Laser treatments require that skin be as close to its natural tone as possible for effective results, as the laser light targets dark pigment in hair follicles – anything interfering with this target could create problems.
Avoid all gradual tanning products (including sunless tans and instant/wash off tans), instant and wash off tans, shimmer bronzers and body lotions that contain tanners.
Burns
Laser hair removal has revolutionized the beauty industry and can transform lives across all skin types. It works by sending focused beams of light directly to pigmented hair follicles to inhibit further hair growth in that area, making dark-haired clients ideal candidates as it can accurately distinguish pigmented from non-pigmented areas of their skin. If considering laser hair removal we highly advise avoiding sun exposure for at least two weeks prior and post treatment session.
When approaching summer, this advice becomes particularly pertinent. Although we all love a beautiful sun-kissed glow, please resist the urge to apply fake tan around your appointment time as this could result in burns on treated areas as well as discoloration or blisters forming on skin that has just been treated.
During treatment, it’s vitally important to protect the skin by not showering, swimming, exercising and wearing loose clothing – these activities can irritate and leave vulnerable parts exposed to infection. Furthermore, any form of scratching, rubbing, scraping or scrubbing the area should be avoided as this can result in scarring. Instead, we suggest applying a soothing lotion after your appointment then gently exfoliating with loofahs or body scrubs a couple of days later in order to speed healing and promote speedy healing.
On the same day of your laser session, it is wise to forgo any other cosmetic treatments – such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion or facial treatments – as this could overwhelm your skin and force its recovery process to start immediately. Give it time!
Waxing or plucking prior to laser treatments is another common misstep, removing pigment from hair follicles so the laser cannot see between hair and skin; without this pigment, the laser cannot distinguish between hair and skin and may burn or mark the area. Waxing also leaves hair follicles empty so subsequent laser treatments will have little impact; waxing also leaves empty follicles which won’t respond as effectively and could prolong results; for this reason shavng should be used between treatments in order to leave at least some pigment in hair follicles for effective results;
Hyper-pigmentation
Laser hair removal treatments use concentrated beams of light to target pigmented hair follicles and prevent future growth. Dark skin and hair are perfect for laser treatments as it allows the energy to penetrate deeply enough into follicles to destroy them and stop future regrowth.
However, if you are already tanned or have used fake tan products, the laser’s light may target those areas and lead to hyperpigmentation – darkening of skin called hyper-pigmentation that results in spots or patches of discoloration that need professional treatment to resolve.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, it is recommended to refrain from tanning for two weeks as this will give the skin time to naturally fade and increase success of treatments. All gradual tanning products such as spray tans or instant wash off tans should also be discontinued in areas being treated, including shimmer bronzers.
Laser machines cannot distinguish between real and artificial pigments, meaning they will absorb both. This could result in uneven skin tone, blotches or scarring due to damage caused by light absorption on darker parts of your skin.
If you’re seeking laser hair removal in Leeds, the Soprano ICE laser offers fast and effective results with little risk of burns. Suitable for use by people of all ages and genders alike, its state-of-the-art machine offers precision treatment with less risk of burns.
Before your laser appointment, we advise shavign the areas to be treated so the laser can easily access the follicle below. It may also be beneficial to apply some moisturizer as your skin may feel sensitive after treatment.
Ouch! We understand how tempting it can be to relax under the hot sun after having laser treatment! But try resisting that urge and treat yourself instead to a relaxing bath or massage at home instead. If it’s absolutely necessary to venture outside in the sunlight, make sure you wear long-sleeved clothing with broad brim hat to protect your skin and don’t forget sunscreen with high SPF protection – especially on any areas being treated by laser.
Discoloration
Laser hair removal can be an ideal way to permanently reduce unwanted hairs, but before booking your appointment it is essential that certain precautions be taken. Chief among them: avoidance of sun exposure and fake tanning – which may not always be easy during summer! It is crucial that safety precautions set out by your laser technician are abided by – including not applying new fake or gradual tanning products during treatment course.
Laser hair removal is a procedure that targets melanin (pigment) in your skin and destroys its source, the hair follicles responsible for growth. Alexandrite lasers designed for paler-mid skin types target this pigment closely, often creating an adverse reaction on surrounding areas if its artificial darkening process has caused uneven color changes – this could look like you have been painted with brown paint or experienced chemical burns!
As well as discoloration, fresh tanning increases your risk of side effects like irritation and hypo-pigmentation (loss of pigment). This is due to newly tanned skin being more reactive to heat generated by laser treatments; furthermore it’s difficult for the technician to see your tone clearly, leading to either under or over-treatment resulting in uneven results.
At your laser treatment appointment, to reduce any potential problems it is wise to refrain from tanning of any sort – be it gradual, instant or wash-off tans – for at least two weeks prior. This also applies to body moisturisers which contain gradual tanning agents and daily body moisturizers with bronzers that contain gradual tanning agents or shimmer bronzers.
Though you can continue using fake tan between laser sessions, on the day of your session it must be completely free from residue. Please ensure you understand all rules regarding this matter; failure to adhere could result in unsuccessful treatments and discomfort! This is especially crucial for men undergoing laser hair reduction treatments on their chest, back or shoulders.
Infection
Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in your skin with light wavelengths or beams of light; these beams of light are then absorbed by dark pigments in hair follicles to cause lasting damage and stop growth of future strands. As it relies on contrast between the skin and hair pigmentation to identify pigmented areas for treatment, it’s crucial that any self-tanners, bronzers or tanning pills be discontinued at least one week prior to having treatment done.
Fake tanning adds a false pigment layer on top of your skin, so using laser hair removal with fake tan on can cause laser energy to be misdirected away from targeting hair follicles and instead cause burns, hyper-pigmentation or both.
Even if you do not plan to tan again in the weeks leading up to or following your treatment, it is still advisable to wait two weeks afterward – this is due to chemicals and dyes found in many fake tans being highly irritating to the skin after surgery, potentially leading to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring complications.
If you’re trying to prepare your skin for spring carnival and have scheduled a race day spray tan, it may be tempting to skip treatment altogether. We advise against this decision as clear skin is essential in achieving maximum results with Laser Hair Removal sessions.
As tempting as it is to spend all that extra time outside in the sun, now is an ideal time for you to start laser hair removal sessions, since your skin is at its palest and therefore absorbs less UV radiation. Furthermore, we suggest waiting 48 hours post-laser hair removal session before receiving other cosmetic treatments or swimming pools/lakes/rivers with chlorine/bacteria can all irritate newly lasered skin too much – make sure you wear high SPF sunscreen after your appointment and ensure a completely dry session!
