A discussion of Laser Hair Removal by John Keller M.D. Ph.D., Board Certified Laser Physician of Toronto Ontario.

Patients often ask why we recommend that they are not tanned when they undergo laser hair removal. Many spas claim to have "lasers" that allow patients to be treated when tanned. The simple truth is that it is always best if you have been sun free for at least 8 - 12 weeks prior to laser hair removal. This is because all laser and light systems target the pigment in the hair, melanin, to destroy it. When you tan you increase the melanin in your skin as well, and the laser can target the skin as well. No matter what laser is used, the energy must be turned down, compared to tan free skin, and the risk of complications greatly increase. Tan free equal better, safer results, period.