Summer and Laser Hair Removal

Dr. Irwin
July 2, 2010

Many patients think that summer might be a good time to start laser hair removal. This is generally NOT a good idea.

Any tan at all, even ones that are sometimes imperceptible, alter the way the laser interacts with your skin, making you more likely to develop a blister, burn, or a dark spot from the laser. The underarm area (axilla) could be fine in the summer, but faces, legs, and bikini lines all tend to pick up some tan. Yes – even through all that sunscreen! And, generally speaking, you don’t want to do laser hair removal on tanned skin.

I also have some new content on SkinTour:

Updated Sculptra Information

New product selections and displays for Natural and Organic Skin Care Products.  The products are all from Eminence, which we have carried at Madison Skin & Laser Center for several years.  They are not cheap, unfortunately, but they are very nice products.  I use them and give them as birthday or even hostess gifts.

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

Ask me your skincare question!

Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

  • All our content is written and researched by myself.
  • My medical office in Seattle has treated thousands of patients for 15+ years.
  • This site is not affiliated or financially tied to any product, treatment or device.
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One of the best investments in your skin is your daily skincare. Why? Because you can prevent many problems with blotchy skin color, lack of glow, texture, some types of acne, and fine lines with good skincare products. You can also correct some of these problems with effective skincare products. Great skincare is often more expensive because quality ingredients are expensive. Some companies spend on research/development which benefits all of us and adds to the cost. Are they worth it? In general - yes! I have handpicked some of what I consider to be the best skin care products, and offer them for sale on SkinTour's shop. This is based on my team and I's testing and research at our clinic. Many of the products are in my own regimen. What could be better than using skin care products a dermatologist uses?!
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