Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic treatment used to remove unwanted body hair. It uses targeted light pulses that are absorbed by the pigment in hair follicles, damaging them to inhibit future hair growth. While laser hair removal can provide long-lasting results, there are certain things you need to avoid to maximize its effectiveness and avoid complications. One of the most important is avoiding fake tanning for a few weeks before and after your laser hair removal treatments.
Here are four reasons why:
Fake tan can interfere with the laser hair removal process.
The laser targets the pigment in your hair follicles. Fake tanning products contain dyes and pigments that can absorb some of the laser energy, interfering with its ability to reach your hair follicles. For the best results, avoid any fake tanning products for at least 2 weeks before your first laser hair removal treatment and in between treatments.
Fake tan can cause skin irritation.
Laser hair removal uses targeted light pulses to heat up hair follicles, which can cause skin irritation for some people. Applying fake tan before laser hair removal can intensify this irritation, leading to redness, itching, and swelling. Avoiding fake tan helps ensure your skin is in the best condition to handle the laser treatment.
Fake tan can make it difficult to see the hair follicles, which can make it harder for the laser to target them.
The laser technician needs to be able to see your hair follicles clearly in order to aim the laser properly and provide the most effective treatment. Fake tan obscures the skin and can make hair follicles harder to see, which could lead to missed spots, uneven treatment, or reduced effectiveness.
Fake tan can make the skin more sensitive to the laser, which can increase the risk of side effects.
In some cases, the dyes and pigments used in fake tanning products can increase skin sensitivity for a period of time. Combining a recent fake tan with laser hair removal could make your skin overly sensitive to the treatment, increasing the risk of side effects like burns, scarring, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
How to Avoid Fake Tan After Laser Hair Removal
To maximize the effectiveness of your laser hair removal treatments and avoid complications, it’s important to stop using fake tanning products well before your appointments. Here are some tips for avoiding fake tan around laser hair removal:
•Stop using fake tan at least 10 days before your laser hair removal appointment. This includes self-tanners, bronzers, tanning pills, and any product that can darken your skin. This allows enough time for the tan to fade and for your skin to return to its natural tone.
•Avoid using self-tanners, bronzers, and other products that can darken the skin. In addition to stopping use before your appointment, avoid any new use of these products in between laser hair removal treatments.
•Wash your skin thoroughly with soap and water before your appointment. Take a shower and wash the areas receiving laser hair removal treatment. Be sure to rinse away any remaining traces of fake tan, self-tanner, or bronzer.
•Let your skin dry completely before the laser treatment. For the best results, arrive to your appointment with clean, dry skin that’s free of any products. Moisturizers, as well as fake tans and the like, can interfere with the laser energy.
•Inform your laser technician about any recent use of fake tanning or skin darkening products. Be honest about any product use within the past 2 weeks so they can determine if your skin has returned to a suitable tone or if treatment needs to be postponed.
Conclusion
While laser hair removal is a very effective solution for unwanted body hair, avoiding the use of fake tanning products before and after your treatments is key. By stopping fake tans at least 10 days before your first session, avoiding new use in between appointments, and properly preparing your skin, you can maximize your results and minimize the risks of side effects. Be sure to consult your laser technician with any questions about how to best prepare for your laser hair removal.