The Truth About Laser Hair Removal and Sun Exposure

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
9 Min Read

The Truth About Laser Hair Removal and Sun Exposure

After laser hair removal treatments, it is especially essential to limit sun exposure and wear sunscreen in order to protect the newly vulnerable skin. Direct sunlight exposure can cause hyperpigmentation and scarring that could have negative consequences for health and appearance.

Tanning can make it more difficult for laser treatments to target melanin in hair follicles, compromising results and lengthening treatment time.

Myth 1: You Can Get Laser Hair Removal With a Tan

Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular solution for people looking to rid themselves of unwanted hair. It is quick, relatively painless, and can produce long-term results – yet there are some key things you should keep in mind before scheduling a session: Make sure your skin remains untanned between sessions or wait until its color fades before scheduling another one! Also keep in mind that multiple sessions may be required in order to achieve lasting results; multiple appointments may need to be scheduled in order for you to see true, lasting change!

Tanting makes your skin darker, which can alter how lasers see your hair. As the laser is attracted to melanin (the pigment responsible for skin color), darker skin may make it more difficult for them to distinguish between your hair and skin, leading to complications during and post treatment.

Before receiving any laser treatment, it’s also advisable to refrain from tanning for two weeks beforehand as tanning can actually negatively impact its results and lead to hyper-pigmentation, burns, and scarring.

When considering laser hair removal this summer, be sure to avoid direct sun exposure and apply a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen – this will ensure that you achieve optimal results!

Although it can be challenging to undergo laser hair removal while you have a tan, it is not impossible! Just ensure to consult with your physician beforehand about possible ways to safely treat the area while still tanned. Furthermore, any other methods (like waxing ) such as shaving should also be avoided until after your tan has faded in order to give your skin time to recover properly and reduce risk of accidentally shaving off any of your own follicles in trying to get rid of more!

Myth 2: You Can’t Get Laser Hair Removal With a Tan

Laser hair removal can be performed successfully on all skin types and colors regardless of sun exposure or tanning; however, tanning may make treatment less effective as pigmented areas absorb laser light and hinder results from sessions.

For optimal results, it’s advised that you avoid tanning and sun exposure for at least one week prior to laser hair removal treatments. This allows hairs time to transition from their growth phase, anagen, to resting phase catagen. Sunless tanninners and lotions should also be put aside, as their use could interfere with how laser light interacts with your skin.

Make sure to use high-SPF sunscreen when sunbathing, or cover yourself up, especially on legs and arms exposed frequently to sunlight. Also, try wearing long-sleeved clothing or applying sunscreen frequently for best results.

Laser treatments should always be followed up with sun protection to minimize discoloration; your dermatologist can assess your risks and provide options should discoloration occur after laser treatment.

Some individuals may notice darker hair growth after laser treatments; this is caused by laser light damage to hair follicles that have been exposed by laser light exposure, necessitating multiple sessions for permanent hair reduction. As everyone’s hair grows at different rates, meeting with your dermatologist to discuss expected growth rates will help determine how many treatments will be necessary in order to reach desired results.

Myth 3: You Can’t Get Laser Hair Removal With a Tan

Tannin can make it more difficult for technicians to locate the pigment (melanin) present in your hair follicles; however, this should not prevent you from seeking laser hair removal treatments altogether. Modern laser equipment has settings designed specifically to target darker skin tones with ease; indeed many patients who tan receive excellent results as the laser can still locate pigment and disable the hair follicle without harming surrounding tissues.

Be mindful that one session may not be sufficient to eradicate all your unwanted hair; multiple treatments will likely be needed – particularly if you have a tan. Your body produces new hair follicles even when hair that was eliminated by laser is still growing back.

As laser hair removal can make the skin more delicate and vulnerable to sun damage, taking extra measures is advised during summer. This includes using broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating as high as possible and staying out of direct sunlight as much as possible.

Keep in mind that heat sensitivity will increase, so if you decide to get treated after spending too much time out in the sun, it would be prudent to wait a few hours before scheduling your appointment. Also if using self-tanner or spray tans it’s wise to apply them at least two weeks in advance.

Your doctor may use topical anesthetic or numbing creams to reduce discomfort during your session and make the entire treatment more bearable. This can make for more comfortable completion of all procedures.

Laser treatments offer a more suitable alternative than other forms of depilation such as tweezing, shaving and waxing in terms of ingrown hairs, razor burns and skin irritation. Schedule your free consultation and patch test with one of our Laser Specialists now to start the journey towards smooth hairless skin! For optimal results in advance of treatment avoid tanning beds as much as possible in addition to overexposure to sun.

Myth 4: You Can’t Get Laser Hair Removal With a Tan

Laser hair removal is a safe, effective solution for eliminating unwanted hair growth while simultaneously alleviating irritation associated with shaving, waxing and plucking. Furthermore, laser treatments can alleviate skin conditions like ingrown hairs, razor burn or discoloration caused by using depilatory products on the body on an ongoing basis.

Laser hair removal success depends on multiple factors, including hair color and skin pigment. Patients should ideally avoid tanning prior to their treatments as tanning interferes with how laser light absorbs by the pigment in hair follicles – making it harder for laser light to target it and destroy permanently.

Even if you already have a tan before beginning laser treatment, it is possible to obtain the results you’re seeking through this procedure. Your laser technician may need to adjust settings accordingly in order to safely treat it; when your tan eventually fades away over time, gradually increase them over the course of treatment sessions.

Consider that after laser hair removal sessions, your skin is extremely delicate, so use of broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is highly advised to minimize redness, swelling and blistering in treated areas that could reduce results over time.

Though laser hair removal may be possible while tanned, it should not be advised. Regrowing hairs often need multiple treatment sessions in order to be fully eliminated from the body.

Men often seek laser hair removal services in order to combat unwanted hair growth and enhance the look of their beards or sideburns. Tired of spending hours shaving, waxing or plucking their unwanted hair every week? Laser treatment offers a permanent solution.

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