This is one of the most common questions we get from patients. Many people are now avoiding tanning beds and direct sun exposure, choosing self-tanners instead. That’s a smart choice for your long-term skin health since fake tans eliminate the risk of UV-related skin cancer.
However, when it comes to fake tan and laser hair removal, they don’t mix well. Even though a self-tan is safer than sunbathing, it’s still not safe to have any type of laser treatment while your skin is tanned — real or fake.
Why Lasers Can’t Tell the Difference
Self-tanners and suntans are completely different in how they work, but to a laser, they look the same.
- Self-tanners work by depositing a “stain” in the very top layers of your skin using an ingredient called DHA (dihydroxyacetone).
- A natural tan, on the other hand, develops when your pigment cells (melanocytes) produce more melanin after being exposed to UV light.
Even though one is pigment and the other is just color, a laser can’t tell them apart. Lasers target melanin, the pigment found in hair, sun spots, and other dark areas. If your skin contains extra color — whether from a fake tan or a real one — the laser may absorb too much energy in the wrong place.
The Risks of Combining Fake Tan and Laser Hair Removal
If you show up for your laser hair removal appointment with self-tanner on your skin, the laser can’t differentiate between your “stained” surface and actual pigment. This confusion can cause:
- Burns or blisters
- Hyperpigmentation or dark spots
- Scarring or long-term skin damage
Even though self-tanner color isn’t real melanin, the laser still reacts as if it is. That’s why it’s so important to have completely clear skin before your treatment.
Laser hair removal before and after pictures
How to Prepare for Safe Laser Hair Removal
We always applaud our patients who have stopped tanning altogether. It’s a great step toward healthier skin. But before scheduling your laser hair removal, make sure to:
- Avoid all self-tanners for at least two weeks before treatment.
- Exfoliate gently to remove any remaining tan residue.
- Wait until your skin returns to its natural tone before proceeding.
This gives your skin enough time to fade any artificial color, helping ensure a safe, effective, and even laser treatment.
The Bottom Line
A fake tan and laser hair removal simply don’t go together. Even though self-tanning is a much healthier choice than UV exposure, it still poses risks when combined with laser procedures. For the best results and the healthiest skin, always make sure your skin is completely tan-free before treatment.
