When sleeveless tops and swimsuits dominate your wardrobe, the appearance of your underarms becomes a more noticeable part of your summer self-care routine. Whether you’re dealing with underarm darkening or considering laser hair removal during the summer months, understanding how skin responds to sun, shaving, and cosmetic treatments is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore how to treat underarm pigmentation, whether laser hair removal is safe in summer, what precautions to take post-treatment, and whether laser works on tanned skin. We also cover how to manage redness after laser and when it’s appropriate to schedule your next session especially if you’re planning a holiday.
How Can You Treat Underarm Discoloration?
Underarm darkening, medically known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, is a common concern caused by irritation, friction, and hormonal changes. It’s not necessarily related to hygiene it often results from repeated shaving, tight clothing, or harsh deodorants.
Effective ways to reduce underarm discoloration:
1. Gentle Exfoliation
- Use mild scrubs with ingredients like lactic acid or glycolic acid to remove dead skin cells and brighten the skin.
- Avoid harsh physical scrubs which may worsen irritation.
2. Brightening Creams
- Look for products containing niacinamide, kojic acid, licorice extract, or azelaic acid.
- These reduce melanin production and even out tone without bleaching.
3. Avoid Triggers
- Switch to alcohol-free and aluminum-free deodorants.
- Use razors only on clean, moisturized skin and avoid dry shaving.
4. Medical Treatments
- Chemical peels, laser toning, or microneedling may be offered by dermatologists for stubborn pigmentation.
Note: Always consult with a professional before starting skin-lightening treatments to avoid further irritation or uneven results.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe in Summer?
Yes with the right precautions, laser hair removal can be safely performed during the summer months. However, your skin is more exposed to UV rays in summer, so timing, skin tone, and aftercare become even more important.
Precautions to ensure summer safety:
- Avoid sun exposure before and after your appointment (more on that below).
- Choose modern laser technology (like Nd:YAG) that is safer for darker or recently tanned skin.
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily, especially on treated areas like underarms, arms, or legs.
Pro tip: Underarms are often ideal for summer laser sessions since they’re naturally shaded from the sun, reducing UV exposure risk.
How Long After Laser Should You Avoid Sun Exposure?
After a laser hair removal session, your skin becomes more sensitive to UV rays, even if the treated area isn’t red or irritated. Direct sun exposure can lead to burning, blistering, or hyperpigmentation.
General guideline:
- Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 7–10 days after each session.
- For areas like legs or arms, wear sun-protective clothing or avoid outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours (10 AM–4 PM).
- Continue using SPF daily for at least 2 weeks, even if you’re staying mostly indoors.
If your skin feels warm, itchy, or red, extend your sun avoidance period and apply a cooling gel like aloe vera.
Can You Get Laser Hair Removal While on Vacation?
It depends on the type of vacation and how your skin is being exposed. In most cases, getting laser while actively on holiday is not recommended, especially if:
- You’ll be sunbathing or swimming immediately afterward
- You’ve already been tanning or are sunburned
- You can’t avoid sweating or heat for 24–48 hours post-treatment
If you’re planning to travel and want a session beforehand:
- Schedule your appointment 10–14 days before your trip, giving your skin time to recover
- Postpone laser if you already have a tan or plan to get one
- Choose covered areas (like bikini line or underarms) that won’t be exposed to sunlight
In short: Vacation and lasers don’t mix well if you’re tanning or swimming daily.
Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Tanned Skin?
Traditional laser systems were often unsafe or ineffective on darker or tanned skin tones, as the laser couldn’t distinguish between melanin in the skin and melanin in the hair.
However, modern technologies like Nd:YAG lasers have made it safer and more effective for:
- Medium to dark skin tones
- Recently tanned skin (though still not ideal)
- Areas prone to pigment changes like underarms or bikini line
What you should know:
- Laser is most effective on fair skin + dark hair
- On tanned skin, treatment may require lower energy settings, which might lead to slower results
- There’s still a higher risk of pigmentation issues, especially if sun exposure continues post-session
Recommendation: Let your tan fade before resuming sessions or consult with your laser technician about your skin tone and the best device for you.
How to Reduce Redness After Laser Hair Removal
Mild redness and swelling (like goosebumps) are common side effects and usually subside within a few hours to a couple of days.
How to soothe your skin:
- Apply cold compresses or aloe vera gel immediately after treatment
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, or exercise for at least 24–48 hours
- Skip deodorant, lotions, or exfoliants on treated areas for 24 hours
- Do not scratch or pick at the skin, even if it feels itchy
- Avoid wearing tight clothes that may cause friction
If redness persists beyond 3–5 days, contact your provider. Sometimes, topical corticosteroids may be recommended to calm inflammation.
Erdem Hospital Offers Safe, Expert Laser Hair Removal Even in Summer
At Erdem Hospital in Istanbul, we understand how important it is to look and feel confident especially during summer. That’s why our dermatology and aesthetic departments use the latest FDA-approved laser technology, suitable for all skin types and tones.
With over 37 years of clinical expertise, Erdem Hospital offers:
- Personalized laser hair removal plans based on your skin tone, hair type, and schedule
- Safe summer protocols and SPF guidance
- Underarm discoloration treatment using non-invasive medical techniques
- Post-laser skin recovery support with medical-grade products
Whether you’re a local resident or an international patient planning your care during travel, Erdem Hospital ensures comfort, safety, and visible results with the added support of multilingual staff and a full-service medical infrastructure.