Maintaining healthy skin is vital to getting the most from laser hair removal treatments, and one key rule for doing this effectively is avoiding sun exposure.
Applying sunscreen with a high SPF rating is fine if you must venture outside, just be sure to apply and reapply as often as necessary.
Sunburns
As one of the primary rules for laser hair removal patients is to refrain from direct sun exposure for two weeks prior and following each treatment session, due to risks posed by lasers which could include burns, hyper-pigmentation and scarring to heat sensitive skin types – it is vitally important that they heed this advice strictly.
Unfortunately, not everyone heeds this warning and ends up with painful, red sunburns just before their laser hair removal treatment session. This is an absolute no-no as your laser technician will refuse to treat the area for fear of further damaging it and may refuse treatment altogether – this can easily be avoided by simply making sure your skin is untanned and free from artificial or natural pigmentation before arriving for your laser session.
Niki emphasizes the importance of forgoing any sunless tanning products, as these contain chemicals known to harm skin and may react adversely with laser heat treatment. Furthermore, she advises against shaving areas exposed to sunlight as this could create an uncomfortable or even damaging treatment experience.
Those planning laser treatments in the summer should use a high SPF sunscreen that offers UVA/UVB ray protection every day, and consider applying moisturizing aloe vera lotions or fragrance-free moisturizers in between laser sessions to keep their skin hydrated and prevent burnout.
Another potential challenge may arise if you have an especially deep or large sunburn. Red, irritated skin won’t tolerate laser treatments well and more sessions may be required over the course of treatment to achieve results.
Laser hair removal can be an efficient and safe solution to reduce unwanted body hair, but for maximum success it is vital that you follow all the advice above. If you are considering this form of treatment, make sure you meet with a board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon with experience treating your particular skin type – be wary of spas and salons offering treatments without an actual physician present!
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation affects many individuals with darker skin tones due to an excess production of melanin – the pigment responsible for giving our skin its color. Melanin production takes place by cells known as melanocytes; however, medications or conditions such as pregnancy or menopause can alter this normal process and lead to an excessive production. Hormonal fluctuations also have an impact on melanin production; pregnancy or menopause hormonal shifts especially can alter its production while pregnancy, menopause or hormonal fluctuations such as during menopause affect melanin production while hormonal fluctuations such as seen during pregnancy or menopause can alter melanin production while pregnancy or menopause-related hormonal shifts caused by pregnancy/menopause can influence melanin production which leads to hyperpigmentation as can autoimmune conditions such as Lupus or even an Addison’s disease also lead to increased melanin production which causes hyperpigmentation of the skin and also cause excessive pigmentation of skin pigmentation in women in women as well.
Laser treatments may help permanently diminish sun spots and age spots; however, these therapies may not be effective against melasma or other types of hyperpigmentation caused by inflammation; instead they should be considered more resistant than others, like chemical peels or microdermabrasion.
For optimal hyperpigmentation prevention, it is vitally important to follow your dermatologist’s recommendations regarding sun protection and avoidance. This means layering physical sunscreens with chemical ones, using moisturizers with SPF protection and applying regularly; additionally, select a sunscreen which offers both UVA and UVB protection, wear long-sleeved clothing with broad brimmed hats as well as staying out of direct sunlight during the strongest hours (generally between 10am-4pm).
Avoid plucking or waxing in areas undergoing laser hair removal treatments, as doing so could compromise its efficacy. Melanin must remain present in hair follicles in order to be targeted by lasers; so any attempts at plucking or waxing before treatment could leave an unpredictable outcome. Instead, consult your dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green’s boutique NYC office, who may suggest skin lighteners like hydroquinone, vitamin C or kojic acid which are available over-the-counter at drug stores or can be prescribed by dermatologists.
Dryness
Laser hair removal works by targeting and damaging dark pigment (melanin) within hair follicles to stop future hair growth. While laser hair removal is effective on nearly all skin types, dark or tanned skin requires special consideration for optimal results. When choosing a provider to undergo laser treatments on, look for someone board certified in medical specialization with experience treating laser treatments on such conditions – avoid spas or salons which allow non-medical personnel to conduct treatments themselves.
Be mindful to limit exposure to sun before beginning laser treatment, both to protect yourself from burns or side effects and help the hair follicles adjust to its heat. If sunlight cannot be avoided entirely, make sure you use at least an SPF 30 sunscreen and reapply often.
When traveling to sunny destinations, it’s essential that you inform your practitioner. They can give advice on how to reduce direct sun exposure before and after treatment to make sure that you don’t sacrifice an amazing beach vacation just so you can look good in a bikini.
Dryness can pose another hurdle to laser hair removal. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can dehydrate skin, leaving hair follicles more sensitive to heat exposure, increasing the risk of damage. Since laser treatments emit intense pulses of heat, dry or dehydrated skin won’t tolerate them well.
Be honest when speaking to your technician about sun exposure and chemical use on your skin. Lying could cause adverse reactions during treatment that will compromise its outcome and compromise results.
At your consultation, a physician or physician’s assistant will assess if you are suitable for laser treatments by looking at factors like skin color and hair thickness to make sure the appropriate settings are used during each session. If they determine that you are, then hopefully you’ll experience positive results with laser therapy!
Itching
Following laser hair removal, your skin may feel irritated or itchy. Scratching may worsen itching; instead, using soothing moisturizer can ease discomfort and speed recovery time. Hot showers or baths should also be avoided for several days following treatment as hot temperatures can lead to rashes or other skin irritations; similarly harsh or perfumed soaps could irritate it further.
Itching can be caused by either histamine reactions or inflammation of the skin, and should generally only be temporary in nature. You can treat this with antihistamines or applying a cool compress to the affected area. Moisturized skin will help avoid histamine reactions after laser hair removal – so be sure to use high-quality products such as Restorative Gel for best protection before and after treatments.
Some patients experiencing laser hair removal treatment can experience red or pink discoloration post-treatment, similar to mild sunburn or razor burn, which is considered normal. If this reaction continues, apply cooling aloe vera gel or 1% hydrocortisone cream directly on affected area for relief.
Cracked or blistered skin after laser hair removal may result from overexfoliation or excessive scrubbing after treatment, leading to crusting or blistering in some cases. If this is the case for you, light shaving of that area every few weeks until it heals is advised until further symptoms arise.
Time will help restore the skin to its original tone; however, it is essential that you follow all pre and post treatment instructions from your dermatologist in order to minimize possible side effects and ensure optimal results. Your dermatologist will tell you when additional laser hair removal sessions can begin; until then you can enjoy silky-soft skin. Contact our Alexandria laser hair removal clinic now to get beautiful skin!
