Laser hair removal is a lifesaver for anyone tired of the all-consuming time spent on shaving, tweezing, waxing, or using hair removal creams. Laser hair removal is a safe, fast, effective, and comfortable method to keep your skin feeling smooth and beautiful for years. However, all medical-grade treatments, including lasers, have risks. A laser hair removal appointment can become dangerous if any self-tanner is on the skin during treatment.
Today we’re going to talk about some of the most commonly asked questions regarding self-tanner and laser hair removal, as well as other precautions that everyone should know before their treatments.
Common Questions About Laser Hair Removal & Tanning
1. CAN YOU WEAR SELF-TANNER DURING LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
No, you should not have any self-tanner on during the treatment! To ensure that there is no trace of self-tanner on your skin on the day of your appointment, we advise you to stop applying any self-tanner in the area that will be treated 7-10 days before treatment occurs.
2. WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF SELF-TANNER IS ON DURING LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Anything on the skin’s surface, including spray tans, tanning lotion, and retinol can attract and absorb the laser instead of the hair pigment, causing burns, blisters, or irritation.
WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?
All hair removal lasers, including the Sciton Forever Bare and the Lumenis Splendor X lasers that we use at SKN BAR Rx, cannot distinguish between a real tan and a fake tan. With that being said, the self-tanner can attract and absorb the laser causing the reactions we mentioned earlier. This is why it is important to avoid sunlight, sunbeds, spray tans, and self-tanner while having laser hair removal treatments.
When you first begin laser treatments, your skin tone will be evaluated and a baseline setting will be used to match your skin tone. Throughout the treatments, the setting will increase to match your skin’s reaction. If you have any self-tanner on during the treatment, your skin will react differently to the laser setting since it will not have been evaluated at its true tone.
3. WHY IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL LESS EFFECTIVE IF SELF-TANNER IS PRESENT?
The lasers used for hair removal are programmed to absorb into melanin (a dark brown to black pigment) and most of the laser energy should be absorbed by the hair. If self-tanner is present on the skin, it will compete with the hair that should be absorbing the laser energy, causing the treatment to be less effective.
4. CAN YOU WEAR SELF-TANNER AFTER A LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT?
The skin that was treated will be sensitive after treatment, so we advise you to wait at least four to five days to apply any self-tanner or spray tan on the targeted area. If you do decide to wear self-tanner after your laser hair removal, we recommend testing it out first by applying the self-tanner on a small patch of skin. Wait 24 hours and if there is no reaction, you are safe to apply self-tanner on the rest of the treated area!
ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE BEFORE AND AFTER LASER HAIR REMOVAL
To achieve the best results from your treatment, there are some necessary precautions you must take.
1. Avoid Sun Exposure, Saunas & Hot Baths
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it’s important to keep your sun exposure at a minimum for two weeks before your appointment. As we mentioned before, we ask that you do not self-tan anytime two weeks before your appointment.
Laser hair removal destroys the base of the hair follicle, temporarily interfering with the free flow of sweat through the sweat glands. Because of this, we advise you to avoid overheating anytime 48 hours after each treatment to avoid swelling, rashes, and skin irritation. To ensure none of these symptoms occur if you do spend time in the sun, we advise applying SPF 30+.
2. Avoid Lotions or Oils With Fragrances
It’s a good idea to avoid putting anything with fragrance on the treated skin, as they can cause redness and discoloration if used after laser hair removal while the skin is still sensitive. If you receive treatment on your underarms, make note that deodorant may cause irritation and you should avoid applying any right after your treatment.
3. Do Not Apply Pressure to the Treated Area
Your skin is going to be sensitive wherever you are treated, so we recommend being gentle with your skin. To ensure your treated skin heals properly, avoid rubbing, scratching, scrubbing, tweezing, waxing, or anything that involves pressure.
4. Don't Go Swimming for 48 Hours After Treatment
If you want to go for a swim after your treatment, be sure 48 hours have passed since your skin was treated. Swimming pools contain plenty of chlorine and lakes and rivers contain bacteria and algae – all irritants to freshly lasered skin.
5. Avoid Cosmetic Treatments
Because your skin will be so sensitive after your laser hair removal appointment, we advise you to not receive any cosmetic treatments two weeks after your laser hair removal. Although treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion are minimally invasive, they are still going to be too harsh on the skin after any laser hair removal.
Get Started With the Best Laser Hair REMOVAL Specialists in Milwaukee!
By taking these necessary steps, you will receive the most out of your laser hair treatments and achieve the bare and beautiful skin that laser hair removal can bring to light. Now go enjoy your new smooth skin!
Riley
Licensed Aesthetician, SKN BAR Rx
