COWELL ST SKIN & HAIR CLINIC • ADVICE

Can You Have Laser Treatment With a Tan?

No. Laser and IPL treatments cannot be carried out on tanned skin, whether the tan is from the sun, a sunbed or a bottle. The tan has to fade completely first, and you need to keep out of the sun and off sunbeds for a month before treatment.

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This is the most common reason a laser appointment has to be rebooked. Here is why, and how to plan around it.

Why can’t you have laser treatment with a tan?

Laser and IPL treatments work by delivering light energy into the skin, where it is absorbed by its target, such as the hair, a pigmented mark or a small blood vessel. A tan adds extra pigment to the surface of the skin, and that pigment absorbs light energy too.

Treating tanned skin raises the risk of side effects such as blistering, burns, and patches of skin that heal lighter or darker than the skin around them. Changes in pigmentation are most often seen when treated skin has been exposed to the sun.

Does fake tan count?

Yes. Fake tan and gradual tanning products must also be fully faded before treatment can go ahead. Even though a fake tan is not a sun tan, it still colours the skin.

How long after a holiday can you have laser treatment?

Your tan needs to fade completely, and you should avoid sunbeds and prolonged sun exposure for a month before treatment. If you are not sure whether your tan has faded enough, tell us when you book and we will check your skin before going ahead.

Which treatments does this apply to?

All our laser and IPL treatments, including:

Can you go in the sun between laser sessions?

Protect the treated area from the sun as much as possible. Use SPF 30 or higher on the area between treatments, and for at least one month after your final session. Sun on recently treated skin can cause sunburn and dark patches.

If you have a holiday coming up, tell us when you book, so we can plan your sessions around it.

What happens if you arrive with a tan?

We will not treat tanned skin, because your safety comes first. Your appointment will need to be rebooked once the tan has faded, and we may charge for an appointment that cannot go ahead because of a tan or fake tan.

Quick checklist before laser treatment

No sunbeds or prolonged sun exposure for a month
No fake tan or gradual tanner on the area
Any existing tan fully faded
SPF 30 or higher on the area between sessions
A holiday coming up? Tell us when you book

Next step

Every client starts with a free consultation and patch test at our clinic in Llanelli. Read our guide to preparing for laser hair removal, or call 01554 227543 to book.

Ready to Start? Book Your Free Consultation

Come in for a free consultation and find out what treatment involves and what it will cost.