Laser Hair Removal: Q&A

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

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.

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1 Doctor Answer | Asked by AK in OR in Bend, USA

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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

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Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

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