After laser hair removal is the skin more sensitive to the sun?

Question:
I am female, 33 years old, and have hairy forearms. I remove the hair using abrasive pads once but the hair has come back even thicker and actually longer.  After laser hair removal treatment, is the skin more sensitive to the sun?  It so, I just have to plan the procedure some other time after vacation.

Answer:
Laser hair removal does not really sensitize your skin to the sun.  We do recommend avoiding significant exposure to the sun several days prior to your laser hair removal treatments and for a day or two after the treatment.  The reason for sun avoidance is that sun will cause increase in skin pigmentation.  The lasers which are used for hair removal are designed to destroy the hair follicles by identifying the pigment in the hair follicle and attacking this pigment.  Too much pigment in the skin will enable your skin to absorb some of the laser energy intended for the hair follicle which could result in skin irritation and even burns.  I would recommend laser hair removal to your forearms either before your vacation or at least a week after.

Posted by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld