Can I Tan if I Cover the Portion of my Body That is Getting Laser Hair Removal?

Question

I have very light skin and I suffer from Folliculitis on my chest. Tanning is my last result and it's been the only thing that helps. I have tried everything for over two years now. I want to try to the tanning bed perhaps once a month. I know, I know tanning is bad for you. In addition to that, next Thursday I will begin my laser hair removal on my bikini line. I was wondering if I put sun screen on the area and then put a towel of my bikini line would it be okay for me to still use the tanning bed?

David Rankin, MD · Answer

To directly answer your question, if you don't change your skin's pigment where you're going to receive the the hair removal, then yes technically you could use the tanning bed. It's when the skin has been compromised we can not.  However, "tanning" is a result of DNA damage to your skin. I strongly recommend avoiding the tanning bed for your health.

	Folliculitis is an infection in the hair follicles and we have a variety of options on how to treat it without the dangers of skin cancer and long term effects of UV exposure.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Sam. Tanning at the same time as laser hair removal is not a good idea. Covering the area to avoid getting tanned is a step in the right direction, but any sun exposure in this area so close to the treatment will increase the risk of a negative side effect. Better to tan after the laser hair removal (still covering the area) than before. If you wait several weeks after tanning before you go back for laser hair removal, this will help decrease your risk as well.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not recommended to tan before or during your laser hair removal treatment. Tanning can cause hyperpigmentation and if your skin has changed after tanning, it will affect the laser settings and you can possibly get burns. You must tell the physician if you are going to tan or already tanned. I hope this helps.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not recommended to tan before or during your laser hair removal treatment. Tanning can cause hyperpigmentation and if your skin has changed after tanning, it will affect the laser settings and you can possibly get burns. You must tell the physician if you are going to tan or already tanned. I hope this helps.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Of course you should not be tanning, especially if you are considering laser hair removal. Tanning after your treatment will cause hyperpigmentation and if your skin color has changed after tanning, it will affect the laser settings, with a chance of burning. You must tell the technician if you are going to tan. You should consult a dermatologist for the folliculitis on your chest.

Can I Tan if I Cover the Portion of my Body That is Getting Laser Hair Removal?

Answers (6)