A good sunscreen with high SPF is one of the best ways to protect your skin. After all, most of the damage done to your skin is sun exposure, which speeds up the aging process dramatically and contributes to skin roughness, discoloration, and wrinkles.

Before and after laser hair removal, sun protection is even more important. Your skin will be vulnerable to the laser after sun exposure — and equally vulnerable to sunlight after laser treatment.

Here’s what you need to know about laser hair removal and sun protection, plus a few great suncare recommendations to help ensure your skin health!

Laser Hair Removal and Sun Exposure

Laser hair removal and sun exposure are never a good mix, no matter the order of occurrence.

Sun Exposure Before Lasering

There’s a reason why it’s so important to avoid direct sunlight for two weeks before your laser hair removal session. UVA or UVB exposure (from sunlight, tanning beds, etc) too close to your appointment makes skin highly sensitive to the laser treatment.

You could end up with highly irritated skin or even burns if you don’t cover up parts you’re planning to have treated. This is no exaggeration, and the side effects won’t be due to poor laser settings or lack of skill. It will be because your skin is too sensitive to undergo treatment, and has been pushed past its limits.

We take this so seriously that we’ll lower laser strength or even reschedule your session if you’ve been in the sun recently. We inform clients of this and trust them not to lie, but you’ll be the one who pays for it if you choose to ignore these warnings.

Sun Exposure After Lasering

Just like recently sun-exposed skin is sensitive to the laser treatment, recently lasered skin is sensitive to the sun. You’ll need to cover up or stay out of direct sunlight for another two weeks after your session.

If you don’t, there’s a high possibility you could end up with the mother of all sunburns, even if you’re only out in the sun for a relatively short amount of time. It doesn’t take long for the sun’s rays to begin penetrating layers of the epidermis, leading to surface level burns and deeper tissue damage.

Another risk with sun exposure after laser hair removal is hyperpigmentation. Laser hair treatment targets melanin in the hair follicles, but melanin in surrounding skin can also be exposed during the process.

While SEV uses laser platforms safe for all skin types, piling on UVA/UVB exposure too soon after laser treatment can cause melanin-rich areas to darken further, leading to hyperpigmentation like sun spots. Hyperpigmentation can be difficult to treat.

Products to Avoid With Laser Hair Removal 

What products you use after your laser hair removal matter. Certain products contain ingredients that increase your skin’s sensitivity to light, which can even make sitting besides a window risky.

Alpha or Beta Hydroxy Acid

Many popular chemical exfoliants contain alpha or beta hydroxy acid. This can increase sun sensitivity and cause redness, irritation, and other side effects if used after a laser hair removal session.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in topical acne medications. If you’re prone to acne and use such a product that contains benzoyl peroxide, discontinue use for a couple of weeks after laser hair removal.

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is actually used to reverse hyperpigmentation, but there’s a catch — treated skin is more vulnerable to sun exposure. That means it’s extremely important to give such products a break when undergoing laser hair removal.

Retinols and Retinoids

Retinols and retinoids are frequent flyers in the anti-aging market. As vitamin A derivatives, you might assume they’re harmless, but not quite. These ingredients can soak up UV rays, making your post laser hair removal skin hypersensitive to the sun.

Tetracycline

Tetracycline is an antibiotic. Like most antibiotics in its family, it can increase the impact of sun exposure, which is why users are told to double down on sunscreen. This puts you at risk for burns or blisters after laser hair removal.

Sun Protection After Laser Hair Removal 

Once your two weeks are up, you’re all good to go… but you’ll still need protection. Unless you’re wearing sunscreen, every minute you spend unprotected in the sun increases your skin’s sensitivity to UV rays.

That’s why a proper sun protectant is vital when it comes to your skincare lineup, especially your facial care products. You need to apply one every time you’re going out in the sun, and reapply every few hours — especially if you’re in the water.

Don’t skimp, either. Many people apply the thinnest coat possible, often due to the cost and texture of their sunscreen. You might not like the way your sunscreen looks or feels, leading you to apply less. Even if you have a high-quality sunscreen, it may be so expensive that you’re hesitant to “waste” any.

While a teaspoon may be enough for a single arm or leg, you need about a shot glass full to protect your whole body.

If you forgot your shot glass, don’t worry. You can approximate by squirting a line of sunscreen down each finger. Then, get to work applying it evenly over your face, arms, neck, chest, and other uncovered skin. Don’t forget to rub some into your nape and ears!

SEV’s Sunscreen Recommendations 

If you don’t already have some products in mind, here are some recommendations from SEV Laser to keep your skin thriving long after your laser treatments.

LA MER THE BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50 UV PROTECTING FLUID

Is there anything more luxurious than La Mer? If you want to treat yourself, choose a sunscreen that’ll make you feel like a million bucks. This moisturizing formula prevents signs of aging, comes in a luxurious cream, and absorbs quickly, with excellent protection from UV rays. ($125 at sephora)

Aesop Avail Body Lotion with Sunscreen SPF 50

This invigorating SPF body lotion is for everyone! It has a refreshing minty smell that’s great for all genders. High protection is perfect for long days at the beach, and a dose of vitamin E keeps your skin nourished, too. ($43 at Aesop)

Avene Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Tinted Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50

We love French pharmacy brands! They’re elite when it comes to effortless yet effective beauty. This sunscreen is all-mineral and formulated with antioxidants, providing weightless protection for up to 40 minutes of water resistance. It’s a dream for sensitive skin, and it’s even got a slight tint to even out your skin tone and prevent that dreaded white cast. ($26 at Walgreens)

Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

All the protection, none of the cast! Made with dark-skinned beauties in mind, this sunscreen just disappears. It’s moisturizing yet sheer, with softening agents like jojoba and carrot seed oil. It leaves the skin glowy, not greasy! Oh, and it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes? ($18.99 at Black Girl Sunscreen)

Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream with SPF 30

Herbal extracts, plant oils, antioxidants, minerals, and skin-soothing properties all rolled into one gorgeous moisturizer and sunscreen! How incredible. This gorgeous day cream gives the skin luminosity, vitality, and sun protection. Did we mention it’s also totally green, with mineral sunscreen ingredients? ($55 at Josh Rosebrook)

Seeking Safer, Smoother Skin? 

Make sure you follow guidelines before and after laser hair removal, and practice skincare and suncare faithfully.

This might mean temporarily substituting some of your favorite products for approved alternatives. Once your hair follicles stop producing hair, you can gradually return to your original lineup, though you might find that you’ve found better products since then!

Confident you can keep your face safe after laser hair removal? Congratulations, you’re ready for your first appointment at SEV Laser. Book now to begin treatment or receive a customized consultation.