When summer rolls around, getting laser hair removal starts looking really attractive. The warmer weather finally gives you the chance to shed some layers. Unfortunately, the hair you neglected all winter long now stands in your way… Wouldn’t it be great to get rid of it for good?
Laser hair removal reduces unwanted hair with minimal effort, so it’s incredibly convenient for anyone who normally shaves, waxes, or epilates. Unfortunately, getting laser hair removal in summer also comes with a slightly greater risk of side effects.
Which Body Parts Are Safe to Treat?
Because of that, you want to be mindful if you choose to get treated during the summer months. Consider how much sun exposure your potential treatment area receives, and whether you’ll be able to keep it protected both before and after treatment.
It’s generally best to avoid getting laser hair removal on body parts that get a lot of sun exposure, like the face or arms. On the other hand, some areas are easier to protect, and you might not need to hesitate at all before booking a laser appointment to treat them.
Underarms
Getting underarm laser hair removal in summer is a breeze, as this area gets very little unintentional sunlight and there’s minimal risk of sunburn. That said, you’ll still want to avoid excessive heat since that treatment area is prone to friction.
Brazilian/Bikini
Getting Brazilian or bikini laser hair removal can also be a safe choice, as long as you’re willing to wear full-coverage bottoms that cover the entirety of your bikini line when going to the beach or pool.
Keep in mind that if there is a chance that you will expose these areas to the sun, it’s still very important to use sunscreen.
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Is Laser Hair Removal Safe to Do During Summer?
Yes, laser hair removal is safe to do during the summer! No matter the season, laser hair removal is safe as long as you choose an experienced, qualified provider and follow all of their safety and aftercare instructions.
It is important to be aware of the risks, though. In the majority of the United States, the average UV index surpasses level 8, and in some states it can even reach 12 or 13.
When the UV gets that high, unexposed skin can become photodamaged within minutes. At the same time, the hotter the weather, the more of our skin we expose to the sun and put at risk of damage.
Unprotected sun exposure before laser hair removal treatments greatly increases your risk of getting burned or experiencing adverse events from the treatment, such as scabbing, scarring, blistering, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation. That’s why responsible laser providers will refuse treatment if they notice signs of recent sun damage.
After treatment, laser hair removal can make the skin a little sensitive, and could potentially exacerbate the severity of sunburn or increase the risk of hyperpigmentation. Excessive heat in summer may also lead to prolonged or more severe side effects.
Keep in mind that a sunburn isn’t just temporary redness or pain. Sunburns can cause significant skin damage and even lead to a heightened risk of skin cancer in the long-term.
The level of risk varies from person to person! If you spend little time in the sun or you tend to stay covered all year long, then you can treat most body parts without concern.
On the other hand, if you can’t guarantee to avoid the sun or use sunscreen consistently even for the normally safe treatment areas, it’s better to wait until fall before starting your laser treatments.
Lastly, keep in mind that sunburn is possible all year round, though, so don’t take this to mean you can skip sun protection during other seasons.
How to Protect Your Skin From the Sun After Laser Hair Removal
If you do opt to get laser hair removal in the summer, it’s extremely important that you protect your skin from the sun both before and after treatment. Here are our tips, based on guidance from the CDC.
- Check the UV index before going outside (remember that the UV can be high even on hot days!). Try to stay indoors or in the shade at times when it’s very high, like mid-day.
- Clothes offer the best protection from the sun, especially if they list an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating. That said, normal clothes also offer significant protection. The higher the thread count, darker the color, and heavier the material, the more sun protection it will normally give you. That’s why the safest treatment areas for laser hair removal are body parts that are commonly kept covered.
- When keeping your treatment area covered with fabric is impossible, sunscreen is a must. You should also use sunscreen if you’re wearing light fabrics that might still allow through some UV radiation.
- Hats are fantastic for protecting the face from UV rays. Like clothing, they can also have a UPF rating. If you want to get facial laser hair removal in the summer, we highly recommend both wearing hats and using sunscreen.
Safe Summer Laser at SEV
In the end, the best way to guarantee a safe summer laser hair removal treatment is by visiting a provider who cares about your safety, and who will take the time to educate you and give advice.
Whether it’ll be easy for you to undergo treatment in the summer depends on a ton of factors, including the weather and your lifestyle. If you just cannot resist summer sunshine, it might be better to get laser hair removal in a different season.
If you have any questions, your best bet is to book a consultation at your nearest SEV! We’ll arm you with everything you need to enjoy safe and chill laser hair removal in the summer, with minimal pain, time commitment, or cost.
FAQ
Can You Do Laser Hair Removal in the Summer?
Yes, you can do laser hair removal in the summer. As long as you protect your treated skin from sun exposure after laser hair removal (as well as after), getting it done in the summer is perfectly safe.
Can You Have Sun Exposure After Laser Hair Removal?
No. You should avoid sun exposure immediately after laser removal. After the treatment, your skin might be more inflamed and sensitive than normal, and a sunburn could prolong those negative effects.
For How Long Should You Avoid the Sun After Laser Hair Removal?
Ideally, you should avoid exposing your treated area to the sun for the entire duration of your laser hair removal treatments. That said, be especially careful in the first two to four weeks after treatment.
02 Aug, 2024
7 min read
