Do I need to avoid the sun before my laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is proving to be an increasingly popular remedy for unwanted hair, delivering fabulous results with minimal discomfort. At our London clinic, Timeless Skincare, we receive many enquiries about the procedure, especially as the summer months approach – and something we hear frequently is: ‘I’ve heard that I cannot have laser hair removal if my skin is tanned – is this correct?’

Does a tan mean I have to wait?

With conventional laser hair removal technology, the answer is yes. The reason for this is that the laser systems are seeking a contrast between the hair’s dark root and the pale surrounding tissue in order to target the follicle. With tanned skin, the contrast is diminished and the follicles therefore difficult to detect. The device may become confused and target the skin, causing burns, a situation most definitely to be avoided.

Now you can have laser hair removal on a tanned body…

At Timeless Skincare, we offer the most advanced and effective laser hair removal treatment on the global market: the Soprano ICE laser. Not only can it treat a wider area with its sweeping, paintbrush technique, but, with pre-programmed settings for different hair and skin colours which adjust the energy output, it can safely treat tanned and darker skin. However, there are certain preparatory steps that are necessary, including avoiding the sun for four weeks before and after treatment, and avoiding bleaching, waxing or plucking for the preceding six weeks. During your consultation at our London clinic, all aspects of your laser hair removal treatment will be discussed in detail, including preparation and what to avoid.

The pain-free approach and persuasive aesthetic results of the Soprano ICE laser has gained this revolutionary technology a warm welcome worldwide – and we are very pleased to make it available it to our London clients.