Summer does not rule out laser hair removal. What matters is how much sun the treated area has had, not the month on the calendar.
Why a tan changes things
Diode laser works on the melanin in the hair. Tanned skin holds melanin on the surface too, so it competes for the same energy. Settings then have to come down, and a lower-powered session is a less effective one. We ask for 4 weeks without sun exposure on the area before each session, in July exactly as in February.
Areas that handle summer well
- —Underarms and bikini line stay covered year round, so plans rarely need adjusting.
- —Legs, arms, back and chest are worth assessing case by case.
- —Face and neck can be treated, but daily SPF 50+ has to be reapplied through the day.
When to postpone
Skip the session if the area has self-tanner on it, if the skin is recovering from sunburn, or if you will be in direct sun within the following 48 hours without being able to cover the area. Moving an appointment by two weeks costs far less than a burn or hyperpigmentation.
Sources
- —American Academy of Dermatology: laser hair removal FAQs
https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/hair-removal/laser-hair-removal-faqs - —American Academy of Dermatology: sunscreen FAQs
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/sunscreen-faqs
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