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Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses energy turned into heat to remove unwanted hair. While it is a safe and effective procedure, it is important to take certain precautions to protect your skin during treatment.
One of the most important things to consider is the type of sunscreen you use during your treatments. Physical and chemical sunscreens are two different types of sunscreens that work differently to protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays.
Physical sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients, such as Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide, that create a physical barrier on the skin's surface to reflect or scatter UV rays away from the skin.
People with sensitive skin often prefer physical sunscreens because they tend to be less irritating and do not contain potentially harmful chemical ingredients.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, contain active ingredients such as avobenzone or oxybenzone that work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat. These sunscreens are usually easier to apply and are less visible on the skin than physical sunscreens. However, they can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.
Both types of sunscreens can effectively protect against the sun's harmful UV rays when used properly. However, people with sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions may prefer physical sunscreens, while those looking for a more lightweight and easy-to-apply option may prefer chemical sunscreens.
Physical sunscreen is often considered the safer option for people with sensitive skin and is preferred for laser hair removal.
Because chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, it could cause a similar reaction as the laser treatment.
When chemical sunscreens are applied to the skin, they can create a layer of heat that can make the skin more sensitive and potentially interfere with the laser's ability to target the hair follicle. This can result in less effective hair removal and possibly even skin damage.
Why You Should Use Physical Sunscreen While Getting Laser Hair Removal
First, physical sunscreens are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions than chemical sunscreens. This is because the mineral ingredients in physical sunscreen are less likely to penetrate the skin and cause irritation.
Second, physical sunscreen provides immediate protection as soon as it is applied to the skin. This is important during laser hair removal because the laser can cause damage to the skin if it is exposed to the sun's UV rays.
By using physical sunscreen, you can protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays during the treatment.
Third, physical sunscreen is water-resistant and sweat-resistant, which means that it will stay on the skin even if you sweat or get wet. This is important during laser hair removal because it can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage.
Finally, physical sunscreen is effective against both UVA and UVB rays, which are the two types of UV rays that can cause skin damage. This means that you can use physical sunscreen to protect your skin during laser hair removal and other outdoor activities.
We recommend avoiding chemical sunscreens when undergoing laser hair removal treatments. This is because some of the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens can interfere with the laser treatment and decrease its effectiveness.
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which can cause a similar reaction to the laser treatment. When chemical sunscreens are applied to the skin, they can create a layer of heat that can make the skin more sensitive and potentially interfere with the laser's ability to target the hair follicle.
This can result in less effective hair removal and possibly even skin damage. As the chemicals absorb in the skin, it also makes it very difficult to remove the sunscreen before treatment which can be a contraindication.
On the other hand, physical sunscreens, which contain mineral ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, create a physical barrier on the skin that reflects or scatters UV rays. They do not absorb into the skin and are less likely to interfere with the laser treatment.
Sunscreen We Recommend For Laser Hair Removal
We recommend using a physical sunscreen that has Zinc Oxide in it. EltaMD is a popular brand of medical-grade sunscreen and skincare products well-known for its high-quality formulations and effectiveness.
Medical-grade sunscreen refers to sunscreens that are specifically formulated and tested to meet the highest standards of efficacy, safety, and quality. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure their efficacy and safety. They are often subjected to clinical trials to determine their SPF, broad-spectrum protection, and potential for skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Here are several reasons why we love EltaMD:
- High-quality ingredients: EltaMD products are formulated with high-quality ingredients, such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, that are carefully chosen for their effectiveness and safety. Many of their products are free from fragrances, parabens, and other potentially harmful chemicals, making them suitable for people with sensitive skin.
- Broad-spectrum protection: EltaMD sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, providing optimal protection against sun damage and reducing the risk of skin cancer.
- Range of formulations: EltaMD offers a wide range of sunscreen formulations to suit different skin types and preferences, including physical and chemical sunscreens, tinted and untinted options, and products specifically formulated for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
- Easy to use: EltaMD sunscreens are easy to apply and blend into the skin without leaving a white cast or greasy residue. They are also water-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
- Trusted by professionals: EltaMD is a well-respected brand that dermatologists and other skincare professionals often recommend. Many people trust the brand because of its commitment to quality and safety.
When choosing a physical sunscreen for laser hair removal, look for one labeled as "broad-spectrum," with an SPF of 30 or higher, and that contains Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide. By using physical sunscreen, you can ensure that your skin is protected during the treatment and avoid any unnecessary damage to your skin.
At Simplicity Laser, we sell and recommend EltaMD because physical sunscreen is the best choice for laser hair removal since it provides immediate and effective protection against the sun's harmful UV rays.
