Laser hair removal works by emitting pulses of light into the skin to damage pigment and inhibit future hair growth, eliminating unwanted pigment and inhibiting future development. As with any surgical procedure, however, care must be taken during this procedure to avoid damaging surrounding structures or any irreparable harm to any parts of the body.
There are certain instructions which are unbreakable, including the need to avoid sun exposure prior to laser hair removal.
Avoid the Sun for a Week
Laser hair removal is an efficient and safe method to rid yourself of unwanted body hair. Unlike other methods of hair removal, such as waxing or electrolysis, laser doesn’t cause stubble; and is much faster. However, prior and post laser treatments it is important to take caution with sun exposure; it is advised that you stay out of direct sunlight for at least a week beforehand in order to protect your skin and avoid further damage to it.
Reason being, this treatment can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to side effects such as burns, scarring and hyperpigmentation. Swimming and surfing should also be avoided post-treatment as water may irritate it further.
If you must go out into the sun after receiving treatment, be sure to apply plenty of SPF30+ sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat and loose, long pants or long sleeved shirt with long-sleeves and use a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection for best results.
Before beginning treatment, it is also wise to avoid tanning as tanning may interfere with the laser’s ability to reach hair follicles effectively and heat pigment without causing skin damage.
Sunburn can be more than an inconvenience; it can leave skin dry and flaky, leading to itching, sensitivity and irritation that is quite unpleasant. Furthermore, it could affect the effectiveness of laser treatment sessions since an irritated and dry complexion won’t tolerate its intense heat produced by laser beams.
After receiving laser treatment, it is wise to avoid swimming in ocean or pool environments as this may irritate and inflame the skin. Exercise, saunas and jacuzzis should also be avoided as these activities could potentially lead to infection on treated areas. Otherwise, normal daily activities such as work and school can resume as normal without issue; aloe vera gel or fragrance-free lotion can soothe itchy spots after treatment as needed.
Wear Sunscreen
Laser hair removal requires that patients avoid direct sun exposure before and after treatments to ensure smooth, clear skin. Unfortunately, however, some people misinterpret this rule as meaning you can only undergo laser hair removal treatment during wintertime or springtime treatments.
Niki Garcia of Boom Boom Brow Bar in New York City disputes this myth as part of her expert advice regarding safe laser hair removal this summer. According to her advice on safe hair removal with laser technology, it is indeed achievable if one follows certain protocols.
Avoid sun exposure before and after sessions as well as wearing sunscreen to protect the area. She recommends at least 30 SPF broad spectrum sunblock. Reapply every two hours. Furthermore, avoid activities which cause sweaty hands!
After laser hair removal sessions, your skin can become more vulnerable to UV rays than before and could potentially lead to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, sunburns and scarring. Sunscreen should therefore always be worn.
Keep your skin hydrated after laser hair removal by using a moisturizing lotion to promote recovery and avoid irritation during recovery. Doing this will also ensure faster healing times and could prevent any future irritation that might arise during recovery.
To protect yourself from UV rays, the best way to safeguard your skin is to wear clothing that covers as much of your body as possible and wear a wide-brimmed hat with wide brim. This will allow you to avoid direct sunlight while still enjoying outdoor activities.
Before your laser hair removal session, it is best to ensure your skin is clean and free of lotions, creams, deodorant or other products that might make the treatment uncomfortable or cause an adverse reaction. Furthermore, plucking, shaving, waxing or any other hair removal methods should be avoided before hand as these could disturb the surface layer of skin and stop the laser from targeting follicles below.
Avoid Sunbathing
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective method for eliminating unwanted body hair from any part of the body. A targeted laser heats and destroys hair follicles responsible for hair growth; suitable for all types of skin including dark and coarse hair types. Sun exposure should be limited before and after laser hair removal treatment to protect skin complications as well as to avoid ingrown hairs from occurring.
Sunbathing after receiving laser hair removal treatment should be avoided as the skin can become extra vulnerable after treatment, which could result in hyperpigmentation and permanent scarring if exposed to UV rays post-procedure.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, it is wise to forego tanning for at least a week; direct sun exposure can cause irreparable harm to the treated area. Instead, opt for spray tanning instead as this allows your skin time to gradually return back to its natural color before your next laser hair removal treatment session.
As well as seeking shade from the sun, it’s also crucial that you wear sunscreen before venturing outdoors. Use broad-spectrum sun cream that protects against UVA and UVB rays and remember to reapply it frequently throughout the day, since its effectiveness can quickly erode when exposed to direct sunlight.
Finally, it is best to cover up as much as possible while at the beach. This could include wearing a sun hat, stylish sunglasses or an umbrella to protect recently laser-hair-removed areas from excessive sun exposure while simultaneously keeping hair out of your eyes and neck.
It is imperative that if you’re planning on having laser hair removal this summer, that you take all necessary precautions before scheduling an appointment. Just ensure to use broad spectrum sunscreen regularly reapplied and you will be all set!
Avoid Tanning Beds
After receiving laser hair removal treatments, it is wise to stay out of direct sunlight for at least one week post-treatment in order to allow your skin to heal properly and reduce risk of hyperpigmentation and other problems. If necessary, apply sunscreen with a high SPF rating and wear protective apparel such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves when going outdoors; but whenever possible it would be ideal to avoid the sun altogether following laser hair removal treatment.
As part of your laser hair removal session, it is wise to avoid tanning beds before and after sessions as well as tanning during the summer months in general. Tanned skin makes it harder for lasers to target hair follicles efficiently resulting in less effective results compared to winter or other times when skin tone isn’t as dark. For optimal results it would be better to postpone laser hair removal until winter or another time when your skin tone is less sun-kissed.
There are certain rules you shouldn’t bend when it comes to laser hair removal, and this one shouldn’t be broken. Avoiding sun exposure and tanning for two weeks prior to laser hair removal can ensure you receive optimal results, as sun exposure makes your skin more vulnerable to heat, while laser treatment could cause burns or hyperpigmentation on heat sensitive areas.
Protecting our skin with sunscreen and other preventive measures is essential, but especially so for people considering laser hair removal. You should wear SPF and broad spectrum sun cream over the area being treated. Even on overcast days, UVA and UVB rays can penetrate cloud cover and cause harm.
Keep in mind that other hair removal methods, like plucking or waxing, can disturb the skin and prevent laser hair removal from providing optimal results. Therefore, it is advisable to reserve these treatments for areas not exposed to direct sunlight such as underarms; otherwise it would be wiser to opt for bleaching cream that lightens complexion instead.