Laser hair removal helps to give you smooth, beautiful skin that you can be proud to show off, and one of the places you might want to show off your smooth skin is at the beach!
You might be tempted to head straight to the beach after laser hair removal, but you need to just be wary of how the sun might affect your skin.
Can I go to the beach after laser hair removal? It is best to avoid going to the beach straight after laser hair removal, as your skin will likely be sensitive and need time to heal. Exposing your freshly lasered skin to the sun could cause damage and burning, and it is best to just wait a while first.
To get the most out of your laser hair removal, and to look after your skin as best you can, take the time needed for your skin to heal, and protect your skin from any damage from the sun! Read on more to find out about how to better care for your skin after laser hair removal.
Can You Tan After Laser Hair Removal?
Everyone’s skin will react differently to laser hair removal, but the truth is that it leaves the skin sensitive and the skin does need time to recover before being exposed to UV rays.
As your skin will be sensitive after the laser hair removal, it is at a much higher risk of being burned or irritated when exposed to the sun.
For this reason, it is best to avoid tanning after laser hair removal for a few days and to avoid going to the beach or sitting out in the sun.
How Long After Laser Hair Removal Can I Tan?
Your laser hair removal specialist will be able to give you advice on how long you need to wait before being able to tan or spend extended time in the sun after the procedure, and you need to make sure to follow this.
The general rule is that you should wait at least two weeks after laser hair removal before you attempt to tan. It takes quite some time for your skin to heal after the procedure, and it will likely still be very sensitive to the sun, even if it doesn’t feel as sensitive normally.
The laser hair removal can also cause more problems in the sun when done on sensitive skin, as UV exposure can then lead to severe sunburn, hyperpigmentation and even scarring left behind.
You might be really tempted to tan your newly smooth legs, but the damage you cause might not be worth it, and it is maybe best to not have the laser hair removal done in summer if you do not think that you can avoid tanning or sun exposure for this long.
How Long After Laser Hair Removal Can I Visit The Beach?
You should be able to visit the beach sooner than you would be able to tan after laser hair removal, as long as you are only spending a short amount of time in the sun.
You can probably look to go to the beach a week after laser hair removal, but just keep in mind that not only will the sun make your skin sensitive, but the sand will as well, and it can cause quite a bit of irritation too.
If you do land up at the beach around a week after having laser hair removal done, use a beach umbrella to limit sun exposure, and sit on a blanket to avoid being right on the sand.
Precautions To Take In The Sun After Laser Hair Removal
Sometimes, you cannot avoid being in the sun, and if you have just had laser hair removal done and are going to be in the sun, there are some precautions you can take to lessen sensitivity and damage done.
Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen will be your best friend when protecting your skin from any damage done by the sun after laser hair removal. Use a strong sunscreen, such as SPF 50, to give your skin the best protection possible.
The higher the sunscreen, the better it will reduce any sensitivity on your skin.
Wear Protective Clothing
Along with sunscreen, you can wear protective clothing to further shelter your skin. Sunscreen does a great job at preventing sunburn, but the heat from the sun can still cause sensitivity.
Protective clothing, such as loose-fitting pants, will help keep direct sunlight off of your skin and therefore reduce the chance that you experience any sensitivity.
Use An Umbrella
To protect yourself even further, use a beach umbrella or normal umbrella when out in the sun. This, along with protective clothing and sunscreen will really make a difference in how well your skin is protected.
Best Sunscreen After Laser Hair Removal
Choosing the right sunscreen to use after laser hair removal is so important. You want to choose a sunscreen that will offer enough protection to your skin, but a sunscreen that is also suitable for sensitive skin so that it won’t cause any more irritation.
Here are two great sunscreens to use after laser hair removal:
For the body:
Banana Boat Mineral Enriched Sunscreen Sensitive Skin
The Banana Boat Mineral Enriched Sunscreen is suitable for sensitive skin, and it is hypoallergenic too.
It has been formulated with naturally sourced zinc and was designed specifically for sensitive skin, making it ideal for skin that has had laser hair removal.
It offers broad-spectrum coverage, so it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. It is also water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so there is little chance it washes away.
To ensure no more irritation is experienced, it is a lightweight and non-greasy formula, free from parabens, oils, and fragrances. The formula is also reef-friendly!
For the face:
If you have had laser hair removal done on your face, then you might want to use a sunscreen that has been designed specifically for facial use.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum
The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum has a high SPF 60 protection, which offers hydration all day long.
It is non-comedogenic and non-greasy, so it is great to use on your face without any added irritation or sensitivity.
The soft and weightless hydration it offers remains water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can make the most of your time in the sun.
Sun Exposure Before Laser Hair Removal
It is important to avoid the sun after having hair laser removal, but it is almost as important to avoid the sun before. You should limit sun exposure as much as possible before going for the procedure, and not spend time in the sun tanning.
If you weren’t able to avoid going into the sun, then it would be best to have a test patch done at least 48 hours before the laser hair removal appointment. This will give you a good idea of how laser hair removal will affect your skin.
Do I Need To Exfoliate After Laser Hair Removal?
Most laser hair removal technicians will advise you to exfoliate your skin up to 3 times a week after having the hair removal done, but you should wait at least 3 days before the first exfoliation, to give your skin time to recover.
Exfoliation can help your skin recover from the laser hair removal, it gives better results, and it helps prevent ingrown hairs.
Can I Go To The Beach After Laser Hair Removal?
When you have had laser hair removal done, it is best to wait for around two weeks before trying to tan your skin. Your skin will need time to recover from the treatment, and exposure to the sun too soon can cause sensitivity and sunburn.
If you are just going out into the sun for a bit, you can do so a week after the laser hair removal, but you should use a high factor sunscreen, and wear protective clothing where possible.
To give your skin the best chance to recover, and to ensure that you get the best results from the laser hair removal, avoid too much time tanning straight away!
Related Questions
Can I swim after laser hair removal?
You can swim after laser hair removal, but you should wait between 24 and 48 hours to do so.
How long after laser hair removal can I shower?
You should avoid showering for 48 hours after laser hair removal, as you should not expose your skin to any heat. You can take a lukewarm or cool shower instead which will not cause irritation or sensitivity.
Can I shave between laser hair removal treatments?
You will need to speak to your technician about this, but generally it is fine to shave between each session. You will likely not need to shave as much as normal, but there might still be a need to shave every few weeks.
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