Tanning & Laser Hair Removal: Understanding Sun Exposure Protocols

Ahhh, the sun and warm days — we all eagerly await them. However, if you're planning an IPL laser hair removal session, there are a few precautions you shouldn't overlook to protect your skin and ensure a safe treatment.

Sun exposure (and tanning beds) increases melanin production in the skin. But IPL specifically targets melanin to eliminate hair. The issue is that IPL laser hair removal devices can’t distinguish between the melanin in your skin and the melanin in the hair. So, if your skin is tanned, there’s a higher risk of burns, hyperpigmentation, or unwanted skin reactions.

That’s why you’re asked to avoid sun exposure before your session. But for how long exactly? That depends on your phototype (that is, your natural skin tone and how sensitive your skin is to the sun).

Here’s a quick reference guide:

• Phototype 1 (Very fair skin, often with freckles. Always burns, never tans): Avoid sun exposure 1 week before the session.
• Phototype 2 (Fair skin, burns easily but may tan slightly after repeated exposure): Avoid sun exposure 2 weeks before the session.
• Phototype 3 (Fair to light olive skin, may burn but tans gradually): Avoid sun exposure 3 weeks before the session.
• Phototype 4 (Olive skin, tans easily and rarely burns): Avoid sun exposure 4 weeks before the session.
• Phototype 5 (Dark skin, tans very easily and almost never burns): Avoid sun exposure 5 weeks before the session.
• Phototype 6 (Very dark skin, always tans and does not burn): Avoid sun exposure 6 weeks before the session.

This applies to tanning beds too… but let’s be honest, with the return of natural sunshine, who still needs them? 😉

After your session, your skin may be slightly sensitive, so be sure to keep it moisturized and follow the recommendations provided by your technician.

Important note: When we say to avoid sun exposure for a certain period, we’re only talking about the areas you want treated. Underarms don’t usually get tanned, right? No need to cancel your session for that area. Same goes for the bikini line: as long as the skin has been covered by your swimsuit, it’s fine to treat. If you've been in the sun and your new bikini got some sun, no worries! We can still treat areas that weren’t exposed (for example: if you're doing a full bikini treatment, we can treat the pubic mound, labia, etc.). In general, the areas to be cautious with are the legs, face, and arms, as they tend to be more exposed during sunny days.

If you still have questions, know that you’re not alone! We have a super clear video here: YouTube - Hair Removal & Sun, and our FAQ answers the most common questions.

But, without a doubt, the best thing you can do is talk to your technician. She knows your file, your skin, and will guide you accordingly. Don’t hesitate to ask her anything — even the simplest questions. She’s here for you!