Can I Sunbathe Before or After Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal – Sunbeds, Sunbathing and Fake tans – The Facts

Many people ask the question whether they can sunbathe, use sunbeds or apply fake tan before, during or after laser hair removal.

We will explain the do’s and the don’t so you will know exactly what you can and cannot do.

As with any procedure and laser hair removal treatments, speak to the qualified expert dealing with your treatment so you get specific, personal advice.

Sunbathing before, during and after laser hair removal advice

• sunbathing Before Laser treatment

Traditionally, advice was not to sunbathe before laser hair removal. However, with the advancement in laser technologies, treatments can be made which penetrate deeper into the skin – avoiding the top layers, so sitting out in the sun in the height of summer should not be a problem before your treatment as long as you take the necessary precautions of wearing a good SPF even if you have dark skin.

• sunburn and laser hair removal

If you come into your session with sunburned skin, however, your clinician may turn you away. And you may have wasted the cost of the session. When booking your treatments you should inform your laser hair removal clinic if you intend on tanning and they can give you the best advice.

Sunburn and laser do not mix.

Laser causes intense energy to be transferred into the hair follicle. Sunburn is also a transfer of light energy into the skin which your skin has to heal and recover from. Laser cannot be performed on sunburned skin. Your skin is trying to recover and heal from the sunburn which dermatologists classify as damage.

• sunbathing During laser treatment

Lasers make your skin more sensitive to the sun and UV light.  This increases your risk of burning. It can also cause hyperpigmentation which is an increase in the production of melanin, leading to dark spots or patches on your skin.

Laser works by being attracted to dark pigmentation in hair. When you tan this darkens the skin and makes it harder for the laser tell the difference between the skin pigment and hair pigment.

Lasers like contrast.

With lasers the better the contrast the more effective the lasers are.

Also if you are tanned your laser settings will have to be changed. With laser hair removal consistency is the key to good results (along with with an experienced practitioner.)

If you have an experienced practitioner they can adjust your treatment confidently, an inexperienced practitioner may be unsure and hesitant which could put you at risk

Clinics recommend you avoid sun exposure and sun beds completely during your laser hair removal sessions.

• sunbathing After laser treatment

Most people feel their skin feels slightly red and sore, similar to sunburn. You should not worry about this as it is perfectly natural.

Your practitioner should advise you of the best aftercare. As the laser uses a tremendous amount of energy and transfers this into your skin, your skin needs time to heal.

It is important to avoid sunbathing, cover your skin up and wear an SPF as your skin is vulnerable and needs protecting.

What to do if you have a holiday planned ?

Just because you are having laser hair removal it doesn’t mean your life should be put on hold!. However there are steps you can take to make sure disruption to your treatment is minimal.

The best advice if you are in the middle of treatment is to:

• Let your clinic know you are going away and how long you will be spending overseas – a weekend break v a month long trip!.
• Apply a good quality high SPF sun factor cream every couple of hours, especially if you are swimming.
• Cover up as much as possible with hats and light, long-sleeved clothing.

Sunbeds and laser hair removal

• sunbeds before laser hair removal

Avoid using sunbeds in the run up to your first laser hair removal session. Have your last sunbed 7-10 days before your first laser session, depending on how long you are on the sunbed for.

A deeper tan should see you stop 14+ days before.

Sunbeds use the same UV light as the sun so can cause the same damage. Laser will not be able to be performed on suntanned skin, even if it from a sunbed.

• sunbeds During laser hair removal

Your skin may not able to recover as easily from the treatment as you are causing extra trauma to the skin which has to heal.

If using sunbeds is a regular part of your life you may find it hard being told that you should avoid them for a while.

• sunbeds after laser hair removal

How long you sit on the side-lines is different for everyone. It depends where you have been treated and your skin type, tone and hair.

Make sure you look after your skin post-laser. It will heal quicker. Also use a good quality SPF. Have a good skin routine to keep your skin healthy and supple. This will help you get back on the sunbeds faster.

Fake tans and laser hair removal

Can you wear fake tan when having laser hair removal?

As you know there are different types of fake tan available. We are referring to tans which are:

• not instant
• that wash off
• are body foundations
• bronzing powders

This means formulas with slow tanning agents such as moisturisers including gradual tan formulas.

Fake tan must be removed from the area you are having laser hair removal treatment before your session.

All traces must be removed.

If you are having laser on your legs and your fake tan is on your face then you don’t have to worry.

Can you wear fake tan between laser hair removal sessions?

In between your treatments fake tan can be worn as long as you remove all traces before, if it is on the area you are having treated. The best advice is to stop applying your fake tan 7-10 days your scheduled laser sessions.

All residue must be removed as it can be dangerous to have laser with traces of fake tan present on your skin.

You will run the risk of your laser session being cancelled if the fake tan is still present when you attend your clinic.

Can you wear fake tan between my laser hair removal sessions?

Yes although if you have very dry skin and your tan takes longer to fade, leave a longer period 14+ days so all residue is completely removed.

Can you use instant or wash off tan before laser hair removal?

Yes. If using instant wash off tan you can use it no more then 2-3 days before your session but it is not recommended the day before as all residue must be completely removed.

Can you use fake tan on the same day of my laser session?

No. Your skin must be as natural as possible. So free from tanning products as well as oils, creams, moisturisers and lotions. This is to avoid any complications.

Advice on best way to remove fake tan before your session:

• Exfoliating mitts & scrub
• Tan eraser mitt
• Moisturiser after exfoliating to avoid dry skin
• Have a hot bath before exfoliating.
• Pay special attention to dry, wrinkly hard to clean areas like elbows, knees, shins etc