After a laser hair removal procedure it is recommended that you avoid sun and UV exposure at all costs. This can be difficult to adhere to, especially during the summer. However, generally speaking, it is strongly recommended that you wait at least two weeks post-treatment before exposing yourself to strong UV rays, whether from the sun or a tanning bed.
Sensitive skin
Laser hair removal is designed to reduce hair growth by targeting the hair follicle with high-intensity light. The energy from the light damages the hair follicle but the lasers used are designed and calibrated to not target or damage the surrounding skin. Your skin will incredibly sensitive following a laser hair removal procedure and UV rays on the lasered skin can be very damaging and even cause adverse and unpleasant reactions.
Adverse reactions
These reactions include hyperpigmentation, burns and can even permanent scars. If you really need a tanned look, consider purchasing a spray-on tanning product that will give you the effect. If you are prone to hyperpigmentation, you will want to avoid strong sun exposure for a good six months following the procedure.
Case-by-case
Keeping these guidelines in mind, it does depend on what part of the body the procedure was performed on. If it was done on your back, legs, face, chest or any other areas that would receive direct, unmitigated UV exposure if you were to spend a considerable amount of time in the sun, waiting the recommended amount of time is highly advisable.
If, for instance, the procedure was performed on an area of the body where sun exposure is less likely to be an issue (for example: underarms, buttocks or the bikini area), as long as you can make sure those areas aren’t receiving intense sun exposure, it should be ok to resume activities in the sun as normal.
Laser hair removal is a very common and generally uncomplicated procedure. It is performed all the time, all over the world and is great for getting rid of unwanted body hair. It’s a great alternative for people who are over the time and money spent shaving and waxing. As long as care is taken to avoid UV exposure after the procedure, it should be a complete success.
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How Long Should you Wait to Tan after Laser Hair Removal?
Sunbathing, which is the demonstration of sitting or lying in the sun, now and again with the expectation to tan, may have some medical advantages whenever done appropriately.
If you’ve recently had a laser hair removal session, then it’s absolutely crucial to give your skin some time to rest before soaking up the sun.
This does not mean that you should completely avoid laser hair removal treatments during the summer months. While prolonged direct exposure to the sun should be avoided year-round, the summer months are just as good as any for laser hair removal.
Keep reading to learn more as we discuss some tips and precautions to consider.
While it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays both before and after a laser hair removal appointment, you must go to all possible lengths to shield freshly treated skin from lengthy sun exposure.
Optimum results aside, you’ll be saving your skin from extreme damage by taking all precautions.
The cardinal rule is: you must avoid sun tanning for a minimum of 2 weeks before and after a laser hair removal session.
There’s rock-solid scientific evidence behind this logic:
Right after a tanning session, your skin remains highly sensitive (up to 2 weeks at least). The sun makes matters worse by heating your skin using its highly harmful rays.
Exposing your skin to lasers for hair removal after a sun tan may cause:
- Hyper-pigmentation
- Burns
- Scarring
Likewise, after a laser treatment, your skin needs time to adjust to the effects brought onto it. This is when sun-bathing and tanning must be avoided at all costs.
This also means bidding farewell to beach visits for at least a fortnight.
Why shouldn’t you Tan after Laser Hair Removal?
During the summer months, experts say that you mustn’t laser your face or other areas of your skin which are prone to damage from sun exposure.
Other areas include:
- Arms
- Legs
- Fingers
- Toes
- Elbow
This is Important because:
Skin on the body parts mentioned in the list above are often sensitive. Skin tends to be stretched taut during certain movements involving these body parts.
Areas that can Receive Year-round Laser Treatment
While tanning may not seem harmful, UVB and UVA rays definitely cause long-term damage.
UVB radiations impact your skin’s top layer, while UVA rays penetrate into the deeper layers of skin. If you shower after hours of tanning, you’ll notice your skin becomes darker than your regular tone.
This is especially true after a recent laser hair removal session. This is so because a laser hair removal treatment exfoliates your skin’s top layer.
Thus, the newly revealed underlying layers are more sensitive and prone to tanning’s effects.
While tanning certain areas must be avoided for a laser hair removal treatment during the summer, certain other areas are always shielded. Such areas are suitable for year-round laser treatments, and are not seasonally restricted.
For example: the underarms which are protected by your shoulders and arms. Likewise, your bikini area is also similarly suitable for obvious reasons.
Use Sunscreen Generously
Daily sunscreen use is crucial.
Apart from helping to protect skin after a laser hair removal session, sunscreen will also slow down your skin’s aging process. Remember, sunscreen becomes even more necessary after a laser treatment.
Choose a broad spectrum SPF which will shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays and apply sunscreen generously even when it’s not especially sunny.
Taking extra precautions is much better than skin damage and premature aging! If you experience dry, flaky skin right after a laser hair removal treatment, try aloe-vera or a lotion to hydrate your skin.
Since laser hair removal exposes your pores, your skin becomes excessively sensitive, susceptible and vulnerable to infection after a treatment.
You must take several precautions to avoid irreversible damage until your skin heals completely. It is extremely imperative to avoid workouts or gym sessions during this time.
Not only this, you should also avoid Jacuzzis, saunas, or swimming in chlorinated pools or oceans for a minimum of two days.
Once this critical period is over, it’s absolutely safe to get back into exercising and sweating it out.
It’s also important that you avoid skin exfoliation for five days post treatment. So keep aside your body scrubs, shower loofahs and bath sponges until your skin is ready to take them on.