Sunburn can be very painful, so it is vital to protect your skin from its harmful rays. For laser hair removal treatments, wear sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 rating on areas being treated.
Your skin may be particularly delicate after receiving laser hair removal treatment, and excessive exposure to UV rays can have adverse side effects such as hyperpigmentation.
Sunburn
Laser hair removal works by firing intense beams of light into areas where you don’t want hair. These beams absorb pigment in your skin and destroy the follicles that grow hairs – inhibiting further growth and inhibiting future expansion. As this process can be damaging to the skin if exposed directly to sunlight after laser hair removal, it is recommended to limit sun exposure following laser hair removal treatments and apply high SPF sunscreen frequently during any outdoor excursions following treatment. To further protect against UV radiation exposure if possible, wear a hat and long sleeved shirt for protection during outside excursions to further minimize exposure from UV radiation.
Excessive sun exposure after laser hair removal can result in painful sunburns, and also lead to other issues like hyperpigmentation and premature aging. UV rays from the sun damage your cells, leading to more damaged and aged-looking skin cells; it’s vital that we all protect our skin during and after treatments like laser hair removal as part of overall skincare. Protecting our skin should always be our number one priority!
Overexposure to sun after receiving laser hair removal treatments can be particularly hazardous for people with darker skin tones, as tanned skin makes the laser light difficult to target melanin in hair follicles and destroy them effectively. This may result in unwanted side effects including discoloration, an extended treatment session and uneven skin tone.
Even for those with lighter skin tones, it is still wise to limit sun exposure after receiving laser hair removal treatment as this could render your treatment less effective and produce more noticeable results due to being unable to differentiate the various layers of the skin and treat accordingly.
Therefore, it is of vital importance to always use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher on a daily basis and reapply it regularly if going to the beach is involved. When considering laser hair removal treatments, we advise speaking to an expert practitioner to understand more about potential risks of sun exposure during your sessions as well as ways of protecting yourself during treatment sessions.
Hyperpigmentation
After any laser treatment, it’s crucial that you limit sun exposure for safety’s sake, particularly following laser hair removal sessions. But protecting your skin against sun rays before and during sessions is also key as UV rays are known to cause hyperpigmentation and discoloration issues – leading to health concerns such as hyperpigmentation.
Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a risk associated with laser hair removal treatments. This condition occurs when your body’s natural response to damage leads to increased melanin production; people with darker skin tones are particularly prone to this issue and should take precautions such as using sunblock before receiving laser treatments.
After laser hair removal, your skin can take several weeks to return to its usual color. To speed the process along, it is crucial that you use high-SPF sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and reapply it frequently when outdoors. You could also consider trying topical creams such as hydroquinone cream to lighten dark spots; there are various available choices; research carefully before choosing one.
Before receiving laser treatments, it is wise to limit sun exposure for at least 72 hours beforehand, since your skin may become particularly susceptible due to both heat from the laser and UV rays from sunlight.
As well as staying out of the sun, you can also protect your skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, hats and protective clothing to shield it from UV rays. In addition, try applying cooling cream after laser treatments to decrease risk and discomfort – you can find many cooling cream products online or at skincare stores; alternatively you could speak to your laser technician about recommending an aloe vera gel product that meets your individual needs if they know about the area where lasering was performed.
Dry Skin
Laser hair removal targets the root of each hair follicle to destroy and inhibit future growth, leaving no prickly stubble behind like other methods do. Unfortunately, laser treatment leaves skin more susceptible to sun exposure after treatment and therefore should be protected accordingly.
Sun exposure can cause pigment changes to skin pigmentation that become permanent if left untreated quickly. To minimize sun exposure before treatment and limit it afterward, try limiting sun exposure during this period and using a high SPF sunscreen with broad spectrum protection; be sure to reapply frequently throughout the day if necessary.
Sunbathing should also be avoided in the weeks preceding laser hair removal treatment to prevent your skin from tanning and making your laser session less effective as its color will interfere with how the laser targets hair follicles.
Your skin may appear dry and flaky after receiving laser treatment, due to healing from “controlled injuries” from laser micro beams, so hydration is vital in aiding its recovery. Too little hydration could result in peeling or blistering; this is completely normal and should not be picked at or irritated as this could expose newer, fresher skin underneath.
If you have sensitive skin, investing in a humidifier for your home could be the ideal way to prevent dryness and inflammation. Furthermore, be sure to moisturize daily using fragrance-free cleansers with moisturizing properties as part of a skincare routine that uses moisturizing lotions and creams liberally on the skin may also prove helpful.
When venturing outside, it’s wise to wear a wide-brimmed hat and long pants/long sleeves. Also important is using sunscreen with an SPF rating higher than 50 and applying frequently; particularly after swimming or activities which cause sweating. By taking such precautionary steps you can significantly lower the risk of UV damage and pigmentation following laser hair removal.
Itching
No matter the color of your skin tone, it is vitally important to protect it from UV rays. Applying sunscreen with at least an SPF 50 rating, wearing protective gear such as hats and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors, and limiting time spent in direct sunlight are all effective strategies that can help prevent hyperpigmentation or even skin cancer from occurring.
Sunburn can be one of the more severe side effects associated with laser hair removal, leading to itchy, irritated and dry skin. A soothing bath and using fragrance-free cleansers may help alleviate these symptoms.
Itching after laser hair removal is not uncommon and often caused by its powerful beam of energy entering your skin and producing microscopic repairs to cells damaged by laser light. However, itching should subside with time.
Your skin may become hypersensitive to UV rays after receiving laser hair removal treatment, and for two weeks following your appointment it is advised that you stay out of direct sunlight in order to allow it to heal properly and decrease risk of hyperpigmentation.
Whenever planning to go on a holiday with family or friends, it’s wise to book laser hair removal sessions beforehand and use high SPF sunscreen while wearing protective clothing like hats and t-shirts for maximum sun protection during your travels. This will protect against sunburn while on vacation while helping ensure your laser hair removal sessions deliver optimal results.
Opting out of sun exposure is essential to both maintaining skin health and achieving desired results with laser hair removal treatments. To protect yourself further, it’s recommended that if you have been exposed to sunlight before receiving laser treatments that you stay out of direct sunlight for 72 hours prior to your appointment – doing this will reduce risks such as burns and scarring from further sun exposure.
