Clear & Brilliant laser. Is it safe on recently tanned skin?

Question

I just returned from vacation where my face got tanner than I would have liked despite applying sunscreen religiously and wearing a large hat. I have a clear&brilliant laser appointment scheduled in a few days. Is it safe on recently tanned skin? My dermatologists receptionist told me to cancel it and wait a month but I thought it was safe on tan skin. Is she just being overly cautious or should I wait a month?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Scott Gerrish, DO · Answer

CArunner,
I agree with the advice given to you from your dermatologist's office. The Clear & Brilliant is safe to use on darker skin tones because the laser's wavelength is attracted to water vs skin color. However, the melanocytes (skin cells in the skin responsible for producing color/tan) are more active since being exposed to the sun recently. A C&B treatment along with the mild inflammation it causes during this time increases the chances of hyper-pigmentation (abnormal darkening of the skin). It is best for the tan to fade prior to having your next treatment.
Be Well
Dr G

Estee Williams, MD · Answer

It is never ideal to treat tan skin with a laser. The reason is that the pigment (color) in your skin that came from the tan can compete with the laser's usual target, and decrease the effectiveness - or worse, cause a complication.  It's better to be careful.  I think 2 weeks is usually sufficient.  You can look at your skin in the mirror and see whether the majority of the tan has gone down.  Be well!

Clear & Brilliant laser. Is it safe on recently tanned skin?

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Clear & Brilliant laser. Is it safe on recently tanned skin?

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