How Long Should I Stay out of the Sun After Laser Hair Removal?

Hello, I received my first laser hair removal treatment for my underarms using the Alexandrite Candela GentleLase laser. The doctor advised me to avoid sun and to use sun block. I plan on using t-shirts with longer sleeves to cover up, but since it is summer how long do you think one has to wait before it is considered "safe" to have sun exposure.

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by Tori_B

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Laser hair removal and sun protection

You don't want to get tanned or have sun exposure for a good six months minimum after laser hair removal if you are prone to getting hyperpigmentation as a response to trauma (acne, burns, scratches, etc.). Also, if you have a tan, then you can't be treated with laser hair removal until the tan goes away otherwise there may be an increased risk of complications.

No sun exposure for at least two weeks after Laser Hair Removal

Tanning is not recommended for almost any laser treatment, but especially Laser Hair Removal. After the laser hair removal your skin is more sensitive and you can burn easily if you go tanning. When you tan before the laser treatment the chances of side effects such as hyper pigmentation and scarring are much higher. Using sun protection every day is very important and if you do tan you should wait a while until your tan fades before doing another treatment.

Laser hair removal and sunscreen

For most laser procedures, a good rule of thumb is very strong sun protection for 1 week after the procedure because your skin will be much more sensitive to irritation and photodamage. We recommend keeping the treated area out of the sun and using sunscreens high in zinc oxide such as EltaMD. Of course, tanning is always discouraged and liberal use of sun protection and sunscreen is ALWAYS encouraged. The other reason to stay out of the sun is that laser hair... more