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Self-tanner Use a Week Prior to and Post Laser Hair Removal?

asked 2 years ago by AK in OR in Bend, USA
Latest answer by Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Question viewed 1,490 times
Tags: tanning

I am being told not to tan in a tanning bed or in the sun or use self tanner 4 weeks prior to and 1 week after laser hair removal. I understand why I should not expose my skin to UV rays from sun or tanning bed, but do not understand the self-tanner issue.

1 answer to Self-tanner Use a Week Prior to and Post Laser Hair Removal?

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Self Tanners Before Laser Hair Removal

Hi AK, The reason you would not want to use self tanning products before laser hair removal is that it will increase the chances of having an unwanted side effect like blisters or burns. Self tanning products darken the surface of the skin (as does normal tanning - UV rays). When the surface of the skin darkens, it creates a competing target for the light energy of the laser - with the other competing target being the color in the hair. By darkening the surface of the skin, more laser... more
Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

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