Summer & Safety with Laser!

Summertime is upon us, and we generally feel the need to look our best!

Nails painted, eyelashes dyed and tinted, smooth skin, let the tanning begin…. However, as much as we adore relaxing and soaking up the sun, we need to remember beauty comes with a cost, I’m not talking just about money but the cost of keeping ourselves safe when having certain beauty treatments.

In summer, body hair can be a real pain for some of us, and we show the most of our skin during this vibrant season. Therefore, to gain that smooth silky skin, laser hair removal is an option. A high-end treatment that offers a quick and safe way with longer lasting results to other traditional choices in hair removal.

But why am I talking Summer & Safety with Lasers?

First, we need to understand how laser hair removal works..

The pigment in our hair is called melanin. It is what gives it it’s colour. The lighter our hair, the less melanin it has, such as, red, blonde, grey, and white (which has none).

In order to permanently reduce hair growth, the hair follicle must be damaged, and for this to happen, a grade four medical laser is required.

The laser produces light energy, this energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle (the darker the hair, the better) which heats up and is destroyed without affecting or damaging the surrounding skin.

Now the interesting part!

Most of us sunbath to achieve that lovely golden skin colour, known as a ‘tan’. The reason we produce a tan is because the melanocytes are activated in the skin as a defence against the sun’s harmful UVA /UVB rays. Having a tan trigger’s the laser to pick up on the melanin on the surface of the skin, causing unwanted adverse reactions: Burns, hyperpigmentation and scars.

Laser treatment can be done in the summer, if done safe. If you are thinking about having laser treatment, avoid sun exposure on the area one month prior to the treatment, and continue to do so throughout. Of course, this is easier said than done. Some of our skin, such as, our hands and face are always on display and are inevitably going to be exposed to the sun, in this case, it is important to slather on a good-quality SPF 50+ sun block. After having a laser treatment, it is advised to wait at least two weeks before sunbathing, with SPF 50+, as the skin will still be sensitive to the sun UVA/UVB rays.

Whether you are using laser for hair removal, skin rejuvenation, removal of skin pigmented lesions or veins, the same concerns still apply. To avoid burns, hyperpigmentation and scars.

When booking in with a clinic, be honest about your tan, inform them if you are going away to a hot climate, and if you intend to sunbathe. A good practitioner will work around you and in-form you when treatment is safe to do!

Protecting your skin is key! 

Natasha Potashnik

Alexandrite Aesthetics