Why can't I use self tanner during laser hair removal?

Question

I just had my first laser hair removal treatment (Brazilian & upper lip) yesterday. The staff decided to tell me AFTER my treatment that I need to suspend all tanning, sun exposure, & self tan. I live at a lake house all summer which makes this next to impossible. Had I realized this, I probably would have canceled. Is there ANY way to get around it? (Tanning but cover lasered areas, self tanning after treatment & removing it before the next, etc?) Seems trivial but it's a concern for me

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

Sun exposure compromises your skin, causes sensitivity, and can increase chances of a negative reaction to the laser treatment. Self tanning products are fine to use during laser treatments, however, they may or may not impede laser hair removal results, as they could change the color of your hair. The pigment in your hair is what allows the laser to be effective, as it targets melanin. Self tanning products also clog pores and can disrupt proper healing from laser treatments.Some products can cause a reaction when in combination with sun exposure or laser treatments. I advise doing research of which tanning products you are using, and I also suggest not applying a fresh coat of tanner just before a treatment if you decide to self tan.

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

this is a good question.  The reason for this recommendation is that lasers target pigment or the color in the hair follicles.  If the skin cells have more color than normal the laser will also target this and potentially burn the skin.  Also, cells that have be activated by the sun (tanned skin) tend to react more than if this were your normal skin color.  There are lasers that can be used on tanned skin with the appropriate settings.  Most practitioners prefer not to treat tanned skin . In my office we prefer to have no sun exposure for at least 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks post treatment.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question.  The reason why it is recommended that you not use self tanner is because the laser is attracted to pigment, pigment in the follicle as well as pigment in the skin.  With darker skin types, it is necessary to use the 1064nm YAG laser.  This laser can be used safely on darker skin types without negative reactions.  It is possible that the clinic you are going to does not have this wavelength available.  If the laser see the pigment in the skin, it can actually get hot and burn your skin.  Best to not have sun exposure 1 week before and 1 week following laser hair reduction.Good LUck!

Why can't I use self tanner during laser hair removal?

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Why can't I use self tanner during laser hair removal?

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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.