How long after laser hair removal it is safe to sunbathe?

Question

My treatment is going to be over by the end of April and I might go on a vacation on May. How long after is safe to start lying under sun ? Of course I wear sunscreen but I don't want to risk ruining my skin . I won't do it if it's dangerous And my skin gets tan really fast . The previous summer was horrible I couldn't get sun or swim. So I was hoping next summer. But my vacation is shortly after I finish my last treatment. What should I do ?

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Dee.  It is more important to limit your sun exposure before treatment than it is after.  If you have no secondary redness or irritation after your laser hair removal, then a couple days should be fine.  With that said, any time you tan while undergoing laser hair removal, you put yourself at higher risk for blisters or burns.  This is because tanning brings melanin to the surface of the skin.  This interferes with laser absorption in the hair, which is below the skin.To see before and after photos for Los Angeles laser hair removal patients, click on the link below.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's recommended to limit your sun exposure when undergoing laser hair removal, limiting tanning 2-4 weeks before and after treatments. Sun protection is essential. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Gary Nackman, MD, FACS · Answer

Laser hair removal on recent sun tanned or chemically tanned skin increases the likely hood of burns due to increased melanin in the skin which can absorb more laser light. I ask that my patients refrain from sun exposure for 2 weeks before and after. I also recommend SPF 50+ sunscreen. I am a fan of zinc containing sun screens. Excellent skin moisturizer is recommended as well due to the laser and the sun drying the skin. I like dimethicone containing creams.

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi deecue, I really don't want to be a killjoy here but sunbathing isn't a good idea, whether or not you've had laser skin hair removal. Do wait a week after laser hair removal, limit your sun exposure and wear sunblock.However, if you intend to have a laser hair reduction treatment when you get back and presumably tanned, be aware that you are increasing your danger of having laser burns.All the best, Justin Harper, M.D.

Ramtin Massoudi, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi Dear
Keep away from sun 4-6 weeks before and after any Laser treatment, because it takes our skin to generate one layer of skin (100 microns). 
Thank you
Ramtin Massoudi, MD

How long after laser hair removal it is safe to sunbathe?

Answers (5)

Answer: Will you have laser hair reduction while tanned?

Answer: Will you have laser hair reduction while tanned?

Answer: Keep away from sun 4-6 weeks before and after any Laser treatment

Answer: Keep away from sun 4-6 weeks before and after any Laser treatment

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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How long after laser hair removal it is safe to sunbathe?

Answers (5)

Answer: Will you have laser hair reduction while tanned?

Answer: Will you have laser hair reduction while tanned?

Answer: Keep away from sun 4-6 weeks before and after any Laser treatment

Answer: Keep away from sun 4-6 weeks before and after any Laser treatment

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.