Laser hair removal is a popular medical procedure for removing unwanted hair. It is a rather simple procedure with little recovery time, if you take proper care of the skin after treatment. According to the Laser Hair Resource Center, patients should not expose their skin to the sun after having laser hair removing. Sun exposure puts the skin at risk for discoloration, irritation and burning.

Skin Irritation

The skin is much more sensitive after laser hair removal. According to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, if the skin is exposed to the sun immediately after treatment, it can cause blisters and burns. Although it is very rare, these can leave scars.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is another danger associated with exposing the skin to the sun after laser hair removal. Hyperpigmentation is a condition where the skin becomes darker in the treated area. The Mayo Clinic staff says this is usually only a temporary condition; however, in rare cases, it can be permanent.

Hypopigmentation

Similar to hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation is when the skin may become lighter if exposed the sun immediately after laser hair removal. This is a more common risk for people with a darker skin pigment.

Scarring

Although it is very rare, the ASDS says that scarring can occur as a result of blisters and burns from sun exposure. These are raised red scars on the skin called hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Advice

If sun exposure is unavoidable, according to the Laser Hair Resources Center you should use a high SPF and keep your body covered with hats and clothing.

Source:

Mayo Clinic

Laser Hair Resource Center

American Society of Dermatologic Surgery