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Before laser hair removal you absolutely must not tan — not in the sun, not on a sunbed, and not even with self-tanners. The reason is melanin, the pigment responsible for a tan. The laser beam is strongly absorbed by melanin. When the skin is tanned, instead of focusing on the melanin in the hair follicle the laser scatters its energy on the melanin in the epidermis.
This scattering of energy has several negative consequences:
- Lower effectiveness: less light reaches the hair follicle, which significantly reduces the effect of the treatment.
- Pigmentation: the skin may react by developing unsightly discolouration.
- Burns: in extreme cases it can even lead to burns and scars.
Ideally, laser hair removal should be performed before melanogenesis — the formation of a tan — begins in the skin. In general it is recommended to avoid all forms of tanning, including spray tans, for at least 4 weeks before the treatment.
How long after laser hair removal should you avoid tanning?
After laser hair removal the skin is particularly sensitive and prone to irritation and pigmentation, so tanning must absolutely be avoided. Even if you feel no discomfort after the treatment, you have to expect that the skin may be slightly red or stinging.
It is recommended to avoid direct sun, sunbeds and self-tanners for at least 3 weeks after the treatment. That does not mean you have to shut yourself indoors. The key is caution:
- Cover the treated areas with clothing when you spend time outdoors.
- Use a very high-factor SPF 50 cream on exposed skin.
The best time for laser hair removal is autumn and winter, when our skin is least exposed to UV radiation. Nevertheless, by following the advice above, the treatment can also be safely performed in summer.
Laser hair removal and sunbeds
Just as with the sun, tanning on a sunbed before laser hair removal is strictly forbidden. A laser acting on freshly tanned skin (whether from the sun, a sunbed or a self-tanner) can lead to serious consequences such as painful burns, permanent pigmentation and even scars.
If you are not sure whether your tan allows the treatment, you can always book a consultation at the clinic. The cosmetologist will assess the condition of your skin and its melanin level and advise whether the treatment is safe. Sometimes a light tan turns out not to be a contraindication, but it is always worth checking with a specialist.
