Sunscreen should be part of any skincare regimen; however, for those receiving laser hair removal it becomes especially essential.
Laser treatment leaves your skin more susceptible to UV rays, increasing its susceptibility to burns, scarring and hyper-pigmentation.
Prevent sun exposure or tanning beds prior and between treatments as much as possible.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential to all skin types, but especially before and after laser hair removal treatments. UV rays are the main cause of hyperpigmentation and cell damage – these changes could compromise the results of laser hair removal treatments as well as cause unwanted pigment changes to your skin. Therefore, it is recommended that sun exposure be limited two weeks before laser hair removal treatments take place while using SPF 30+ sunscreen daily to protect yourself.
Your skin will become sensitive following laser hair removal, making it more susceptible to sun damage than ever. Therefore, it’s crucial that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before venturing outdoors – apply 30 minutes prior and reapply frequently, especially after sweating or toweling off.
Apart from using sunscreen, there are other steps you can take to help your skin heal after laser hair removal. For instance, it is wise to avoid plucking or waxing areas where laser hair removal was performed, as doing so could cause the hair follicles to start growing again and undo your results from laser hair removal.
Avoid using products designed to darken your skin tone as these could potentially interfere with laser hair removal treatments and produce uneven results.
Whenever deciding to tan, be sure to do it prior to laser hair removal appointments using a low-dosage tanning product with high SPF levels in order to lower the risk of hyperpigmentation and ensure your skin can fully heal from treatment. This will allow it to work its healing power afterward.
Avoid shaving areas to be treated by laser because shaved areas tend to increase melanin levels from exposure to the sun. If unsure, consult with your technician first before shaving an area.
Tanning Beds
As summer draws nearer, it is crucial to keep in mind that those planning or midway through laser hair removal treatments should avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds as this may interfere with treatments; the UVA/UVB rays present in sunlight as well as laser equipment both emit similar wavelengths of light that could potentially interact negatively, potentially leading to skin burns, redness or hyperpigmentation.
As well, it is advisable that you avoid sunless tanners as these contain various chemicals which could irritate laser heat. Furthermore, it’s essential that you are honest with your technician about anything recently applied or experienced sun exposure as this could potentially create unexpected reactions that require further medical intervention.
As part of your laser treatment preparations, the first thing that should be done before sunbathing is applying a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protection and UVA and UVB ray protection. This will prevent dry, flaky skin that might make treatment sensitive areas vulnerable.
Keep this in mind when using laser treatment: Do not pluck or wax the treated area as this could increase regrowth of hair follicles. In addition, avoid taking hot baths/showers/using deodorant for 48 hours post laser. Your skin may become sensitive after being exposed to so much heat; keeping hydrated and protected will aid healing.
If your skin type falls between 1 and 2, going to the beach following laser treatment might be OK as long as there is plenty of sun downtime to allow your skin to heal without becoming sun burned. SPF 50 should always be worn when out in the sun to reduce overexposure that could cause hyper-pigmentation.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are more than fashion accessories; they provide protection from bright sunlight by blocking harmful UV rays of the sun that damage eye surface tissues and lenses, leading to cataracts or macular degeneration. There are various types of sunglasses to choose from; some provide polarization that filters out harmful rays while others feature gradient tints which progressively change from darker to lighter as sunlight moves across the sky and help lessen its intensity.
At all times when in the sun, be sure to wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen liberally. Reapply it frequently especially after sweating or swimming to stay safe from harm.
Investment in quality sunglasses made of scratch-resistant material is wise. Finding one tailored to fit the shape of your face makes the experience more comfortable on your head, as will shopping online or visiting an optical store for stylish yet durable sunglasses.
Anti-reflective coatings in sunglasses provide additional UV protection as well as reduced glare from bright light sources like the sun. Wraparound shapes provide maximum coverage from sunlight rays entering through their sides; small frames tend to slide down the nose and should be avoided (John Lennon made this trend popular!). For maximum UV protection and reduced glare from bright lights like the sun’s, wraparound sunglasses are the optimal choice – avoid small frames which have the tendency to slip down, especially those popularized by John Lennon!
When purchasing sunglasses, keep your prescription in mind when selecting frames containing it. There are plenty of great options from plano frames to designer frames which contain your prescription and ensure proper vision.
If you plan on scheduling laser hair removal sessions in areas frequently exposed to the sun, investing in sun protection gear like hats, stylish sunglasses and umbrellas might be worthwhile investments for safe tanning practices and to prevent future skin damage after laser sessions. By protecting skin that has undergone laser treatments with these options, sunburn can be avoided while hastening recovery after each laser session.
Clothing
Wear loose, comfortable clothing when receiving laser hair removal treatments to allow the skin to breathe and reduce discomfort and heat. Tight clothing may cause uncomfortable feeling on arms and legs during sessions. Furthermore, it’s wise to steer clear from applying lotions, deodorants and other products directly onto areas being treated – they could interfere with treatment efficiency as well as increase risks from laser exposure.
Prior to your appointment, it’s helpful to apply a topical numbing cream over the area being treated. These can be purchased over-the-counter and will ensure your skin is numbed when your session starts. Furthermore, it is advised to avoid shaving on the day of an appointment; if this is impossible then do so at least the night before; shaving helps by eliminating excess length which might absorb laser energy during its process.
Spray tans, self-tanner and any other methods used to pull hair out from its roots should also be avoided before receiving laser therapy treatments in an area. As lasers tend to focus on darker pigments, using them could compromise results or increase risks such as hyper/hypopigmentation. It is also important that any wounds heal completely before receiving laser treatments.
Once your treatment is complete, it is still advisable to protect the area from direct sunlight or tanning beds for up to six months after, until all hair growth has faded away. Direct sun exposure or tanning beds could still expose it to burning and scarring risks that could worsen its healing. Furthermore, chemical peels and IPL photofacials should be postponed until your skin has fully recovered from previous traumas.
Swimming should also be avoided in swimming pools and lakes as well as bodies of water with bacteria or algae – this can irritate skin conditions like redness and swelling, and showering immediately following can add further heat damage. It’s wise not to shower for 24 hours post-session as doing so could potentially exacerbate heat damage to skin cells.
