Protecting skin from sun damage before and after laser hair removal is of utmost importance, therefore daily application of an SPF30+ sunscreen should be applied, particularly immediately following laser therapy treatment.
Shaving the treatment area a day prior to laser treatment will decrease the chances of irritation or damage during laser treatments.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be worn daily both before and after laser hair removal for optimal skin protection, helping prevent sunburns and hyperpigmentation. SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreens should be applied regularly if going outdoors; wide-brimmed hats, loose-fitting pants, or long-sleeved shirts also help provide additional UV ray protection; for optimal protection physical sunscreen is preferred as it acts like a shield while chemical ones absorb them directly into the body.
Before heading outdoors in the scorching heat of summer, sunscreen application is an essential step towards protecting your skin after laser hair removal treatments. UV rays from sunlight are particularly harmful after receiving laser therapy treatments, so taking steps such as wearing sunblock will prevent dark spots and uneven tonedness from occurring post-treatment.
Sunscreen can help reduce redness or any signs of irritation after laser hair removal treatments on your face. It is recommended to use physical sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 when having laser treatments performed; additionally, wearing sunglasses and a hat may also be helpful.
Tanned skin before laser hair removal may decrease its efficacy because its pigmented cells will attract the laser light more readily than your hair follicles, diluting its effectiveness. To optimize results, avoid direct sunlight as much as possible while wearing high SPF sunscreen whenever you must step outside.
Carry sunscreen in your bag at all times – even on cloudy days, UV rays can still cause skin damage and hyperpigmentation. Reapply it every two hours (more frequently if sweating or swimming frequently). Also remember to moisturize any areas that have been treated with lotions or aloe vera whenever the sun shines – moisturizers with SPF are an excellent choice as they provide both protection and hydration!
Sunglasses
Laser hair removal works by dissolving melanin in your skin or hair follicle, thus inhibiting further regrowth of unwanted hair. Aiming for darker skin or hair is key, therefore for maximum effectiveness it’s wise to refrain from waxing, tweezing and plucking for two weeks prior to each laser session; additionally avoid sun exposure and artificial tanning treatments during this time frame.
When tanning, always wear an SPF with high UV protection levels. Even if your tan does not become dark, UV damage can still cause hyperpigmentation or other aesthetic concerns that will become permanent over time. When laser hair removal sessions occur in areas like bikini lines that are usually exposed to the sun, regular application of sunscreen is recommended to maintain safety.
Wearing sunglasses will also protect your eyes from laser light. To get optimal protection, be sure to choose a pair with the correct Visible Light Transmission (VLT) rating for your specific laser type and read through and comply with its user manual’s safety recommendations and precautions.
Laser or IPL hair removal treatments often cause some level of discomfort from their heat pulses. Although each individual experiences differing intensity levels and areas affected, in general there will be a slight snapping sensation; some parts such as lower legs may hurt more than others.
For optimal results, it’s best to maintain an appointment schedule and attend sessions regularly – about every six weeks for optimal results. While some find this easy to fit into their lifestyle and routines, others might find it more difficult. It may help if you keep sun-protecting options handy so you can still enjoy being out in the sunshine when desired!
Professional and at-home laser hair removal devices follow similar rules regarding sun exposure and artificial tanning before and after laser hair removal, as the combination of UV rays and laser energy makes skin extra sensitive, increasing risks such as pigment changes.
Cover-Ups
Laser hair removal is a gradual process, taking several months for treated skin to heal after laser treatments. You may notice some skin shedding as part of this healing process, which should speed up the results of your procedure. However, if this concerns you further, cover up shed skin with long sleeves, pants, or a large hat to conceal its presence and prevent further sheddering. Winter months make an ideal season for laser treatments as this allows hairs to fall out naturally while keeping you covered instead of trying to accelerate this process with shaving or waxing.
Oregon Health & Science University states it is crucial to avoid sun exposure before and after treatments to avoid burning, hyperpigmentation and scarring from prolonged sun exposure. Self-tanners or tanning beds should also be avoided; similarly lotions such as makeup and antiperspirant could irritate skin significantly.
Are you ready to say goodbye to unwanted hair growth? Reach out to us now for a consultation and let us help determine whether laser hair removal is the appropriate treatment solution for you. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how to take good care of yourself following an treatment session!
Clothing
Laser hair removal uses concentrated beams of light to penetrate hair follicles and destroy pigmented cells, inhibiting future hair growth. While highly effective, you must limit sun exposure before and after treatment in order for it to yield positive results. Laser’s powerful beams of light transfer heat directly to skin which could cause sunburn or discoloration if you have darker complexioned skin tone – so using broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating above 50 for all areas before getting treated by laser is highly advised for optimal results.
Before beginning laser hair removal, take additional measures to protect the skin you will be treating. Avoid plucking, waxing or using depilatory creams on the area in the days prior to your appointment as these may interfere with its ability to target hair follicles effectively. Also shave 12 hours before so as to make sure the roots of any potential hair are present and accessible for treatment.
To avoid sunburn before receiving laser hair removal treatments, it’s best to stop tanning at least two weeks prior to booking an appointment. This is particularly crucial for women as menstrual cycles can influence how painful laser hair removal will be.
After laser hair removal, when it comes to sun exposure it’s wise to limit your time outdoors and wear protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved shirt with wide brim. Tight clothing may irritate newly treated skin; tight pants could rub against it and rub against itself against it too causing further irritation. In addition, cooling aloe vera gel or lotion should help soothe any burning sensations or redness on the skin as well.
At first after your laser hair removal treatment session, it’s advisable to avoid hot showers since hot water can increase redness and sensitivity in the treatment area. If unable to avoid hot water showers entirely, cool showers are an effective alternative way of cleansing skin from irritation, while if any discomfort persists after several hours a cold compress or ice pack should do the trick.
