97% of women surveyed agreed that removing hair with a laser hair removal treatment produced the outcome they were looking for.
Laser hair removal is an effective way to get rid of unwanted and unneeded hair on almost any part of the body. If you're looking for hair removal tips, laser hair removal is the way to go!
Are you thinking about booking a laser hair removal appointment?
Learn more about the treatment process and the relationship between laser hair removal and sun exposure below.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal is a process of removing hair with a concentrated beam of light.
This light bream will first remove pigment (or melanin) from the hair itself. After that, it heats up and causes damage to the hair follicle, which puts it into a dormant state and causes the hair to halt growth for a period of time.
Waxing, shaving, or trimming will only remove the hair that is above the skin. Laser hair removal goes underneath the layer of skin, which gives your skin a much smoother feel.
Typically, this process is done in a period of minutes to an hour. The length of time it takes will depend on which part of the body you're having treated. For instance, laser hair removal on the legs will take longer than on the upper lip.
For most people, more than one laser hair removal session will be required after a few weeks to remove additional hair.
If any of the hair does grow back, it will typically be lighter in color, much finer, and softer to the touch. Since the hair follicle is damaged, it doesn't produce hair in exactly the same way as it did before. If you repeatedly have laser hair removal done, the hair follicle may eventually no longer produce hair, but this varies from person to person.
Laser hair removal is most effective on lighter skin tones with dark hair, but anyone can have it done (regardless of skin tone or hair type).
Recent Sun Exposure Before the Treatment
Have you recently been out in the sun to get a tan or even a sunburn? If so, you should not have your laser hair removal treatment done yet.
The bolts of energy that are transmitted from the laser hair removal equipment can aggravate this skin and cause issues with your skin tone. You can end up with dark spots that are difficult to remove.
Give your skin's tan or burn time to fade before you book your appointment. By waiting, you're giving yourself the best possible chance of an effective treatment.
Another thing to consider is whether you're planning an upcoming vacation to a warm climate. If you know you'll be traveling soon before or after your appointment, it is likely a good idea to postpone treatment to avoid potential skin concerns.
Sun Exposure After the Treatment
Your skin will be slightly more sensitive than normal after the laser hair removal treatment is completed due to the laser and heat used. For this reason, it does need some time to heal and bounce back.
You should avoid being out in the sun or using tanning beds after your treatment. Hyperpigmentation can occur if you get too much sun too soon.
If you must be in the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 while you're out. Always cover your exposed areas with clothing, like long sleeves, long pants, or a wide hat, when possible as well.
You need protection from both the UVA and UVB rays. Try to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen for the best protection levels and stay out of the sun during peak hours.
If you have questions about caring for your skin following the treatment, be sure to bring them up with our knowledgeable staff for the best advice. We can help you keep your skin healthy.
Even after your skin has healed, you still want to be diligent in taking care of your skin in the sun to avoid premature aging and dehydration.
What if You Need Additional Sessions?
You may have just gotten your first laser hair removal, but are planning to return for more.
If so, you still should avoid sun exposure until all of your treatments are completed.
When you try to treat an area of the skin that is more tan, it is harder for the laser to actually pick up the melanin from the hair and target the hair that you're trying to have removed. This is the same reason that laser hair removal is sometimes more difficult for individuals with darker skin tones.
To make it easier on yourself, you want your skin to be at its most neutral level before any appointments for treatment. This makes the treatment more effective, will make the treatment take less time, and will be in your best interest long-term.
Some people think that because they've had laser hair removal treatments in the past, their skin isn't as vulnerable following future treatments.
This is not true; in fact, you should treat every laser hair removal treatment as if it was the first one to be sure your skin can recover.
Tips to Avoid Unnecessary Sun Exposure
The best thing to do to avoid sun exposure is to stay in the shade or indoors.
If you're unable to do those things, be sure that you're covering your skin as much as possible.
Use sunscreen at all times to keep your skin protected, and don't forget to reapply often. Make sure that you're applying the correct amount of sunscreen.
In addition to that, be sure that you're choosing sunscreens that are appropriate for your skin type if you have sensitive skin or any type of skin condition. Test out some different options to find one that works best.
Avoid being outside in the summer months anytime between 10 am and 3 pm (or whenever the peak hours are considered for a specific time of year).
Don't forget to wear sunglasses with a UV filter as well to protect your eyes.
Use These Laser Hair Removal and Sun Exposure Tips
Now that you have a better idea of the relationship between laser hair removal and sun exposure, you may feel more prepared to make your appointment.
At Renaissance Med Spa, we offer a variety of services to help you look and feel your best.
Ready to schedule with us? Contact us today to learn more about our laser hair removal treatment.