Sunlight can provide your body with essential vitamin D. However, prolonged UV light exposure may result in visible skin damage and fine line formation on exposed areas of skin.
Laser hair removal works best on areas that are shaded from direct sunlight, such as your chin or upper lip. Niki advises: “For maximum effectiveness, no exposed treated skin should be exposed to sunlight for two weeks prior and post treatment.”
1. Don’t go to the beach
Laser hair removal uses light to break down pigment in the skin and effectively eradicate hair growth, leaving behind only smooth skin. As laser treatment cannot work on tanned skin, sun exposure should be limited prior to and following laser hair removal procedures – up to two weeks of sun exposure is advised both prior to and post treatment; although beach trips and vacations should still take place as usual. Any exposed areas should be covered.
Niki recommends wearing sunscreen daily, even on cloudy or overcast days or if you do not plan to spend much time outdoors. A quality broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen should be worn and applied frequently throughout the day for best results. Reapply sunscreen as often as necessary throughout your day for best protection!
Some may mistakenly think that because they have had laser hair removal before, there is no need to take precautions against sun exposure. It is wiser to approach each session as though it were your first because your skin will likely become more delicate after treatment.
Redness and swelling following laser hair removal is often experienced after treatment, similar to having mild sunburn symptoms. While these effects may last a few hours after being treated, cool compresses may help alleviate them significantly.
As part of your preparations, shave the area being treated at least one to three days in advance to help the laser work more effectively and reduce potential complications. This will ensure your skin has been brought down to an ideal level so that laser treatment works more smoothly without risking complications or unnecessary side effects.
2. Don’t go swimming
Before your treatment begins, try to limit swimming time in both ocean and pool environments for several weeks prior to going in. Both saltwater and chlorine may irritate your skin further causing redness, swelling and itching afterwards; in such instances you should apply soothing lotion containing aloe or witch hazel.
Sunscreen should also not be worn when undergoing laser hair removal as this could reduce its efficacy and trigger reactions that cause thicker or darker hair growth back afterward.
Some rules should never be broken, and this one certainly falls into that category. Laser heat can be quite detrimental to skin in areas exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, if you wish to undergo laser hair removal on the legs or other body parts that often see sunlight exposure it would be wiser to schedule this treatment during winter or a time when swimming will not be an option.
Those looking for laser hair removal during the summer should focus their treatments on areas that aren’t usually exposed to direct sunlight, such as underarms. By doing this, they can avoid severe skin damage while likely enjoying a better experience than if trying the process on exposed spots during hot days.
If your skin becomes sunburned prior to laser hair removal treatment, it is wise to reschedule for later in the day and avoid exposure to direct sunlight for several weeks after. Furthermore, any tanning products, including self-tanners should be avoided before your appointment.
3. Don’t go to the gym
Summertime is an excellent opportunity to exercise outside and soak up some sun, but if you are getting laser hair removal treatment it’s crucial to stay out of direct sunlight (or at least wear sunscreen).
Laser hair removal utilizes high-intensity light that penetrates skin pigmentation. While this treatment can reduce hair growth, it can cause sunburns on darker skin types and permanent hyperpigmentation if sunlight or tanning beds are used prior to and post treatment. Therefore, for optimal results it’s wise to plan to undergo laser hair removal at least several weeks in advance and after treatment has taken place.
As part of your skin treatment, avoid applying lotions with perfumes or deodorants as these may irritate it and cause it to redden or itch. Also, refrain from using shower loofahs, sponges and body scrubs in this area.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatment, it is recommended that you do not pluck or wax your hair, as this could impede on the targeted follicles of the laser beam. Furthermore, darkening creams should also be avoided to ensure optimal results from laser treatment.
At your appointment, you will lie back on a chair as the laser technician places a handpiece onto the skin. Your session may last anywhere from minutes to an hour depending on its size; any discomfort felt during treatment should fade within one or two days afterward; for added care afterward consider applying cool compresses and moisturizer.
4. Don’t wear makeup
As soon as laser hair removal has taken place, it is recommended to stay away from makeup and other beauty products for 48 hours after laser hair removal because their excess heat may lead to burning, blistering or irritation of the skin. Also important are cool showers instead of hot ones for similar reasons – also consider plucking, waxing and using deodorants on treated areas as these could stimulate regrowth; exfoliate regularly!
5. Don’t do anything else that involves the sun
Laser hair removal is an extremely efficient technique that utilizes concentrated beams of light to target and destroy pigment within hair follicles, permanently eliminating unwanted hair and permanently decreasing future regrowths. Although laser treatment works best when administered on skin without sun bleached spots or tanning spots, to maximize results it is advised to avoid sun exposure at least two weeks before and post laser session session for best results.
Due to direct and prolonged sunlight’s ability to cause irritation, burns, and other complications. Furthermore, prolonged sun exposure makes your skin even more susceptible to UV rays from the sun that can lead to hyperpigmentation, premature aging and skin cancer.
Keep in mind that laser treatments are considered “aggressive” for the skin, meaning they could worsen any existing damage such as redness and dryness to its surface. If these symptoms already exist, it would be wise to stay out of direct sunlight until they subside.
While on your no-sunlight regimen, it is also important to ensure your skin stays hydrated. One way is using facial moisturizer with SPF in it; or wearing sunscreen with at least 30 SPF every time you head outdoors – both options provide essential protection and ensure healthy results after laser therapy treatment has taken place. Any sacrifice made now in order to preserve long term wellbeing will always pay dividends later!
