The short answer is no, you can not go in the sun during laser hair removal. One of the most sought after questions, given it’s the long awaited summer time. Once it’s time to wear those shorts and bikini again, more and more patients decide to have a quick laser session before the holidays. However with laser hair removal the process is a bit more complex and sun is one of the main contra-indications during laser treatments. So let’s see why you can’t go in the sun during laser hair removal?
First a quick reminder on how laser hair removal works?
Laser destroys the hair by emitting a single concentrated light beam which is absorbed by the pigment in your hair. This light energy is then converted into heat energy which effectively disables the hair growth, by destroying its root.
For the treatment to work and be effective, your hair has to be at a specific stage of its growth. But because not all your hair follicles are growing at the same speed multiple treatments are required to capture the different hair cycles. So not too early and not too late, otherwise the treatment won’t be as effective.
At Skin Perfection you’d be asked to attend your treatments in every 4-6 weeks. And during your initial consultation we’d encourage you to schedule all your appointments in advance to ensure consistency in your treatment plan.
Can you go in the sun during laser hair removal?
As mentioned before the pigment in your hair has to absorb the laser’s heat. As a result of sun exposure your pigment level increases. During the laser treatment this increased amount of melanin will absorb the laser. But may leak to the surface of the skin leaving you with burns and pigmentation
For this reason you must report sun exposure ( including sun beds) to your practitioner before your treatment. If your skin was exposed to UVA/UvB light we’d ask you to return in 6 weeks time for a repeat patch test before your treatment can commence.
Once you’ve had your laser treatment you’d be asked to make sure you cover the areas and protect it from UVA/UVB light for a minimum of 2 weeks post treatment.
To keep your skin safe and to get the best result out of your treatment you’ll be encouraged to stay out of the sun for the duration of your treatment course. Although this is a sacrifice, the end results are worth it. Not to mention to having to worry about shaving before your next holiday again.
To learn more about laser hair removal and what other factors may affect when to get laser hair removal; why not contact my Expert team who’ll be able to give you further guidance?
How to book an appointment?
As the first step of your hair removal journey at Skin Perfection London, we request that you attend a no obligations consultation and skin test. Firstly, this gives you the opportunity to learn more about the process. How does laser hair removal work? Why is it effective? How many treatments you need? What’s the best laser for your skin type? How to prepare your skin for the treatment? And what to be aware of before undergoing laser hair removal. Finally to confirm suitability we’ll carry out a quick patch test.
We are looking forward to welcoming you at SP. Our highly trained and skilled aesthetic practitioners have many years of experience, so you can be confident you’re in the best hands. And, you can be sure, you’ll always have a stress-free relaxing experience.
Contact our team today to book an appointment.
