What Happens If You Get Sun Exposure After Laser Hair Removal?

By Brian Lett
10 Min Read

what happens if you get sun exposure after laser hair removal

Sunscreen should be an integral component of every skincare regimen and daily moisturizers should contain SPF 30 sunscreen protection at minimum for at least one week before laser hair removal treatments are scheduled.

But what happens if I go back into the sun after laser hair removal treatments?

Sunburn

Laser hair removal works by emitting pulses of high-intensity light that target and damage melanin found within hair follicles. This results in skin damage, such as sunburns and hyperpigmentation. To minimize sunburn risk and hyperpigmentation, always apply at least SPF 30 sunscreen when venturing outdoors, with broad spectrum coverage providing protection from both UVA and UVB rays; SPF should be applied every two hours or after swimming or sweating to stay safe from damaging UVA/UVB radiation. To stay safe when heading outdoors it’s wise to apply minimum SPF30 protection before venturing outdoors!

Laser hair removal can be safely used during the summer, provided some basic rules are observed to avoid complications. First and foremost, avoid direct sun exposure for two weeks prior and following your appointment to reduce risks such as burns, scarring and hyperpigmentation. Second of all, consider having laser treatment done on areas that do not receive direct sunlight such as underarms, chin or legs – such as arms. chins or legs.

Keep these points in mind before scheduling laser hair removal: firstly, never pluck or wax the area prior to laser treatment as this could stimulate regrowth; additionally, hot showers and baths should be avoided for 48 hours as too much hot water can lead to inflammation; deodorant should also be put aside at this time.

Keep in mind that post-laser hair removal, your skin will be extra vulnerable to sun damage. Therefore, it is recommended to always apply broad spectrum SPF on any treated areas and reapply every two hours; additionally it would be prudent to cover them when possible with clothing such as wide-brimmed hats or long-sleeved tops.

After your session of laser hair removal, it is strongly suggested to give the area two weeks for healing and recovery, to reduce risk of hyperpigmentation and burning complications as a result of treatment. In addition, avoid tanning salon visits as this could also trigger hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation

Laser hair removal uses pulses of light to target and destroy unwanted hair follicles, ultimately stopping their future growth. Unfortunately, melanin present on the surface skin absorbs light waves and darkens treated areas; if your skin is highly sensitive after treatment this change may take weeks to reverse itself.

Avoiding sunburn is best done through staying out of direct sunlight and applying a high SPF sunscreen, even on cloudy days! Long-sleeved clothing and hats may be worn to further shield skin against UV rays while protecting from fine lines and wrinkles as well.

For optimal results, it is advisable to avoid sun exposure and tanning two weeks before and after any laser hair removal session. Not only will this ensure you achieve your desired smooth and silky complexion, but it will also protect your skin from the heat generated during treatment.

Always follow the advice of your skincare specialist and have laser hair removal done when your skin is healthy. Appointments scheduled during summer months may not be ideal, though laser hair removal could still take place on areas not exposed as heavily to direct sunlight.

Swimming or surfing should also be avoided for 24-48 hours post laser hair removal as skin may be extremely delicate during this time and contact with salt or chlorine-filled water could cause burns or irritations.

Hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal is common and often fades over time as melanin cells begin to fade back down to their natural shades. If pigmentation persists after laser treatment, your dermatologist can recommend treatments like skin lightening products or facial peels which will help fade it faster and minimize any discolored patches that arise.

Burns

UV rays from the sun can lead to serious skin burns following laser hair removal treatments, so it is advised that people avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds for two weeks post-treatment in order to allow their sensitive skin to fully heal after being subjected to laser hair removal treatments. If going outdoors during these two weeks, use sunscreen with high SPF that provides continuous protection, including wearing wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves; additionally it would be wise to consider wearing an umbrella as this provides additional shade and sun protection.

Laser hair removal works by targeting dark pigment (melanin) in order to target hair follicles that cause growth of new hair follicles and targets these. Therefore, the darker your skin tone is, the less successful laser hair removal treatments will be; therefore it is extremely important to use a high SPF sun cream prior to any laser hair removal treatments.

After laser hair removal, sunburns can leave painful swellings that cause pain and inflammation in the affected area. If there is severe burning and redness present, seeking professional medical assistance immediately may be necessary; the affected area will need to be cooled off while anti-inflammatory creams may also be applied as needed.

Plucked or waxed treated areas should be avoided as this can encourage new hair regrowth, exfoliating, or scrubbing as this may irritate it further, baths and showers should also be kept at moderate temperatures to help avoid overheating the area further. In cases of very bad burns, your doctor may suggest applying steroid cream as treatment.

Sunburn is one of the primary complications that may result from laser hair removal, and must be avoided at all costs in order to ensure long-term skin health. Applying sunscreen with a high SPF factor before and after every two-hour laser session, especially if taking part in physical activities that cause sweating is essential.

Scarring

Although scarring isn’t usually associated with laser hair removal, it can still occur, particularly if sun exposure occurs after laser treatment. Scarring usually isn’t caused by the laser itself but by your body reacting to its heat; you may experience scabbing or crusting as a result; when this happens it is important to moisturize the area immediately following it to help heal properly.

To prevent scarring, it’s crucial to adhere to all instructions from your laser hair removal provider. This includes limiting sun exposure prior and after treatments as well as applying high SPF sunscreen daily – even on cloudy days when UV rays penetrate clouds!

If it is impossible for you to avoid sun exposure completely, delaying laser hair removal until after your skin has recovered can help avoid sunburn, hyperpigmentation and other side effects that come from prolonged sun exposure prior to starting treatments. This will also help ensure optimal results from treatment sessions.

Laser hair removal is an effective and non-invasive way to get rid of unwanted hairs without resorting to other methods like waxing or plucking. All that needs to be concerned with when it comes to laser hair removal is protecting yourself against too much sun exposure which could potentially damage the laser beams themselves.

Protecting your skin when receiving laser hair removal treatments requires taking steps before and afterward to stay out of direct sunlight for some time. This allows the heat used during treatment time to settle in, decreasing risks of potential side effects as well as providing greater peace of mind for you.

Attentive skin care during laser hair removal is also key; for more information about how best to care for it during this process. Reach out to a local laser hair removal provider; they will know which skincare products and practices will help keep your skin looking its best and may be able to find solutions for any issues related to laser hair removal such as dark spots or scarring that arise post-laser treatment.

Share This Article
Exit mobile version