Unfortunately you can not have laser hair removal with an active tan. When it comes to planning your laser treatments, one of the first questions you’ll be asked if you’ve any planned holidays or sun exposure (including sun beds) coming up? This is to ensure your skin’s melanin levels aren’t compromising your treatment. And most importantly to protect your skin from adverse reactions. These can include hyper-pigmentation, burns, and even scarring.
To understand why let’s recap how laser hair removal work
Laser destroys your hair by emitting a single concentrated light beam which is absorbed by the pigment in your hair. This light energy turn into heat that disables the hair growth, by destroying its root.
For the treatment to be effective, your hair has to be at a specific stage of its growth. But because not all your hair follicles are growing at the same speed multiple treatments are required to capture the different hair cycles. So not too early and not too late, otherwise the treatment won’t be as effective.
At Skin Perfection you’d be asked to attend your treatments in every 4-6 weeks to ensure consistency and have the best possible outcome.
Can you have laser hair removal with a tan?
This is where things get tricky. Unfortunately during laser hair removal you should avoid sun exposure, tanning and any other activity that involves pigment changes. And yes I’m also talking about of fake tans, tanning sprays and sun beds too.
As a result of UVA/UVB exposure your pigment level increases. During the laser treatment this increased amount of melanin will absorb the laser. But may leak to the surface of the skin leaving you with burns and pigmentation. Which is definitely not what you’re aiming for while trying to get rid of your hair.
For this reason you must report sun exposure ( including sun beds) to your practitioner before your treatment. If your skin was exposed to UVA/UVB light your treatment plan can resume in 6 weeks time. Before the treatment a repeat patch test before your treatment can commence.
Once you’ve had your laser treatment you’d be asked to make sure you cover the areas and protect it from UVA/UVB light for a minimum of 2 weeks post treatment.
If you use tanning creams or sprays we would ask you to wait 2 weeks. Also exfoliate until the product has completely gone and only then attend your laser treatment.
As much as it sounds like a big sacrifice, just think of the positive sides. You may have to give up all these for the duration of your course, but once you’re hair free, you’re able to resume these activities as you did before. Minus having to deal with hair removal on a daily basis. You can enjoy holidays without having to watch out for the hair coming through. Or spending precious time torturing yourself with all kinds of hair removal methods. So overall your sacrifice will be worth it. And not only you’ll have a clear skin without discolouration but a hair free, silky and smooth skin to show off.
To learn more about laser hair removal and how it would be beneficial for you, why not book a free consultation with my Expert team, who will take care of you every step of the way.
How to book an appointment?
As the first step of your hair removal journey at Skin Perfection London, we request that you attend a no obligations consultation and skin test. Firstly, this gives you the opportunity to learn more about the process. How does laser hair removal work? Why is it effective? How many treatments you need? What’s the best laser for your skin type? How to prepare your skin for the treatment? And what to be aware of before undergoing laser hair removal. Finally to confirm suitability we’ll carry out a quick patch test.
We are looking forward to welcoming you at SP. Our highly trained and skilled aesthetic practitioners have many years of experience, so you can be confident you’re in the best hands. And, you can be sure, you’ll always have a stress-free relaxing experience.
Contact our team today to book an appointment.
