Who say’s you can’t have it all? It is a common misconception that you can only get laser hair removal in the winter months. Although it is the easiest time of year to have treatments because of low sun exposure, it is not the only option. As long as you follow these tips you can continue doing laser even in the dog days of summer!
Laser Hair Removal – What Is It?
Laser hair removal is the process by which technicians use Intense Pulse Light (IPL) or the preferred method, a Laser (commonly a YAG or Alex) to pulsate light or infrared beams to target melanin (a pigment present in hair). The pigment absorbs the light or beams which damages the follicle, thereby preventing future hair growth.
It takes 6-12 treatments to completely remove 70%-90% of unwanted hair. The number of treatments is different depending on the area of your body, the thickness of hair, and personal hair growth cycle. Not sure which laser to use? The Alex is best for light skin types or lighter/thinner hair, whereas YAG, although safe for any skin type, is most effective on dark skin!
It’s Summer And I Want To Be On The Beach! Surely I Shouldn’t Have Laser?
You can! First, consider what kind of sun worshipper you are. Are you a ‘beach bum’ who enjoys laying in the sand under an umbrella? Or do you buy tanning oil instead of sunscreen? Actually, it doesn’t really matter. If you follow these easy tips, you can maximize your laser sessions in the sunniest days of summer.
Four Top Tips
Tip No. One – Protect Yourself
Always wear sunscreen (we cannot stress this enough – even on cloudy days!). You can still enjoy all the pleasures of being outside and in the elements without your skin being battered by the UV rays all day long. How? Wear a hat with your teenie bikini! Or pitch a small umbrella in the sand next to your lounge chair while enjoying time outside with friends. And consider this, when everyone else is dying for some shade- you’ll have the most valuable real-estate on the beach!
Tip No. Two – Allow Time Between Laser Treatment And Sun
Ensure you schedule enough time between your laser sessions and sun exposure. Your skin will be sensitive so ensure you use a moisturizer (we recommend an Epidermal Repair product) and wear sunscreen (Alta 46 sunblock is great).
All you need to do is plan a little and you’ll reap the rewards. Everyone knows sun exposure makes your skin darker, but what many people don’t realize is that your skin traps heat from the sun for several days depending on the amount of exposure. The same is true after your laser sessions. Your skin will retain the heat from the lasers for a period of time after your treatment. So, simply make sure you give your skin a little time to chill out.
Tip No. Three – Choose The Right Laser
Two wavelengths are better than one! Make sure the spa you choose for laser hair removal has both YAG and Alex lasers. Why? The Alex can treat fair skin and that’s great, but during the course of the summer months, you might tan. Your skin tone may have changed from a Nicole Kidman to an Eva Mendes! Eva needs to be treated on a different laser appropriate for her skin tone – a YAG laser. The YAG can safely treat every tone of dark skin. So, as your shades of skin color change throughout the summer, your technician needs to be able to shift from one laser to another.
Tip No. Four – Choose The Right Technician!
One of our most important tips is that experience matters! Your laser technician should have lots of experience with every skin type. Be sure to thoroughly discuss your skin type (your technician will help evaluate using the Fitzpatrick Scale) and your sunning habits. This will enable them to create a customized treatment plan just for you. An experienced technician will know what laser to use, when, and the right settings to ensure you get the most out of your treatment.
Feel free to schedule a FREE consult with a Skin Bar laser technician or call us anytime on 212-889-1175.
Now you know how to be hair free and care free this summer!
