Hair Removal

What You Need To Know About SPF and Laser Hair Removal

How sun exposure affects your skin before and after laser hair removal

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to talk about the critical link between sun protection and laser hair removal. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, understanding how sun exposure affects your skin before and after your sessions can make a huge difference in your results—and your skin health. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe, glow smart, and protect your investment.

Why sun exposure and laser hair removal don’t mix

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment (melanin) in your hair follicles using concentrated light energy. This process generates heat, which destroys the follicle and prevents future hair growth. But here’s the catch: the laser can’t tell the difference between pigment in your hair and pigment in a sunburn or tan. That’s why UV exposure can complicate things.

After a session, your skin is especially vulnerable. It might feel warm, slightly swollen, or appear red for a few hours to a couple of days. This is completely normal and part of the healing process. But exposing your skin to the sun during this window can worsen these effects and even cause long-term issues like hyperpigmentation, scarring, or burns.

The golden rule: avoid sun before and after your appointment

To get the safest, smoothest results, it’s essential to:

Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before and at least 3 days after each laser hair removal session.

Why? UV rays can increase your risk of skin irritation and inflammation and make it harder for the laser to properly target your follicles. Your skin needs time to heal, not more damage to recover from.

SPF isn’t optional—it’s non-negotiable

It’s recommended that you wear SPF 30 or higher daily, no matter what time of year it is or whether it’s cloudy outside. UV rays penetrate through clouds and windows, so if you’re skipping sunscreen thinking you’re in the clear—think again.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors. If you’ve had laser hair removal on your face, arms, or legs, make sure those areas are especially well covered.

Shield your skin: clothing and shade are your BFFs

During the post-treatment healing phase, staying physically protected from the sun is just as important as wearing sunscreen. Cover up treated areas with clothing, like long sleeves, hats, or pants, especially if you’ll be outdoors for an extended period. Sitting under an umbrella or sticking to the shade can also help minimize sun exposure.

Skip the tanning beds—always

We can’t stress this enough: do not use tanning beds before or after laser hair removal. In fact, just skip them altogether. Artificial UV light carries the same risks as natural sunlight but can be even more intense. Tanning—whether by sun or machine—increases your risk of skin cancer, accelerates aging, and puts your skin in a vulnerable state that’s not compatible with laser treatments.

What happens if you don’t follow these guidelines?

Skipping SPF or getting sun exposure too soon before or after your treatment can lead to serious side effects. Common issues include:

  • Increased redness or swelling
  • Burns or blisters
  • Hyperpigmentation or dark spots
  • Delayed healing
  • Compromised results (i.e., less effective hair removal)

That’s why it’s important to follow any post-treatment guidelines to a tee. Your skin deserves the best chance to heal beautifully and get the most out of your treatments.

Your laser hair removal routine = a long-term skincare commitment

Think of laser hair removal as an investment in your skin. Staying sun-safe not only helps you avoid complications, but it also ensures long-lasting, smooth results. So whether it’s May or December, SPF, shade, and skipping the sun should always be part of your routine.

Bottom line? Skin cancer awareness starts with smart sun habits—and that includes before and after every laser session. Stay safe, stay smooth, and always wear your SPF.

Want to learn more about laser hair removal? Reach out to LaserAway, the nation’s leader in aesthetic dermatology, here. 

References

“Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss,” Journal of Clinical Medicine, February 2023.