Ask a doctor

How damaging is brief sun exposure after laser hair removal?

So I got my laser hair removal done on Friday (legs). It is a very sunny Monday today and I decided to wear a dress to work (15 min walk). Now, I was not sitting in the sun trying to get tanned or anything, just walking to the office. Can this type of rather brief sun exposure be damaging to the skin? Whats' the risk? Unfortunately I didn't think to use SPF before leaving the house :( Thanks!

Doctor Answers 2

This small amount of sun exposure isn’t likely to affect your results.

July 12th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
From your description, it doesn’t sound like the quality of your results should be affected by this brief sun exposure, although it is important that you try to keep your skin covered or use broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent future damage. If you begin to notice any adverse side effects, contact your medical spa for a more detailed assessment. However, I think you should be fine from your short walk to work today. Best of luck to you!

Web reference: https://www.castellanocosmeticsurgery.com/medical-spa/laser-hair-removal/

Joseph J. Castellano, MD
July 12th, 2016

This small amount of sun exposure isn’t likely to affect your results.

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
From your description, it doesn’t sound like the quality of your results should be affected by this brief sun exposure, although it is important that you try to keep your skin covered or use broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent future damage. If you begin to notice any adverse side effects, contact your medical spa for a more detailed assessment. However, I think you should be fine from your short walk to work today. Best of luck to you!

Learn more: https://www.castellanocosmeticsurgery.com/medical-spa/laser-hair-removal/

Joseph J. Castellano, MD

How damaging is brief sun exposure after laser hair removal?

June 6th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Based on the details of your question, it doesn't sound like you should be too concerned. There are other variables to consider though. It is ideal to avoid extended sun exposure after having any treatment to the skin with an energy based device. However, in real life, that's not always possible. Next time, an SPF of 15 or 30 on the exposed/treated areas should give you the protection you need.
If you don't see or feel any negative effects from the brief sun exposure, you should be ok. It is always best to avoid excessive sun 2-4 weeks before and after laser hair removal. Keep an open line of communication with the practitioner to stay safe and maximize your results.
Always make sure that you are treated by a professional with the right credentials to do laser hair removal, based on the laws of your state.
Have a great day!
Reza Rod, MD
June 6th, 2016

How damaging is brief sun exposure after laser hair removal?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Based on the details of your question, it doesn't sound like you should be too concerned. There are other variables to consider though. It is ideal to avoid extended sun exposure after having any treatment to the skin with an energy based device. However, in real life, that's not always possible. Next time, an SPF of 15 or 30 on the exposed/treated areas should give you the protection you need.
If you don't see or feel any negative effects from the brief sun exposure, you should be ok. It is always best to avoid excessive sun 2-4 weeks before and after laser hair removal. Keep an open line of communication with the practitioner to stay safe and maximize your results.
Always make sure that you are treated by a professional with the right credentials to do laser hair removal, based on the laws of your state.
Have a great day!
Reza Rod, MD
*Treatment results may vary

Related content

View all Laser Hair Removal reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.