It is a common misconception that laser hair removal is not safe in the summer. Truth is, more than 85% of our LHR members continue right through the summer with their treatments. Laser hair removal requires a minimum of 6 treatments to achieve 70%-90% permanent reduction. Spaced apart by a minimum of 4 weeks; your talk’ in a minimum of 6 months to get the desired result. This is typically the reason Skin Bar clients continue their sessions even in the dog days of summer.
Another reason for continuing is to maintain the results of previous treatments. Your hair grows in cycles. That means at any given time only a small percentage of follicles are actively growing hair. If you have a treatment and wait 8 weeks or more for the next session, it may seem like you never even had laser. Basically, the bush comes back. That’s because this is a whole new cycle of active hair growth. Stick to a continuous treatment plan to ensure that you will stay nice and smooth when you’re donning that teeny bikini.
So, let’s get started.
1) Make a plan. If you want to continue your treatments through summer let your technician know a little about your summer lifestyle. If you’re a serious sun worshipper choose treatment areas that your bathing suit covers. If you are a light sun god then just make sure you wait 2 weeks before you are treated. A simple conversation goes a long way in maximizing your results and ensures your beauty dollars are never wasted.
2) The old switch-e-roo. Choose a spa that has access to different laser wavelengths. Did you know that today’s laser technology is safe for the fairest skin types and the darkest too? Most people’s skin turns a shade or two darker in the summer, even if you’re not a sun bather. The YAG laser is always a safe option to switch to when your skin color is slightly darker than usual. You should ask the spa you are considering for laser about their technology. At Skin Bar we use 2 lasers- Alex (safe for fair skin) and YAG (safe for dark and tanned skin).
3) Keep cool. Lasers target pigment. That means the hair follicle and your skin are both absorbing energy. And energy turns to heat. Always be sure to avoid adding more heat to the area treated. Exercise, hot showers and tight clothes should be avoided for several hours after treatment. Direct sun exposure to the treated area should be avoided for 2 weeks.
4) Wear sunscreen. Most of us think of sun exposure as time laying out at the beach or pool. The fact is when you go outside you are always being exposed to the sun. Consider this. You leave your house and walk 10 minutes to the bus stop. Wait for 5 minutes for the bus to arrive and walk another 5 minutes to your office. You have just had 20 minutes of sun exposure without realizing it. Wear sunscreen always on any part of your body that is exposed. Your skin will thank you for it.
5) Be yourself. Continuing laser sessions through summer doesn’t require a lifestyle change. After all, the required time between treatments means you will only be treated 2-3 times between Labor Day and Memorial Day. So, chill out and follow the tips above for a great, hairless summer.
One last thought on laser this summer. If you prefer to wait till summer ends to restart your sessions, that’s okay too. Just be sure to speak to your trained technician to determine if taking a break is recommended. Of course the experts at Skin Bar are always on hand to answer your questions and create a custom treatment plan just for you. Feel free to call us for a complimentary consultation. 212.889.1175.