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

Question

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.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

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.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Patients should avoid the sun 4 weeks prior and 4 weeks after laser hair removal.  The skin may continue to be sensitive so patients should use sun block as necessary.

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

After laser hair removal, it is usually recommended to avoid sun exposure for at least 7-10 days. This will reduce the chance of complications. Sun avoidance and sunblock use are recommended in general while doing laser hair removal treatments to minimize the risk of side effects such as burns and pigment changes because tanned skin can be more prone to complications with laser hair removal.

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

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.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is important to not tan before, after or in between laser hair removal sessions as it can cause hyperpigmentation and burns during treatment. It is best to be at your base skin tone while receiving treatment to get the maximum results possible. Best of Luck!

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

It is very important not to have sun before or after laser hair removal.  If you tan your skin then you may not be a candidate for laser hair removal.  If you laser tanned skin with the Candela Gentle Lase you run the risk of getting burned or having hyperpigmentation from the laser.  Similarly, if you go in the sun after your treatments, you risk getting hyper pigmented.  It is best to avoid the sun for several weeks before and after laser hair removal.  Please consult an expert in laser hair removal for the best cosmetic results.  Best, Dr. Green

Michael Law, MD · Answer

There are some lasers available that can safely treat tanned skin. Hiwever, Intense Sun exposure and exposure to UV light in tanning beds before or after treatment could result in unfavorable skin conditions including, but not limited to: blistering, pigmentation disorders or scarring. During the course of treatment you should wear sunblock and limit sun exposure to the areas being treated with the laser. You should also avoid tanning beds. Sunless tanners can mean that the surface of the skin absorbs some oif the laser energy unless a long pulsed laser is used.Avoid heavy sun exposure. Burned skin can never be treated with a laser, but tanned skin can sometimes be safely treated with the right laser. A complimentary consultation can help you determine if laser hair removal is safe and effective for you.

James Silberzweig, MD · Answer

While receiving any laser treatment, it is highly recommended to avoid sun exposure at least 2 weeks
prior and after. It is best to be at your base skin tone while receiving laser to get the maximum results possible. Lasers are attracted to pigment and if we have had recent sun exposure, the laser will detect the tan and heat from the skin and leave possible burning. Moreover, wearing sunscreen daily and  protective clothing in areas to be treated are imperative to have a safe and effective treatment. Skin type, tendency for sunburn, and use of certain types of  medications may affect your risk.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Avoid Sun before and after Laser Hair Removal. After laser hair removal, it is usually recommended to avoid sun exposure for at least 7-10 days. This will reduce the chance of complications. Sun avoidance and sunblock use are recommended in general while doing laser hair removal treatments to minimize the risk of side effects such as burns and pigment changes because tanned skin can be more prone to complications with laser hair removal.

Robert Sleightholm, MD · Answer

The armpit is generally not exposed to sun light unless the arms are extended. Sun exposure following arm pit laser hair removal is not an issue.  In areas that are exposed, sun avoidance and/or sun block should be used for approximately 2 weeks (longer if you are a darker skin type that is prone to pigmentation).  Laser hair removal should be postponed following acute sun exposure for 2 weeks.  As a further precaution the fluency can be decreased (the parameters can be changed for a darker skin type.)

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

Answers (12)