Laser hair removal is becoming more and more popular, as a method of long lasting hair removal. However, can you tan after laser hair removal treatments?
In this post, I’m going to be sharing the answer with you, and some tips to help you with tanning post-laser hair removal before having sun exposure.
What happens to the skin, when you have laser hair removal done?
When you have laser hair removal done, the skin is exposed to a short burst of focused laser light that damages the hair follicles.
This process causes the hair in the treatment area to fall out and can also damage the surrounding tissue.
Although it doesn’t happen with every patient, one common side effect is redness and swelling in the treated area, which typically resolves within a few hours or days.
Other side effects such as pain, itching or burning sensation may occur during or after treatment.
In some cases, blisters may develop on the skin where laser energy was focused, however this normally only occurs when your skin type is too sensitive for laser application.
The lasers used for hair removal penetrate normal skin structures without causing injury yet still target and disable individual follicles, which helps get rid of unwanted hairs permanently.
In some cases, dark spots at the site of treated hairs can appear, but these usually fade away over time.
Hyperpigmentation (dark patches) may also occur, but generally fades away over several months post-treatment; so long as you protect your skin properly while healing (applying sunscreen).
Overall, if you are considering laser hair removal, then you should be aware that there are potential risks involved in this treatment, and the rate of hair growth after having treatments.
What are the benefits of having laser hair removal done?
Laser hair removal is a relatively new and innovative procedure that offers many benefits over traditional methods of hair removal.
The biggest benefit of having laser hair removal done is the permanent reduction in unwanted body hair.
This is accomplished with highly precise lasers that target the pigment in individual hairs to permanently disable their growth while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
Laser hair removal provides even coverage and can be used on virtually any area of your body.
Another major benefit of this procedure over other methods such as waxing or shaving is that it doesn’t require frequent maintenance for upkeep.
Once you complete your series of treatments, you’ll no longer need to worry about dealing with pesky stubble or worrying about a pesky razor getting too close to an uncomfortable spot
Because it doesn’t involve using containment like wax strips and other creams, which can cause irritation for sensitive skin, laser hair removal also offers much gentler results when compared to more traditional methods.
Depending on where you have the treatments done and how often you get them done, they can actually be quite affordable overtime when compared to more costly alternatives like electrolysis.
What initial effects from laser hair removal can you expect?
Initial effects from laser hair removal can be seen just after the first treatment.
Typically, the treated area will feel slightly tender to the touch and may appear slightly red or swollen.
The hair in the treatment area may become lighter after a few days and will start to shed within a week or two.
With successive treatments, more of the hair follicles can be destroyed so that less and less regrowth is noticed over time.
How effective is laser hair removal on the legs?
Laser hair removal is an effective method for achieving long-term hair reduction on the legs.
In most cases, after a series of treatments, patients can expect around an 80 to 90 percent decrease in hair regrowth.
Common areas where laser hair removal is performed on the legs include the calves, thighs, knees and ankles.
Depending on the amount of hair present and skin pigmentation at each site, treatment sessions may last between 5 -60 minutes, with results visible shortly after treatments.
Due to its effectiveness and longer-lasting results compared to other methods such as waxing or shaving, laser hair removal has become a popular option for many women wishing to reduce unwanted leg hair.
Can you tan after laser hair removal?
Yes, you can tan after laser hair removal. After your laser treatment, the area of skin treated with lasers should be more protected against sunburn and UV damage than before.
However, it is still advisable that you use sunscreen to protect your skin from any harm.
Keep in mind that while a natural tan may be possible after having laser hair removal done, it won’t take away the effects of laser treatments, such as permanently removing follicles or lightening dark spots on the skin caused by excess pigment.
It’s important to remember that while a natural tan can provide some protection against UV radiation, it won’t reverse any pigmentation changes caused by certain forms of laser treatments performed on those areas.
Because of this, it’s important to protect your skin from further UV damage if you do get a tan following your treatment sessions.
Sunscreens and other protective clothing, including hats and long-sleeved shirts, are all recommended for prolonged outdoor activities such as swimming or sunbathing.
In addition to protecting your skin from overexposure to the sun, moisturizing creams will be beneficial in helping keep your skin well hydrated and nourished post-laser procedure too.
This is particularly useful when dealing with more sensitive areas like facial hair, which can become easily irritated due to heat and friction during waxing or plucking processes.
Can laser hair removal make your tan patchy?
One potential issue with laser hair removal, is that laser hair removal can make your tan patchy.
This is because the laser targets the melanin in your hair follicles, and melanin is also what gives your skin its color.
So, if you have a sun tan or are using a self-tanning product, there is a chance that the laser could cause uneven pigment changes in your skin.
In most cases, these changes are temporary and will eventually fade, but it is still important to be aware of this possible side effect before undergoing treatment.
How to care for your skin after laser hair removal treatments
After a laser hair removal treatment, it is important to care for your skin properly to avoid any irritation or skin damage.
Immediately after the treatment, the area may be red and swollen.
You can apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce swelling. Avoid sunlight exposure for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
If you must go outside, make sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
You should also avoid hot showers or baths, saunas, and other activities that will cause you to sweat.
Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet to help your skin heal properly.
For the first few days after the treatment, avoid using any lotions, oils, or perfumes on the treated area. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact your dermatologist.
Can laser hair removal sessions give you hyper – pigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a condition where individual patches of skin become darker than the surrounding skin.
Fortunately, hyperpigmentation due to laser hair removal is rare; however, it can still happen.
The most common cause of this effect is the laser being set too strong for the patient’s skin type.
Individuals with darker tones or a warmer skin tone have a greater chance of developing this side effect.
Recent sun exposure or tanning both increase the chances of developing hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal treatments.
How soon after laser hair removal can you tan?
Tanning is not recommended immediately after laser hair removal, as your skin may be more sensitive or damaged temporarily.
You should wait between 7–14 days before exposing the treated areas to tanning beds, sun lamps, or natural sunlight, as recommended by your laser expert.
During this time period, it is important to keep the area covered and, most importantly, protected from exposure with a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher.
The treated area may also look red and swollen for several days afterward, and this should subside before any exposure can take place.
Can you get a spray tan after laser hair removal?
Yes, you can get a spray tan after laser hair removal. However, it is important to wait at least two weeks after your laser hair removal procedure before getting a spray tan, using a tanning solution.
It is essential to avoid exposing the treated area to any UV light as much as possible for at least four weeks.
During this time, your skin will be extremely sensitive and even small amounts of UV exposure can cause discoloration or burns.
Before getting a spray tan, make sure your skin has completely healed from the treatment and that the hairs have fallen out on their own or been removed with tweezers.
You can also check in with your laser technician beforehand, to see if they think your skin is healed enough.
Can you use a tanning bed after laser hair removal?
No, it is not recommended that you use a tanning bed after your laser hair removal appointment.
Tanning beds emit high levels of UV light, which can cause discoloration and burns to the treated area.
As mentioned above, avoid any type of sun exposure (including tanning beds) for four weeks after your treatment to ensure optimal results.
If you must be in the sun, protect your skin with sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants.
Is it safe to tan after using hair removal cream?
Most hair removal creams that get rid of unwanted hair from the body contain strong chemicals that can cause skin irritation and leave burns.
The active ingredients in the cream can also cause increased sensitivity to UV rays, meaning that damage could potentially be more extensive when exposed to the sun.
So, it is recommended to wait for at least 24 hours before beginning to tan after using hair removal cream, to give your skin time to heal and adjust.
Can laser hair treatments remove a sun tan?
While there are many ways to remove a sun tan, laser hair treatments are not one of them. Laser treatments work by targeting the melanin in the hair follicle, which is what gives hair its color.
However, melanin is also what gives the skin its color. This means that laser treatments will not be able to target only the melanin in the hair follicle, and will instead affect the melanin in the skin as well.
This can lead to uneven skin tone and potentially even permanent damage.
In short, laser hair treatments are not an effective way to remove a sun tan.
If you are looking to remove a sun tan, you would be better off trying one of the many other options that are available.
What’s the best way to get rid of a natural sun tan?
The best way to get rid of a natural sun tan is by using an exfoliating cleanser, body scrub or a shower loofah.
Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, which can lighten the appearance of a tan.
After exfoliation, use a lightening product that contains ingredients like vitamin C, hydroquinone, or kojic acid.
These products work to inhibit melanin production within the skin and reduce the appearance of tanned or pigmented areas over time.
You may also supplement your traditional topical treatments with laser therapy.
This treatment works by heating up and breaking apart dark pigments in the skin, but there are obviously adverse effects to consider, should you choose a laser therapy treatment plan.
Summary
A laser hair removal treatment is a great way to get rid of unwanted body hair permanently, but it’s important to understand the potential risks and know how to properly care for your skin afterward, to avoid any adverse reactions from direct sun exposure.
Tanning after your laser hair removal appointment is possible; however, it’s recommended that you wait at least 7–14 days before exposing the treated areas to any UV radiation or sun lamps.
On top of this, be sure to wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and protective clothing as much as possible when outdoors.
Hyperpigmentation is also a risk with laser treatments, so avoiding direct sunlight should help minimize any long-term changes in pigmentation on your skin.
Moisturizing creams can also help prevent inflammation or irritation, too.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.
As well as owning Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!