Have laser hair removal appointment for bikini zone. Is it ok to be in the sun if the treatment area is protected with clothing?

Question

It's my 4th. I plan to go to the beach on Saturday and plan to wear shorts so that I don't expose the treatment area to the sun. The appointment is on Thursday of the following week. Is it ok to be in the sun if the treatment area is protected with clothing?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's recommended to limit your sun exposure when undergoing laser hair removal,and to limit tanning 2-4 weeks before and after treatments. Sun protection, such as sun cover-ups and sunscreen, are essential. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Kory Kitagawa, MD · Answer

Clothing is not necessarily sufficient to protect against UVA and UVB rays. In fact, people who are susceptible to skin cancer must wear specially treated clothing when they are out in the sun at all, plus they apply sunscreen underneath the clothing and stay in the shade of an umbrella or tree as much as possible. So my advice to you would be to avoid the sun completely, just as your dermatologist advised. If you have more questions about your laser hair-removal, consult your board-certified dermatologist so you will get the most benefit possible from your procedure.

Gary Nackman, MD, FACS · Answer

Sun + laser hair removal is a bad combination. Clothing does usually offer excellent protection from the UV rays that stimulate melanocytes. If you keep covered, you should be fine.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

Obviously it is a bad idea to get in the sun without protection. Ideally, no sun is preferable. If you have sun, protecting the area to be treated is best. You have to remember that the sun stimulates melanocytes throughout the body by telling the brain to secrete MSH. It is up to your provider to decide if your skin is appropriate to treat. My rule of thumb is stay out of the sun 3 weeks on either side of treatments for best results.

Have laser hair removal appointment for bikini zone. Is it ok to be in the sun if the treatment area is protected with clothing?

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