Tanning and Laser Hair Removal

One of the most frequently asked questions about laser hair removal is the question of tanning. Really, it’s two questions – “can I have laser hair removal treatment on tanned skin?”, and “how soon after having laser hair removal treatment can I get a tan?”

Lets start with the first question. Laser hair removal works by the intense light passing through the skin and heating up the dark pigment(melanin) in the hair follicles, causing them to be damaged.

The darker the skin, the more light is absorbed by the skin instead of the hair follicle, causing the skin to heat up. This causes increased discomfort and possible scarring. Because of this, darker skin has to be treated at a lower power, and so needs more sessions to achieve the desired results.

So anything that makes the skin darker, whether it’s sun-tanning/sunbed or a tanning cream must be avoided before starting laser hair removal treatment. Of course, tanning by the sun not only makes the skin darker, but can also cause heat damage to the skin, so it’s even more important to avoid it before laser hair treatment.

Before Treatment

If you have got a tan and want laser hair removal, you really need to let the tan fade completely before the treatment starts – usually at least 4-6 weeks. During this time you need to avoid exposure of the area you want treating to the sun, and use a sunscreen with a protection factor of at least SPF15, preferably higher.

During Treatment

Of course, the same rules apply during your course of treatment – so, depending on the area you are having treated, you’ll probably have to resign yourself to being “pale and interesting” for a while.

Remember, these are only general guidelines – you will be given advice by your clinic during the initial consultation which will take into account your particular circumstances and treatment.

After Treatment

OK, so what about after the treatment – you want to show off your new, smooth, hairfree skin don’t you? After all, that is the point of having laser hair removal. Well, you need to avoid exposure of the treated area to the sun/sunbeds for a couple of weeks at least and use a sunscreen – again your clinic will give you specific advice which you should follow.