Laser Hair Removal and Sun Exposure: Everything You Need to Know!
Are you looking for silky smooth, touchable skin without the hassle of plucking, shaving, or waxing? If so, laser hair removal could be the perfect option for you. Laser hair removal is a safe, easy, and highly effective way to remove hair from unwanted areas like the bikini line, upper lip, arms, legs, and more. While typically everyone is a candidate for laser hair removal, it stops becoming a question of whether or not you will be suited for this treatment and, instead, if you genuinely know how to prep for the sessions and how to care for your skin afterward.
Why? Because knowing how to properly prepare for your treatment and care for your skin afterward is important to achieve the best results possible. Are you ready to learn more? Let’s get started.
What Is Laser Hair Removal and How Does It Work?
This aesthetic procedure uses concentrated light beams, also known as lasers, to target and remove unwanted hair. Specifically, the laser used in hair removal treatments targets the pigment in the hair follicles, emitting a specific wavelength of light that targets melanin, the pigment in hair.
When light is absorbed by the pigment, it is converted into heat. The heat damages the hair follicle, which prevents the follicle from growing hair in the future in the treated area. Depending on the patient’s skin type and hair color, a treatment specialist will utilize the right type of laser to optimize the safety and effectiveness of the laser hair removal treatment.
Multiple treatments are typically required for initial hair removal. Maintenance treatments are also sometimes necessary.
Why Do So Many People Love Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal treatments are a popular choice for a reason. Treatments can boost self-confidence and allow you to wear the clothing you want to show off your smooth skin.
Here are a few of the major benefits of choosing laser hair removal for long-term hair reduction:
- Time Saving: Laser hair removal eliminates the need for constant and time-consuming options like shaving or waxing. Laser pulses take a fraction of a second, and multiple hairs can be treated at once.
- Cost Effective: Regular waxing appointments can become expensive. Laser hair removal is a long-term and cost-effective option. Factors determining cost include the size of the treatment area, the number of follow-up treatments needed, and your geographical location.
Precision and - Predictability: Lasers can target dark, coarse hairs without damaging surrounding skin. Patients can also expect permanent hair loss after roughly three to seven sessions.
- Smoother Skin: Ultimately, laser hair removal provides the smoothest, hair-free option for your skin without the risk of cuts, ingrown hairs, or irritation. Some people also find that laser hair removal makes hygiene easier, especially for the bikini area.
What to Expect During Your Hair Removal Sessions
No matter the treatment area, the hair needs to be trimmed to just above the skin. A licensed technician will first apply topical numbing cream to provide comfort during the procedure. After the numbing cream has activated, your technician will prepare the laser equipment.
They will adjust the laser settings based on three elements: your hair color, the thickness of the hair, and the location on your body that is being treated. Sensitive areas, like facial skin, require a more delicate setting than a tougher area like your back or arms.
Protective eyewear will be provided if needed, and a cooling agent will be applied to the treatment area. Your technician will use the laser for a pulse and then determine the effectiveness of the settings before continuing the full treatment. After the treatment is complete, you may be offered pain-relieving items, such as an ice pack, lotion, or cream. After your first treatment, you should be able to return for additional treatments in about four to six weeks.
Should I Avoid the Sun After a LHR Session?
It is no secret that sun exposure and laser hair removal do not mix. For most people, LHR sessions are easier in the fall and winter months due to the reduction in sun exposure. If you are getting laser hair removal in the summer or warmer months, it is important to fully understand the necessary precautions to take regarding sun exposure and tanning before and after having laser hair removal treatment.
Tips for Getting Laser Hair Removal in Summer
You may be asking yourself, “Can I go to the beach after laser hair removal?” or “Can you tan after laser hair removal?” Because of the negative effects of sun exposure before and after laser hair removal, a myth has been established that the treatment can’t or shouldn’t be done in the summer months. While it’s important to protect your skin, laser hair removal can be done at any time throughout the year so long as you take proper precautions.
A great tip for hair removal during the summer is to target areas that are not regularly exposed to sunlight – think underarms or bikini areas. For facial hair or arm hair removal, it may be best to choose another time of year.
If you’re planning to travel to a hotter climate, for business or pleasure, it is important to let your clinician know. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action, depending on your time away and the stage of your treatment process, to help you preserve your great results.
What Should I Do Before My LHR Appointment?
- Avoid Sun Exposure. Laser hair removal before sun exposure is a no-no. You should limit your sun exposure roughly six weeks before a treatment. Laser hair sun exposure is important to be aware of, as tanned skin can increase the risk of side effects.
- Stop Plucking and Waxing. At least six weeks before your treatment, stop plucking and waxing the treatment areas. To have an effective service, hair roots are needed for the lasers to do their job.
- Shave the Treatment Area. One day prior to the procedure, shave the treatment area. Shaving will help the laser penetrate the hair follicle without burning the hair on the surface.
- Avoid Blood-Thinning Medications. For at least a few days before your appointment, avoid using blood-thinning medications or supplements. These medications can increase your risk of bleeding during your treatment.
Roughly two weeks before your treatment, avoid being in the sun as much as possible. This is necessary because exposure to sunlight can cause your skin to become more sensitive to the light energy used in the hair removal process. When your skin is more sensitive due to sun exposure, you are at risk of having hyperpigmentation, burns, or scarring after treatment. If you need to be outside before your appointment, use sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays and covers your skin as much as possible.
While it is recommended to avoid the sun two weeks prior to your appointment, you can proceed with laser hair removal if you have an existing suntan. Be sure to let your practitioner know your skin’s current condition when booking your appointment. They will need to conduct a test patch on your skin to ensure your safety. Skin that is not tanned and has been shielded from the sun will achieve the most optimal results.
Having a tan may not prevent you from receiving laser hair removal, but having sunburned skin will. You should not have laser treatment if you have sunburned skin. The light energy transfer from the sun requires your skin to heal, and the laser’s energy emitted into the follicles can highly irritate sunburned skin.
How Can I Care for My Skin After Laser Hair Removal?
Aftercare is an essential component of laser hair removal. After your hair removal treatment, some recovery time will be necessary. Directly after your appointment, your treated areas may look and feel sunburned. Your technician may recommend moisturizers and cool compresses. Hair in the treatment areas will begin to fall out over the next few weeks.
Potential side effects of laser hair removal include blistering, redness or skin discoloration, scarring, and swelling. For the best results and minimal side effects, be sure to take good care of the treated area and closely follow your technician’s aftercare instructions.
The best aftercare tips are as follows:
- Use cool compresses and moisturizers to soothe your treatment areas. These products can help alleviate the “sunburned” feeling.
- You may wonder, “What are the rules for sunlight after laser hair removal?” “How long to avoid sun after laser treatment?” Avoiding sun exposure after laser hair removal is essential. You need to protect the treated skin from the sun for six weeks. This recovery time will help prevent potential changes in skin color and enhance treatment effectiveness.
- For a couple of days after treatment, be sure to avoid hot baths, saunas, and intense exercise. This will help prevent and reduce irritation around the treated areas.
- After a few days, gently exfoliate the treated area to help remove the hair as it falls out.
- To achieve optimal results and eliminate unwanted hair, you should attend all scheduled follow-up treatments.
Plan Ahead
You may also find yourself wondering about how long to avoid sun after laser hair removal. You may be asking:
- Can you go in the sun after laser hair removal?
- Can I tan after laser hair removal?
- How well do laser hair removal and tanning mix?
- Can I sunbathe after laser hair removal?
- How long after laser hair removal can you tan?
Plan ahead of time to avoid the sun after your LHR. After your appointment, it is very important to avoid sun exposure — both sunbathing and tanning beds — for two weeks. This window of time allows your treated skin the opportunity to heal. It also reduces your risk of creating hyperpigmentation or irritation. Even if your skin doesn’t look “tan,” the sun still causes exposure to harmful UV rays. It is important to avoid sunburn after laser treatment.
You must be mindful of laser hair removal and sun exposure afterward. When you cannot avoid sunlight, use at least an SPF 30 with UVA and UVB protection, even on overcast days. Depending on your treatment area, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves is also helpful.
Because everyone’s skin and hair types are unique, different reactions occur when you are exposed to sunlight. Even after your skin has fully healed, it is important to protect your sun against the sun’s harmful rays. Speaking with your provider about your specific treatment plan and aftercare is essential. Your skin will thank you!
Schedule a Safe Laser Hair Removal Treatment Now
After you decide laser hair removal is right for you, it is time to schedule a consultation with an expert treatment provider. You will want to consult with a professional to fully understand the process and develop a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results at the right time of the year.
Calista Skin & Laser Center is proud to be a leading provider of Laser Hair Removal in Colleyville. We are located in Colleyville, Texas, and utilize the most powerful laser hair removal system on the market. Boasting the largest spot sizes and fastest repetition rate currently available, Calista Skin & Laser Center is able to treat its patients faster and more effectively than other laser providers.
Serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Calista welcomes you to schedule a session to meet with a high-caliber provider. Their licensed and experienced professionals offer impressive medical credentials, along with high-quality customer service and a welcoming environment.
Call (817) 488-3838 to learn more or schedule a consultation.
Schedule a consultation
Please fill out the form below or call us at 817-488-3838
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Schedule a consultation
Please fill out the form below or call us at 817-488-3838
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone, text, and/or email.