Can I get Laser Hair Removal in Summer?

Summer calls for smooth, hairless skin. In the past, the only options for quick hair removal at home were shaving, waxing, and other depilatories. These treatments can cause cuts, razor burns, hair stubble, and ingrown hairs, all of which are painful. Today, Laser Hair Removal is a recommended better alternative.

However, with the heat comes poolside tanning and beach-time sunburns. These don’t exactly make a recipe for success when it comes to laser hair removal. For many men and women, “bikini” hair removal (or Brazilian) is an integral part of the summer season.

In general, there’s confusion about laser hair removal during summer. The concept of avoiding sun exposure (before and after laser hair removal) has its origins years ago when the laser technology had limitations.

Today, laser technology has advanced significantly. The latest generation of lasers can target body hair very effectively without affecting the surrounding skin. It means that you can certainly get laser hair removal during summer, by taking some precautions to look after your skin.

A quick recap to how laser hair removal works

Our advanced, medical class Laser Platform, delivers Triple Wavelengths Technology, Alexandrite 755, Diode 808, ND:YAG 1064, which targets the melanin pigment of the hair. The melanin then absorbs this energy and converts it into heat. As a result, the heat destroys the hair follicle and removes the hair permanently.

Treatments are performed over a series of treatments, and after about 6-8 treatments, spaced about months apart, the hair in the treated area is significantly reduced.

Depending on the treatment area, skin colour, and hair thickness, laser procedures and number of sessions required vary from one client to another. Additionally, factors such as hormones and age will also need to be considered by your practitioner.

Can I get laser hair removal during summer if you still have a suntan?

With the latest laser technologies, like the one we use, Laser hair removal treatments can be performed on tanned skin, although it is important that a 1064 nd:Yag laser be used on tanned skin. Tanned skin may require additional treatments to get the desired result. Freshly tanned skin should not be treated with a laser. We recommend waiting 2 weeks after tanning to get laser hair removal.

Here are some tips to follow after Laser Hair Removal in the summer

Avoid water-based activities such as swimming for the first 24-48 hours after treatment.

Water activities, like swimming in the ocean or a pool, are a fun part of summer that you wouldn’t want to miss out on.  Just make sure you wait 24-48 hours after your laser treatment. Your skin will remain sensitive for the first couple of days, so it is important to keep your skin protected during this period of time.

Always use Sunblock before heading out

Sunscreen is an imperative element for everyday skincare even if you aren’t undergoing laser hair removal. But if you are indeed going through laser hair removal treatment it is imperative you use a sunblock everyday – even on an overcast day or a day when you don’t expect to spend a lot of time outside. Your sunscreen lotion should be at least SPF 30-100 with active ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc with broad spectrum SPF that protects against both UVA and UVB.

If you are tanned or sunburned when you come in for your treatment session, your practitioner cannot treat you due to the safety concern. The added heat from the laser can damage your already sun-damaged skin. Wearing sunblock daily can prevent many of the adverse reactions that can come from sun exposure combined with laser hair removal.

Avoid direct sun exposure to the treated area for two weeks prior to and after treatment.

Extended sun exposure throws off your laser hair removal treatment intervals, resulting in less-effective outcome. The UV rays can cause damage to your skin that does not combine well with laser treatments. Adverse reactions can include burns and hyperpigmentation. This is why it’s essential to wear sunblock when you are outside, even for a quick car ride to the store.

Avoid Laser Treatments on regularly exposed areas

Even if the skin areas do not look tan to the naked eye, the exposure to UVB and UVA rays are still active. Which is why in the summer you should avoid laser treatments on the face or any other areas that are prone to sun exposure, such as the arms, legs, fingers and toes.

Underarm or Bikini areas are best

While there are many areas you should avoid for laser hair removal during the summer, there are some body areas you can treat that are consistently shielded from the sun. Areas such as underarms and bikini areas are protected and doesn’t often see direct sunlight, so this is an area you can target year-round without worry.

Avoid Sunless Tanning Products

Sunless tanning products, such as lotions or spray tans, have various chemicals that may cause adverse reaction when combined with laser heat disrupting your laser treatment routine.

Allow time for your skin to heal

Although, there is very little recovery time from a laser hair removal session, there are certain precautions you should take to allow your skin to heal properly. Laser Hair Removal session opens your pores during which your skin will be extra vulnerable. It is important to avoid going to the gym, sauna, jacuzzi or swimming in the ocean or pool for at least two days following the treatment. You should allow around 14-20 days for the hairs to fall out, you can speed this up by exfoliating your skin 4 to 5 days after the treatment. This will allow your skin to recover long enough that there will be no irritation from enzymes or scrubs, so make sure to give your skin ample time to heal properly.

Always be honest with your practitioner

Telling your practitioner about your recent sun exposure helps you stay on your intervals while also keeping your skin healthy and safe. Though it may be tempting to lie about your recent sun exposure in order to stay on your treatment intervals, you are ultimately doing more damage to yourself than helping. As mentioned earlier, if there is recent sun exposure or chemicals on your skin, laser treatment can have adverse reactions.

Should I get Laser Hair Removal in Harley Street during summer?

Laser Hair Removal in Harley Street can certainly be performed in the summer, but it is important to seek out a highly experienced laser hair removal center that can guide you in appropriate before and after care. Our professionalism, patient-centric approach and expertise have earned us a reputation for being one of the best laser treatment clinics in Harley Street. So why not book your appointment with one of our laser skin specialists today.