The Truth Behind Sun Exposure and Laser Hair Removal
Posted April 02, 2025 in Laser Hair Removal
If you’ve been thinking about undergoing laser hair removal in preparation for summer, you’ve probably heard a lot of conflicting advice about sun exposure and laser hair removal. Do you truly have to avoid the sun before your laser session? Will a little tan really affect your laser hair removal results? What about after treatment—will your skin be more sensitive to the sun after your laser hair removal session? With so many myths floating around, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction. In this blog, we’ll dive into the truth about sun exposure before and after laser hair removal so you can achieve the best possible results.
4 Min Read:
Sun Exposure Before Laser Hair Removal
Myth: You can’t undergo laser hair removal treatments in the summer.
Fact: Laser hair removal is safe no matter the time of year, but you will need to take extra precautions in the summer to avoid sun exposure before and after your laser treatments.
While summer vacations and other outdoor activities might make sun exposure unavoidable, you can still undergo laser hair removal if you plan ahead and take the proper precautions. At Aspire Medispa, we recommend avoiding direct sunlight for at least two weeks before your laser hair removal appointment and always using broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen to protect all of your skin, not just the targeted treatment areas. Your provider may also need to adjust the laser settings to ensure a safer and more effective treatment based on your skin’s condition.
Myth: You can’t get a laser hair removal treatment if you have a tan.
Fact: Having a tan can increase the risk of post-procedure complications, so you need to let your provider know in advance so the proper precautions can be taken.
At Aspire Medispa, we use the GentleLase Pro-U™ by Candela, a gentle laser that works best on lighter skin with darker hair. While having a bit of a tan may not be a deal breaker, it’s still essential to be honest with your provider about any recent tanning (natural or artificial), as adjustments may be needed to minimize risks like burns or hyperpigmentation. If your skin is significantly tanned, your provider may recommend waiting until the tan fades to ensure optimal safety and results.
Sun Exposure After Laser Hair Removal
Myth: You can tan by the pool or in a tanning bed immediately after laser hair removal.
Fact: Avoid exposing the treated areas to the sun for at least two weeks after your laser hair removal session (or according to your provider’s directions) to allow your skin time to heal.
Even if your skin feels fine, the areas targeted for laser hair removal remain extremely sensitive to UV rays. Direct sun exposure too soon after your session can lead to burns, hyperpigmentation, and even long-term skin damage. Protecting your skin as it recovers after laser hair removal is essential to achieving the best possible results and avoiding irritation. If you must be outdoors, protect the treated areas with clothing, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and stay in the shade if possible.
Myth: You don’t need to wear sunscreen after laser hair removal.
Fact: Whether you’ve had laser hair removal or not, sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and protection from both UVA and UVB rays is a must.
However, sunscreen after laser hair removal is even more important, as your skin is more vulnerable to sun damage. Even on overcast days, UV rays can penetrate through the clouds and into your skin. To avoid potential (and unwanted) side effects, you should apply broad-spectrum sunscreen diligently, especially if you’re spending time outside. Protecting the treatment area from the sun’s harmful rays and preventing side effects is a vital part of ensuring optimal laser hair removal results.
Myth: You don’t need to worry about wearing sunscreen if you don’t look tan.
Fact: Even if your tan isn’t visible, the sun’s UV rays can still penetrate your skin, causing damage to the dermis and increasing your risk of complications after your laser hair removal procedure.
Your skin absorbs UV radiation even without becoming visibly tan. This can lead to subtle changes that may not be noticeable to the naked eye but will still affect how your skin reacts to a laser hair removal treatment. Sun exposure can cause underlying inflammation and skin dehydration, which may heighten sensitivity and increase your likelihood of developing issues like irritation or discoloration after your treatment. To ensure that you’re comfortable during your procedure and receive optimal results, always protect your skin with sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure in the weeks leading up to and following your laser hair removal sessions.
Discover the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal in Fresno
If you’re dreaming of fun in the sun this summer and planning to undergo laser hair removal to be swimsuit-ready, look no further than the experts at Aspire Medispa in Fresno. We offer laser hair removal for men and women who want to trade uncomfortable and unsightly razor burns and nicks for smooth, low-maintenance skin nearly anywhere on their bodies. Call our office today at (559) 435-8477 to schedule a consultation or complete the online contact form. Oh, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen!