Can You Tan After Laser Tattoo Removal?
The tattoo removal process by laser might take a long time. While going through this process, you might face restrictions on going out in the sun. This might make you think, “can I tan after laser tattoo removal?”
You can’t get a tan even after the laser tattoo removal. Getting tan will make you absorb a lot of UV rays. And these UV rays, along with the laser rays, will make your skin discolored. You must wait to let your skin heal completely before getting a tan.
To learn about these and more, dive into the article right now!
What Happens to Your Tattooed Skin When It’s Exposed to the Sun
If you’ve ever gotten a sunburn, you are familiar with the dangers (and unpleasantness) of long-term exposure to the sun. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, your skin reacts by being sunburned. Skin damage from sunburn can result in blisters and peeling.
If your tattoos are exposed to excessive direct sunlight, the sun’s UV rays will fade them. The UV rays are assimilated and, in effect, tear apart the color in your design when you expose the ink to the sun.
The dermis, your skin’s second and thickest layer, is where the tattoo ink is kept. Although this layer is typically protected from the sun’s blazing rays, UV rays can easily pass through it. The ink will start to degrade if it is exposed to UV radiation regularly.
The ink is subsequently removed by white blood cells as if it’s an infection or some other foreign object. Usually, the remaining ink is blotchy and dispersed, making the tattoo’s lines difficult to see.
As the tattoo ages, its pigments may shift. Your tattoo could turn blue or green based on the sort of ink used. Since deeper green and blue colors are frequently used to darken the ink, color deformation is more frequent for black and gray tattoos.
Can You Tan After Laser Tattoo Removal?
If you have been going through the process of tattoo removal, one of the questions that might pop into your mind is, “can I tan after laser tattoo removal?” The simple answer to this question is no.
Laser tattoo removal includes channeling high-intensity laser rays on the inked skin. The additional light may result in further pigmentation and skin darkening or lightening if the area already has sun-exposed pigmentation.
You will be badly affected immediately if you decide to take a beach vacation between consecutive laser treatment sessions. Your skin has become more vulnerable to heat and light after the therapy, which increases the risk of burning and scarring if you expose it to the sun.
You must bear in mind that the ozone layer’s weakening makes it more likely that you will be vulnerable to excessive radiation levels.
Additionally, the sun’s influence on melanin formation might be excessive, leading to an inconsistent skin tone.
It occurs when the skin has not fully healed after the laser beam has penetrated it. It may result in the treated part becoming discolored. Thus, you must, at all costs, avoid exposure to the sun, as advised by the practitioner.
Is It Safe to Take Fake Tan Before Laser Tattoo Removal?
Again, this is not advised because you can go to many sessions when only six are necessary, leading to repeated trips.
Fake tans certainly don’t expose you to UV radiation as natural sunlight, but they can still impact tattoo removal. If your skin has received toxins from products, getting rid of your tattoo may take longer and cost more money than necessary.
Some fake tans have activators that may react with laser therapy and cause skin pigmentation. Therefore, refrain from using fake tan items for a minimum of two weeks before or following treatment.
Precautions to Take During Laser Tattoo Removal
Modern lasers have low adverse impact rates. However, there are still a few generic dangers that should be considered before beginning laser therapy.
Let’s examine a few safety measures you must follow throughout your tattoo removal.
- You will be asked to wear safety glasses while having laser tattoo removal. The only thing you will be able to see will be a flash of light, and that’s it.
- All body parts that won’t be laser-treated will be concealed with clothing throughout the procedure. Only the regions that will be treated with lasers will be made visible.
3 Tips to Make Your Tattoo Removal Journey Better
The tattoo removal journey can take up to six to eight weeks, depending on your tattoo. But by following certain guidelines, you’ll be able to speed up your journey.
1. Use aftercare creams
Useful aftercare creams will keep the skin hydrated and speed up the healing process. They also reduce the danger of infection. Vaseline can also be applied to the region to keep it hydrated and protected.
2. Keep away from hot, humid, and sun-exposed areas.
Your skin will be under increased stress and could become damaged if the treatment region is exposed to sunlight. Similarly, due to the danger of infection, activities like swimming, using steam rooms, and using saunas also need to be avoided.
3. Live a healthy lifestyle
Your immune system’s ability to break down the tattoo ink plays a significant role in how effectively you heal throughout the tattoo removal procedure.
These laser-shattered ink particles must be digested by your body before being flushed away. You should take care of your body to do this swiftly and efficiently.
That includes keeping up a healthy diet and exercise routine, consuming lots of water, getting sufficient rest, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco.
Learn more about if you can go swimming after laser tattoo removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a tattoo to fade after laser removal?
Your body’s reaction to the laser tattoo removal procedure will determine when you start to see the tattoo fading. Another important element is the type of ink used.
It takes several sessions to completely remove a tattoo, but the benefits get better with each one. The sessions are separated by 6 to 8 weeks to give your skin time to recover from the procedure.
After three appointments, many people notice that their tattoos are fading. If there are 6 to 8 weeks between sessions, the improvements should become visible after a few months.
Can I tan 2 weeks after getting a tattoo?
Yes, you can. Your tattooed skin will almost heal within two weeks, so you can tan two weeks after getting a tattoo. But if you want to sit in the sun for quite a long time, it’s better to wait a week before enjoying the sunbath. Waiting 2-3 months before you do any serious tanning would be the best decision.
Additional Read: When can you go to gym after laser tattoo removal?
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made the decision to get your tattoo removed, make sure the procedure goes smoothly and quickly by avoiding the sun and other artificial tanning techniques.
This will yield quicker results. Soon enough, you’ll be able to fully enjoy sunbathing once more without being embarrassed by tattoos that you don’t want other people to see.
Thank you for reading the article, “Can You Tan After Laser Tattoo Removal” hopefully, you will have a smooth tattoo removal journey.
