its cause.
Reducing sun exposure is key for those wanting to get rid of dark spots or patches, including UVA and UVB rays as well as protective clothing with wide-brim hats. Furthermore, it is strongly suggested that patients use broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30+ daily for maximum benefit.
Laser hair removal is an effective solution for eliminating unwanted body hair, as well as improving razor bumps and hyperpigmentation caused by shaving. When choosing your provider, be sure to find one who understands your skin tone – consult a board-certified dermatologist who has experience treating conditions related to pigmentation such as Melasma for the best possible outcomes.
When selecting a provider for laser hair removal sessions, be sure to inquire about their experience and wavelength of laser they will use on your skin. Furthermore, it is highly advised against using skincare products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide on areas where you will be receiving treatments as this could increase sensitivity to laser and cause irritation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Before scheduling laser hair removal sessions, it is advisable to stay away from tanning beds as their UV radiation may lead to sunburn and skin discoloration.
Choose a provider who utilizes the Candela Gentle Yag Pro laser, designed specifically to address skin of color safely. Also consult with a dermatologist regarding what products would best suit your specific skin type.
Skin Cancer
Laser hair removal with trained practitioners like Exclusively Faces Cosmetic Surgery and Medispa in Winchester, Virginia presents minimal risk of scarring. You should still prepare your skin prior to laser hair removal by forgoing use of any darkening creams that darken the surface of the skin; taking medications that thin the blood; shaving areas where there may be hairs too close to the surface; as well as waxing or plucking that area before beginning treatment with laser.
Laser treatments vaporize hair follicles without harming surrounding tissues, meaning your skin should not become red or swollen after treatment. If there is any redness or swelling after the procedure, cool compresses may help – just remember to avoid direct sunlight for six weeks as instructed by your dermatologist!
Laser hair removal alone does not cause skin cancer; however, exposure to UV rays from sunlight, tanning beds or other tanning equipment has been shown to increase one’s likelihood of contracting this deadly condition. If any abnormal moles develop or change appearance suddenly or a sore refuses to heal quickly enough for you, visit a physician immediately for medical assessment.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequently diagnosed skin cancer worldwide, accounting for nearly 5 million new cases annually. BCC typically appears as a pearly bump on sun-exposed skin that may bleed or form small clusters of tiny blood vessels (known as telangiectasia) near its center. While generally less deadly than other skin cancers, if left untreated it can still prove devastatingly dangerous.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), similar to BCC, arises in cells lining your skin’s outermost layer – known as the epidermis. If left untreated, SCC can become extremely dangerous, particularly on areas that receive frequent sun exposure such as your face, neck, arms or chest.
