WHY IS EXPOSURE TO THE SUN FORBIDDEN BEFORE AND AFTER THE LASER?

BEFORE:

o SKIN DAMAGE:

Prolonged exposure to the sun as well as tanning can cause damage to the skin, particularly in the form of sunburn. Skin that has this type of sunburn is more sensitive and a laser session on this skin may increase the risk of adverse temporary reactions, such as blisters or scarring.

o NON-UNIFORM COLOR SHADE:

Sun exposure activates melanin production, leading to tans. If the skin is tanned or has an uneven color tone before the laser session, then the laser may not be as effective in targeting the hair follicles. This may increase the risk of post-session hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (darkening or uneven skin tone).

o REDUCED EFFECTIVENESS:

Laser hair removal works best on hair with a high melanin content, as the laser targets the melanin in the hair follicles. When the skin is tanned it contains more melanin, which can compete with the hair follicles for the laser energy. This can make the laser less effective at destroying hair follicles, resulting in reduced hair removal effectiveness.

o INCREASED SENSITIVITY:

Sun exposure makes the skin more sensitive and laser hair removal can also cause temporary skin sensitivity. The combined sensitivity can increase the discomfort during the session and increase the risk of irritation.

AFTER:

o INCREASED SENSITIVITY:

The laser session may cause temporary sensitivity and redness of the skin. Sun exposure can worsen these effects and cause even more skin sensitivity, causing discomfort and possibly irritation.

o RISK OF SUNBURN:

Laser energy can cause sensitivity on the surface of the skin, and exposing this already sensitive skin to the sun's ultraviolet rays can cause sunburn.

o OVERCOLOR:

The sun can cause an increase in melanin production in the skin. If the skin is healing from the laser session, this extra melanin can lead to uneven pigmentation, causing dark spots in the treated area.

o DELAYED HEALING:

The laser session works by damaging the hair follicles to inhibit hair growth. Sun exposure can slow down the healing process and affect the desired results. It is critical to allow the skin to heal normally without additional stress from the sun.

**THE ABOVE APPLIES TO THE CASE OF A SOLARIUM SESSION BEFORE AND AFTER THE LASER!!