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Can You Wear Fake Tan When Having Laser Hair Removal?
You might think combining a spray tan with laser hair removal is a great idea, I get it, you want to have silky-smooth skin while showing off that “natural tan”.
But, spray tans and laser hair procedures just don’t go well together.
Laser hair removal zeroes in on pigment within the hair follicles. A spray tan complicates this process. It adds an artificial layer of color, misleading the laser.
The laser target might target the tan rather than the hair.
This confusion not only makes your laser hair procedure less effective but also increases the risk of skin reactions and skin irritation.
Knowing the risks of wearing a spray tan when you get a laser hair treatment keeps you informed, helping you make decisions that align with the health of your skin and the success of your laser hair procedure.
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Why You Shouldn’t Do Laser Hair Removal With Fake Tan
You decided to get laser hair removal, but love to step out of the house rocking a fake tan, now we tell you, no fake tan before the laser hair procedure. Why, you ask?
The science behind it is quite straightforward. Fake tans discolor the skin, tricking the laser into targeting the wrong pigment. This means the laser’s focus shifts from hair follicles to the tan on your skin’s surface.
This not only makes the laser hair treatment null and void, but it can also have many side effects like blisters, burns, and discoloration if you ignore this advice.
These side effects last longer than the satisfaction of your spray tan.
One must consider the aftermath of mixing fake tan with laser treatments.
Experts agree, that removing your fake tan so your skin returns to its natural color ensures the laser works as intended.
This precaution prevents serious side effects and guarantees the best results.
Give your skin a break from any form of tanning products for at least two weeks before your laser session.
This grace period allows traces of the fake tan to fade, minimizing the risk of an uneven reaction.
So, before booking your next laser session, you don’t only need to avoid getting spray tan, but also make sure you remove any fake tan from your skin.
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- Can You Use Indoor Tanning Lotion Outside?
Tips On How Best To Remove Fake Tan Before Your Session:
Removing fake tan before a laser session starts with a simple step. For exfoliation, use a gentle, yet effective, body scrub to get rid of dead skin cells and any lingering fake tanner.
This process not only removes the superficial layer but also ensures silky-smooth skin for the laser treatment.
Avoid moisturizers or lotions post-exfoliation.
They can leave residue on the skin, leading to potential issues during the laser process.
Opt for a soap-free cleanser to wash the area on the day of your appointment. It strips away oils without leaving anything behind.
Clean, product-free skin is the perfect canvas for effective and safe laser hair removal treatments.
- Does Self-Tanning Lotion Expire? +How To Make It Last Long
- When Can You Shower After Laser Hair Removal?
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Can I Use Instant/Wash-off Tan Before My Laser Hair Removal Session?
Instant or wash-off tans present may seem like a viable option. You might think they’re easy to wash off before zapping away unwanted hair.
Yet, dipping into that bottle before laser treatments complicates things more than you’d expect.
Laser hair procedures require clean skin. They need to ‘see’ the hair, not the faux glow your instant tan provides.
This misunderstood step could lead to less effective treatments, or worse, skin irritation you hadn’t bargained for.
So the answer is no, you cannot use instant or wash-off tanner before you go for a laser hair removal procedure.
Getting that smooth, hair-free skin demands sacrifices, and sometimes, that means putting off the instant tan.
Waiting until after your laser hair session is over allows your skin to heal properly.
Then, reaching for that bottle of temporary tan won’t just be safer, it’ll also sit better on your newly smooth skin, enhancing your glow rather than complicating your care.
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Can You Wear Spray Tan After Laser Hair Removal Sessions?
After your laser hair removal treatment, you may wonder “Can I spray tan after laser hair removal?” The short answer is yes, but there is more to it. Your skin needs time to recover from laser treatments. Typically, waiting a couple of weeks is wise. This period lets your skin heal and reduces the risk of irritation.
Choosing the right spray tan product becomes your next step.
Look for ones specifically designed for sensitive skin. These products are less likely to cause any adverse reactions on your recently treated skin.
Applying a small amount of moisturizer before the spray tan can act as a barrier, providing an extra layer of protection and promoting an even application.
When applying the spray tan, even coverage is crucial. Start from one area and move seamlessly to the next to avoid patches or streaks.
Remember, spray tans don’t offer sun protection. So, if stepping out, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential. This practice helps maintain both your skin health and the freshness of your tan.
By following these guidelines, you ensure a beautiful and safe tan, complementing your laser hair removal results.
Can You Tan In The Sun After Laser Hair Removal?
Sun tanning yourself on the beach after getting laser hair removal is just an awful idea. Direct sunlight has a complicated relationship with freshly lasered skin. It’s not as straightforward as slapping on some sunscreen and calling it a day.
Laser treatments work by targeting the pigment in your hair follicles. This process can leave skin more vulnerable to the sun’s harsh rays.
Post-treatment, your skin acts like a sponge, soaking up more UV than usual. This can lead to sunburn or, even worse, hyperpigmentation. Not exactly the goal, right?
For those itching to catch some rays, give it some time. Dermatologists recommend staying out of the sun for a good while, at least two weeks before exposing treated areas to direct sunlight.
And when you do brave the outdoors for some sun tanning, a broad-spectrum SPF is your best friend. Layer it on like your skin’s very survival depends on it, because, in a way, it does.
Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.
So, can you enjoy sunbathing after laser hair removal? Yes, but timing and protection are key. Give your skin the time it needs to heal. When the time is right, embrace the sun responsibly. Your skin will thank you, and you’ll still step out looking and feeling fabulous.
How Long Should I Wait Before Going Back To Tanning After Laser Hair Removal?
The answer is not immediate, but rather a waiting game that rewards those who are patient. It is recommended to wait a minimum of ten days before even thinking about a spray tan.
This timeframe allows your skin to fully heal, a crucial period where it’s vulnerable and more susceptible to irritation.
We recommend stretching this period to a full two weeks, especially if your skin type is on the more sensitive side. This extended break serves as a buffer zone, ensuring your skin has thoroughly recovered.
It’s not just about avoiding skin irritation; it’s about safeguarding the long-term health and radiance of your skin.
What about tanning in the sun? The stakes are similar, if not higher.
As mentioned previously, the added risk of UV exposure makes holding off for at least two weeks becomes non-negotiable.
During this time, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin after it has undergone laser hair removal. Lather on an SPF 30 or higher diligently, even if stepping outdoors for a few minutes.
This protects your skin from UV rays, allowing it to heal and avoid sun damage.
Following these guidelines to a tee will give you the best results from your laser hair removal sessions.
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