Can you tan after laser hair removal? No, to wait two weeks after your laser hair removal is best to get a spray tan. It is because the laser targets pigment in the hair follicles and the pigment in a spray tan can cause the laser to target the wrong area and potentially cause skin damage.
This blog post will discuss why you should avoid getting a spray tan after laser hair removal and what precautions you should take.
What is tanning, and how does it works?
Tanning is the process of skin darkening or bronzing due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. On exposure to UV radiation, your skin will start developing more melanin, a dark brown to black pigment. Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its tone.
DHA is a neutral sugar that produces a brown hue when it reacts with the amino acids in your aged skin cells. This hue typically lasts approximately a week before starting to fade.
What happens if you get a spray tan after laser hair removal?
According to experts, you should postpone getting a spray tan for 10-15 days after your laser hair removal. It is because the laser targets the melanin in the hair follicle. If there is newly formed melanin in the skin (from a spray tan), the laser may also target that. It could result in burns, blisters, or hyperpigmentation.
Also, some studies found that tanning, whether from the sun or a tanning bed, can make laser hair removal less effective. It happens because the skin’s melanin absorbs the laser light, making it harder for the laser to target the hair follicles.
How long is it best to wait after laser hair removal?
It is best to wait at least two weeks after your laser hair removal treatment before getting a spray tan.
The scientific logic behind this statement:
Skin sensitivity:
The epidermis, dermis, and subcutis are the three primary layers of the skin. The skin’s outmost covering is the epidermis.
When the stratum corneum( the outer layer of the epidermis) is damaged, it can lead to skin sensitivity. Skin sensitivity can be caused by various factors, including laser hair removal. Laser hair removal hurts the stratum corneum, leading to skin sensitivity.
So, at least a wait of weeks before getting a spray tan is recommended. It will allow the stratum corneum to heal and reduce skin sensitivity risk. Suppose you are unsure whether you should get a spray tan after laser hair removal. In that case, you should consult with your doctor or dermatologist.
A healing period of skin:
Another cause is the skin’s healing time. It’s common for the skin to be red and puffy within a week of laser hair removal. The puffiness goes down within a few hours, although the redness might last many days. During this period, avoiding rubbing or scratching the skin is critical.
During this period, the skin will be hypersensitive to the sunlight. Keeping the sun exposure minimal for 24 hours after the treatment is crucial. If you go outside, you should wear sunscreen with a high SPF.
You should also avoid hot showers, saunas, and Jacuzzis for at least 24 hours after the treatment. The heat can irritate the skin and delay the healing process.
What are areas of the body most sensitive to laser hair removal?
Those areas with thinner skin like the bikini line, face, and underarms will be more sensitive. It is because these areas have less protection from the stratum corneum. Also, you should avoid tanning anywhere you have active acne, open wounds, or sunburns.
What to do if you have to get a spray tan?
If you have to get a spray tan, you can do a few things to minimize the risk of skin sensitivity.
- Shave the area to be treated before your appointment. Shaving will remove the stratum corneum, which will reduce the risk of skin sensitivity.
- Apply topical anesthesia to the treated area. Topical anesthesia is a medication applied to the skin to numb the area. It can assist to alleviate the pain and discomfort of laser hair removal.
- Avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours before the treatment. It helps minimize the risk of skin sensitivity.
Conclusion:
So as you were seeking an answer to the question “can you tan after laser hair removal?” we hope you’ve found all the information above. So, to conclude our discussion, we would like to say that it is better to wait for at least two weeks after the laser hair removal treatment.
It will allow the stratum corneum to heal and reduce skin sensitivity risk. Also, it is better for your skin healing process if you could avoid sun exposure, hot showers, saunas, and Jacuzzis for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
FAQ:
Is tanning after laser hair removal affects the results?
Yes, in some cases, it does. If you plan to go out in the sun or get a spray tan, you should do so before your laser hair removal. This is because the sun or tanning can make your skin more sensitive to the laser light, increasing the risk of side effects such as skin burns.
Can tanning before laser hair removal help the results?
No, it could make the treatment less effective. The laser targets the pigment in the hair, so if your skin is tanned, it can be more difficult for the laser to target the hair follicles.
What should I do if I get a sunburn after laser hair removal?
Suppose you experience side effects after laser hair removals, such as skin irritation or burns. In that case, it is good to contact your healthcare provider. They will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment.
What if I have tanned skin?
If you have tanned skin, you should still be able to have laser hair removal. However, it is essential to let your healthcare provider know so that they can adjust the settings on the laser.
Can you swim afterr laser hair removal?
wimming pools are full of bacteria that can cause infections, and the chlorine in the water can irritate freshly treated skin. So, even if you’re dying to show off your new bikini body, it’s best to wait a few days before hitting the pool. Still confused? Read here more about it.
