Some rules simply cannot be broken. Sun exposure and tanning should be avoided before laser hair removal to decrease the risk of burns, scarring, and hyperpigmentation.
Some experts advise avoiding direct sunlight for at least a week prior to beginning any therapy session, and wearing wide-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen when out and about.
Sun Damage
Long-term and repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can result in sun damage, leading to sunspots, wrinkles, age spots, enlarged pores and other cosmetic concerns. Furthermore, prolonged sun exposure increases your risk for precancerous lesions known as actinic keratoses – usually found on faces, necks or hands; in severe cases repeated sun exposure can even result in precancerous basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma formation.
One factor that may impede laser hair removal is damage from sun exposure. If, due to any number of reasons, sunscreen usage has become difficult, it could make treating sun-damage with laser hair removal difficult or may necessitate more involved procedures instead.
Your dermatologist may advise against laser hair removal on any part of your body where there has been significant sun damage, as the heat from laser light may burn your skin and lead to complications like hyperpigmentation or scarring.
Prevent sun exposure for two weeks prior and post laser treatments by wearing broad spectrum sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays – even if only indoors all day! Niki recommends wearing sunscreen daily that offers UVA/UVB ray protection, even if just indoors all day.
Niki notes that sunscreen use isn’t optional for people undergoing laser hair removal because exposure to direct sunlight increases sensitivity, while neutralizing skin temperature is key to producing optimal results and safeguarding safety.
Note, however, that aesthetic treatments cannot reverse sun damage. After years of exposure to UV rays, it would be unrealistic to expect your skin to miraculously reverse itself all at once. Your dermatologist can however help manage the appearance of your skin and alleviate some symptoms related to sun damage with various treatments like chemical peels and dermal fillers.
Sunburn
Laser hair removal employs a high-intensity beam of light to destroy melanin pigment in hair follicles and prevent future hair growth. Although effective, multiple sessions may be necessary for best results – making sun exposure restrictions an important aspect of treatment success.
Sunburns occur due to UVB and UVA rays from the sun damaging skin cells in the top layer. When this happens, cells cannot reproduce normally resulting in build-up of excess fluid and swelling in an area resulting in redness, hot sensation and pain associated with sunburn.
Your body needs extra fluid in order to repair damaged cells, which means blood vessels will pump it in through extra vessels. Unfortunately, this extra fluid can lead to dry, flaky, itchy skin that leads to dark spots if left untreated quickly. If you’ve recently experienced sunburns it is wise to wait until all skin issues have healed before scheduling laser treatments.
Apart from waiting until your sunburn has fully recovered, two weeks prior to laser hair removal it is wise to stay out of the sun and tanning beds as UV radiation makes your skin more sensitive to heat – laser hair removal lasers can easily cause burns, hyper-pigmentation and scarring on heat sensitive skin. If necessary go outdoors slathering on broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ protection will do.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, it is wise to avoid any sunless skin creams or other methods which could potentially damage the skin, and reduce success rates of laser treatment. If you have darker skin tones, your doctor may suggest using bleaching cream first as this could lighten up the complexion before proceeding with laser hair removal treatments.
If you have questions or are experiencing discomfort due to sun exposure and laser treatments, contact us now and schedule a consultation appointment – we look forward to helping you achieve smooth, hair-free summer skin!
Hyperpigmentation
If you have brown to gray spots on your skin, consulting with a dermatologist about laser hair removal could be worthwhile. Hyperpigmentation affects both men and women equally and worsens when exposed to sunlight; to avoid it altogether use sunscreen with SPF 30-50 that’s regularly applied; use protective clothing like light-colored clothing and long sleeves when possible when outside as well as wearing a hat and sunglasses in direct sunlight – such as sunglasses and hats while out and about; avoid excessive sun exposure between 10am-4pm especially between those hours as it could worsen hyperpigmentation worsen further causing hyperpigmentation issues! To keep its effects under control use reapplying SPF30-50 sunscreen is recommended reapplying it regularly while out and about with short sleeves long sleeves in between 10am-4pm when possible as this will prevent it worsen further worsen hyperpigmentation issues from worsening up to 5pm; you could also try wearing light colored clothing as this can protect from UV rays exposure when out and about between 10am and 4pm to keep its effects down; you should avoid exposure between 10 am and 4 pm!
If your skin is particularly delicate, you may require some time post-laser hair removal before returning to your regular skincare routine. Gmyrek advises putting off using products containing retinol or peptide until after your skin has fully recovered; moisturizers with SPF or antioxidants are acceptable in the meantime. Scrubbing the area can irritate it further and lead to hyperpigmentation or even lead to scarring.
Laser hair removal can be an excellent way to diminish dark patches on areas that you shave or wax regularly, such as your underarms, two-piece region, face and legs. However, it is crucial that you select an experienced dermatologist with experience performing laser treatments on darker skin tones – and ensure they perform a consultation prior to beginning treatments to determine your suitability for them.
Your choice of laser can also influence both its sensitivity and results. Since different lasers offer different wavelengths, Dr. Davis advises selecting one based on skin tone to achieve maximum effectiveness. Diode lasers may prove particularly helpful as they have longer wavelengths which bypass melanin deposits without irritating skin tones further.
African Americans and Caribbeans may be particularly prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which may develop following laser treatments. Since PIH results from excess melanin production due to damage, taking extra care when considering getting laser treatment can help avoid it; such measures include avoiding shaving, plucking or electrolysis in the treated area and applying sunscreen daily can all help to avoid it.
Precautions
UVA and UVB rays from the sun can be devastatingly detrimental to skin, leading to burns, scarring, dark spots and even an increased risk of cancer. But there are steps you can take to safeguard your complexion against further sun exposure, including avoiding too much direct sun light both before and after laser hair removal treatments.
Many individuals who plan to undergo laser hair removal are confused as to the optimal timeframe to refrain from sun exposure before receiving treatments, however if this treatment is on your agenda it is recommended that you avoid getting sun tanned for anywhere from seven days to three months prior to beginning therapy as the laser’s light energy will focus on any pigment in your skin that might lead to adverse side effects from having a deep tan.
Another key step you should take prior to receiving laser therapy is shaving the area that will be treated two days in advance; this allows your laser to easily target hair follicles that have shorter lengths. In addition, waxing or tweezing the area in advance could increase hair regrowth and prevent your laser from producing results that it needs.
Once you have had your initial treatment session, it is vital to limit sunlight exposure on areas treated, as UV rays can cause various skin conditions if your treated area has yet to fully heal. These issues include hyperpigmentation.
Additionally, laser hair removal should be scheduled during summer if possible so as to limit sun exposure and risk complications. By doing this, you’ll get to enjoy a stunning tan while giving your skin time to recover properly after laser hair removal sessions. If any questions or concerns arise during this process, be sure to talk with a dermatologist who can guide your skincare decisions both prior and post laser hair removal sessions.
