Laser hair removal works by targeting pigments found within your hair follicle, so for maximum effectiveness it is most beneficial if your skin tone is lighter. Self-tanners attract laser beams to their pigmented surfaces which could potentially cause burns, blisters or irritation during treatment.
Lasers cannot distinguish between skin pigment and fake tanning solutions; hence the confusion.
What is a fake tan?
Fake tanning products that contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone) provide a quick way to achieve a golden glow without having to expose yourself to harmful UV rays. When applied directly onto the skin, DHA reacts with amino acids present in the top layer and oxygen to produce pigments known as melanodins – creating an instant golden hue! They come in the form of lotions, mousses and sprays which all offer the convenience of this alternative way to tan without UV exposure damaging effects.
Fake tanning may interfere with laser hair removal treatments, as it changes the natural colour tone of skin and makes it harder for laser beams to target and destroy unwanted hair follicles. As a result, more sessions may be necessary before you see desired results.
Fake tans should be avoided for at least two weeks prior to laser hair removal sessions. You can still use self-tanners on areas of the body not receiving laser treatments; we advise avoiding instant wash-off tans, body foundations and bronzing powders as these contain high levels of DHA; however gradual moisturisers allow you to gradually build up a natural-looking tan over time.
Before applying a self-tan, it is crucial to exfoliate thoroughly, in order to remove dead skin cells that may lead to patchy streaking and uneven pigmentation. Furthermore, showering or getting wet may interfere with how DHA reacts with skin molecules leading to uneven color development and uneven tans.
Good quality tans should gradually fade over seven to 10 days, in line with your body’s natural exfoliation process, where dead cells on the surface of your body gradually wear away. A high-quality brand should also be easy to wash off without leaving any residue or staining behind.
If you are seeking a permanent solution to unwanted hair growth, laser hair removal at RUMA could be your perfect solution. Our Soprano ICE laser technology quickly and safely targets and destroys hair follicles responsible for hair growth; offering comfortable yet reliable treatment – with visible results visible right from your first session!
Do I need to stop using fake tan before my treatment?
Laser hair removal works by targeting pigments in your hair and skin to effectively stop future hair growth in that area. Unfortunately, fake or spray tans interfere with this treatment by absorbing melanin that the laser targets, leading to less effective results than expected. Therefore, it’s crucial that no fake tan, body foundations or bronzing powders are worn prior to laser treatments, along with tanning moisturisers that contain tanning agents; any use could interfere with effective outcomes and could even make things worse!
At least two weeks before attending laser hair removal sessions, it is wise to forgo fake tan in order to give your skin enough time and restorative power to recover and regenerate properly. Furthermore, taking this approach gives real and residual fake tan time to fade, making removal much simpler when your session arrives.
Those wishing to wear fake tan around laser appointments should exfoliate well and apply the solution sparingly, in order to ensure there are no patchy areas of tanning. It is also advisable to wear clothing or pyjamas that can withstand being stained by bronzer as it could take up to 15 minutes for its full effects on your skin to take place.
Winter is one of the ideal times of the year for laser hair removal treatments, since excessive sun exposure is easier to avoid in this season and give laser therapies time to work their magic. Plus, being wrapped up warmly makes treatment all that much more convenient!
At first, it may seem daunting, but starting your laser hair removal sessions in the cooler months and finishing by Summer can be beneficial – you will then have silky-smooth and hair-free skin to show off at Summer parties! In addition, by having regular treatments throughout Winter your skin should have adjusted and you won’t end up looking like you had DIY work done when Summer rolls around.
Can I use fake tan in between my sessions?
When having laser hair removal on any area of your body such as the face or legs, it is advisable not to use spray tans or self-tanner before and on the day of your appointment as this could affect its results. Laser treatments work best when there is a stark contrast between your skin color and hair colour, since lasers can detect and convert melanin pigment in hair into heat that destroys its follicles, thus preventing further hair regrowth. A light skin tone with darker hair allows this process to work as intended; however, any self-tanner on the surface could absorb laser energy instead and attract it, potentially leading to burns or blisters on your skin surface.
Laser hair removal begins by analyzing your skin to assess its natural complexion, before the laser settings are adjusted accordingly. Tanning using sunlight, sunbeds or spray tans will alter this natural complexion, necessitating adjustments of the laser settings; otherwise this could result in uneven results; for optimal results during sessions it’s best if your normal complexion remains constant.
Your body parts not currently being treated may still benefit from using sunless tanning products, including arms, legs and the torso. We advise refraining from tanning during your laser hair removal treatments; if you tan and then have laser on that same body part at the same time it is advised that two weeks pass before scheduling another laser appointment so the fake tan has had time to fade completely prior to attending another appointment.
Keep exfoliation as part of a regular skincare regimen and avoid harsh scrubs or soaps that could reduce vibrancy of your tan and speed its fading process. A moisturiser should also help your tan stay looking its best, and showering 4 hours after application will allow it to fully soak into your skin, giving a gorgeous glow!
Can I wear fake tan on the day of my treatment?
Prior to your laser hair removal treatment, it is crucial that you refrain from tanning and spray tanning products as the laser relies on contrast between light skin and dark hair; if there is too much melanin on your skin then the laser will be attracted more towards melanin than hair, making treatment less efficient. Furthermore, many sunless tanninners contain chemicals which may lead to redness, itching or blisters on areas where you have applied them – further diminishing effectiveness.
If you decide to tan prior to laser hair removal, it is wise to remove it as quickly as possible in order to lower risk and ensure optimal treatment results. Shaving will make it easier for the laser beam to locate and target hair follicles for effective targeting by the treatment laser.
Once your treatments have concluded, it is advised that you allow a week or two for any newly treated areas to recover before applying sunless tanning products again. Furthermore, wearing loose clothing during this period can help ensure the least chance of irritation with newly-tanned skin.
Laser hair removal is an effective and safe solution to getting rid of unwanted hair and creating silky-smooth skin, but to get maximum results from treatment there are certain things you should never do; most importantly avoid tanning or using sunless tanners in the area being treated by laser.
Follow these simple rules for hassle-free laser hair removal treatments that will give you silky smooth summer skin! At RUMA, we use the Soprano ICE laser, which utilizes both heat and cooling technology to treat skin gently while remaining comfortable during treatment. Contact us now for your FREE consultation; our affordable laser hair removal packages can begin your journey towards silky smooth skin in just a few sessions!
