The Truth About Laser Hair Removal and Sun Exposure

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
10 Min Read

The Truth About Laser Hair Removal and Sun Exposure

Laser hair removal can be an effective way to get rid of unwanted hair. However, it’s essential to limit sun exposure both before and after treatment to protect skin health.

Sun exposure can damage skin in several ways, from hyperpigmentation to increased risks of sunburn and skin cancer.

After laser hair removal treatments, it is wise to stay out of direct sunlight and apply high SPF sunscreens.

1. It’s a myth

At first, laser hair removal seemed difficult due to tanning or sun exposure – this was likely because technology available then had difficulty targeting pigmented follicles without also damaging surrounding tissue.

As technology has advanced, this no longer poses a problem; provided you are an ideal candidate for laser hair removal and follow the instructions provided by your technician, it should be safe to undergo laser sessions during summer months. Just keep in mind that post-treatment, your skin may become more vulnerable to UV rays so if spending any time outdoors is required afterwards, apply sunscreen liberally if spending any time outside. Sunscreen application should especially be prioritized when getting laser sessions performed on areas such as your face or body where skin thickness may be thinner due to thinner and more delicate layers.

If you are getting laser hair removal on the arms or legs, it is a wise move to wear a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved shirt if possible while applying sunscreen regularly in order to protect both yourself from sunburn as well as make laser treatment more efficient. By covering up, not only will your skin remain protected but so too will laser treatment become more efficient!

Avoid sun exposure for two weeks prior and two weeks post laser hair removal treatment, as prolonged UV ray exposure after your session could result in hyper-pigmentation, burns, or scarring of the skin. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 rating (creams or gels can both work, although physical sunscreen acts better as it acts like a barrier against harmful rays from the sun).

2. It’s a reality

Laser hair removal works especially well on people with dark skin because its pulses of light target and damage pigment in hair follicles to stop producing hair, and thus permanently eliminate them. Unfortunately, laser treatments make your skin more vulnerable to UV radiation – therefore you must always apply sunscreen after each laser hair removal session.

Even if you do not suffer from sun-related issues like hyperpigmentation, using sunscreen after laser treatment is still wise as sunburn makes results less effective and interferes with healing after laser therapy.

Before laser hair removal, it is wise to limit sun exposure since UV rays can lead to redness and swelling in the treated area, making it more challenging for your practitioner to identify melanin pigment for treatment purposes. Furthermore, prolonged sun exposure may cause discoloration or dark spots on your skin that interfere with its results – altering how effectively laser hair removal works overall.

Laser Hair Removal is an excellent solution for people seeking permanent removal of unwanted hair from their face, arms, legs and bikini line. It provides a quick and safe alternative to shaving – which often leads to razor burns, ingrown hairs and other complications – with significantly less maintenance required over time.

So if you’re ready to say goodbye to unwanted hair, plan your laser hair removal sessions during winter when weather and healing conditions are ideal – the cold temperatures, minimal sun exposure and ideal healing conditions will put you on your journey towards smooth and healthy skin in time for summer!

3. It’s a myth

Laser hair removal treatments can be performed during summer months; however, sun exposure should be limited while receiving laser therapy treatments.

Simply put, sun exposure leaves skin vulnerable to UV rays that can cause lasting damage, including hyper-pigmentation, scarring and burns. Laser treatment on sunburnt skin also makes treating hair follicles more challenging.

After receiving laser treatment, it’s vitally important that you stay out of direct sunlight for several weeks following therapy in order to achieve maximum results and protect your skin from further harm. Doing this will ensure optimal results as well as minimize any side effects from sun exposure.

Your skin may experience some mild discomfort after each laser machine session; however, the sensations aren’t painful and may intensify on certain areas of the body.

Before embarking on laser hair removal, it is essential that you possess a healthy complexion as the color of your skin will have an impactful impact on its success. Darker complexions tend to respond better as the contrast between darker pigment and lighter skin is easier to see.

Even so, people with pale skin can still receive laser hair removal treatment; they simply require the appropriate protection such as SPF 50 sunscreen when going outside and light-coloured tanning lotion if in direct sunlight. Furthermore, multiple sessions will likely be necessary before any noticeable difference is seen in their results.

4. It’s a myth that you can’t tan after a laser hair removal session

Laser hair removal involves sending beams of light through the skin in order to target and destroy melanin pigment in hair follicles, creating heat which destroys them without them growing back. Because sun exposure increases the chances of irritation as well as other potential complications like hyperpigmentation, burning, or scarring from laser treatments; we advise booking a test patch appointment beforehand in order to ascertain its suitability for you.

Sunscreen should also be worn on all parts of your body that are being treated, and reapplied frequently. Sunscreen helps shield against UV rays which can lead to cancer, wrinkles, and hyper-pigmentation; also consider having laser hair removal during summer on areas that typically aren’t exposed to direct sunlight such as your face or arms.

Additionally, it’s advised that you stay out of the sun for 72 hours prior to beginning a laser hair removal treatment, since sunburn makes it more challenging for the laser beam to target melanin pigment found in hair follicles. While you can receive treatment while your skin is tanned – however this will likely require multiple sessions as laser settings cannot be as aggressive against tanned skin.

5. It’s a myth

Skin sensitivity after laser hair removal increases substantially, so it’s wise to limit sun exposure as much as possible. If necessary, apply ample SPF sunscreen liberally and reapply frequently; additionally wearing wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves can further protect your skin.

Before scheduling laser treatment, it is also recommended to avoid plucking, waxing and electrolysis for six weeks prior to starting treatment. These methods remove hair roots that make laser less effective.

After having undergone laser hair removal, it is wise to wait two weeks before tanning again as heat from the laser penetrates deep into your follicles, potentially leading to sunburn that could result in significant damage. You may also experience redness or swelling around the treated area after this treatment session.

Laser hair removal specialists advise avoiding direct sun exposure post-treatment. Unfortunately, it may not always be feasible; you will still need to venture outdoors for work and school activities as well as daily life activities like going for a walk. If you want to continue laser hair removal in summer it may be wiser to wait until fall arrives before starting again.

Another misconception of laser hair removal is that it’s painful. While discomfort may exist during treatment, the pain level typically doesn’t exceed moderate – in fact it can often be described as “pin prick-ish”. People with low pain thresholds may find the process more unbearable but most agree it is far more tolerable than waxing.

Do your research, and you’re sure to find a laser hair removal provider at an affordable price. Don’t forget Groupon deals, seasonal promotions and other ways of saving even further on this service.

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