When undergoing laser hair removal, the golden rule is simple: clean, dry skin, free of any product on the area to be treated. Certain products (alcohol, perfumes, aluminum salts, "fake tan" pigments) can irritate , cause further heat , or distort the skin's reaction .
This guide tells you exactly what to avoid and for how long , with concrete examples (armpits, bikini, face).
As a reminder, the advice below applies mainly to a laser hair removal session , and can be adjusted according to the area, your skin and the parameters used.
The summary “in 20 seconds”
| Product | Before the session | D-Day | After the session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deodorant / antiperspirant | Avoid use on sensitive skin. | No deodorant on the treated area | Wait at least 24–48 hours , longer if redness is present. |
| Perfume / eau de toilette | Avoid contact with the area (and avoid the nearby "spray") | No perfume on the area | Avoid for at least 48 hours (and longer if skin is irritated) |
| Self-tanner / spray tan | Avoid on the area (ideally throughout the entire treatment period) | Do not apply self-tanner to the area | Wait until the skin has completely calmed down (often several days) and remove everything before the next session. |
1) Deodorant / antiperspirant: what to do (especially for underarms)
Before/On the day
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For armpits: come without deodorant , even “alcohol-free” or “sensitive skin”.
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If you have used deodorant out of habit: wash the area (water + mild cleanser), dry well, and inform your practitioner.
After
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Minimum precaution: 24 hours (often 48 hours if the skin heats up or reddens).
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Follow-up: choose a gentle deodorant, fragrance-free if possible, and avoid rubbing the area.
To avoid immediately afterwards : highly alcoholic, perfumed, or “ultra antiperspirant” deodorants (often more irritating on sensitive skin).
2) Perfume: where is the real problem?
The problem isn't "perfume in general," it's:
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The perfume on the treated area (alcohol + fragrance = possible irritation)
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and the spray cloud too close (which ends up on the treated skin).
Before/On the day
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No perfume on the area.
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If you absolutely must: put the perfume on your clothes (away from the area) rather than on your skin.
After
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Wait at least 48 hours , and longer if the skin is still red or sensitive.
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Start again gradually (and avoid highly concentrated perfumes on skin that feels tight).
3) Self-tanner / spray tan: the non-negotiable point
Laser hair removal targets the pigment. Self-tanner (or tanned skin) can increase the risk of reaction and complicate the adjustment process. As a result, many centers require the fairest possible skin in the treatment area, with no tanning or artificial tanning.
Before/On the day
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Do not apply self-tanner to the area to be treated.
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If you have recently applied sunscreen: do not attempt to aggressively remove it. The safest course of action is to speak to the practitioner: depending on the intensity of the artificial tan, the session may be adjusted or postponed.
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During a treatment: the simplest thing is to avoid self-tanner on the area throughout the protocol.
After
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Wait until the skin has completely calmed down (no more redness, no more feeling of heat).
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And most importantly: if you reapply between sessions, make sure to remove everything before the next one.
Concrete examples (what people are really asking for)
Underarms: “Can I put on deodorant right afterwards?”
The safest option: no product for 24–48 hours . If you need to resume activities quickly (work, sports), choose a very gentle, fragrance-free product, and stop using it if it stings.
Bikini: “And the intimate fragrance / scented mist?”
Same logic: avoid the area before and after. The area is often more reactive, so be even more careful.
Face: “Perfume + upper lip waxing?”
Avoid perfume completely near the mouth and chin for 48 hours , as the skin is often more sensitive in this area.
A very practical FAQ
1) Can I come if I have deodorant but I can remove it on site?
Ideally not, come already “clean”. But if it happens: wash the area thoroughly, dry it well, and tell the practitioner.
2) Alcohol-free deodorant = ok?
On the day of the event: no. Afterwards: sometimes yes, earlier, if the skin is calm and the product is gentle (without perfume).
3) Perfume on my neck while I'm treating my armpits?
If it's far from the area and without overspray, it's generally less of a problem. But avoid anything that could fall on the treated area.
4) Using self-tanner on my legs while I'm treating my underarms?
The critical point is the treated area . Avoid any transfer (hands, clothing). And remember: your practitioner may refuse treatment if the skin is tanned in the targeted area.
5) How long before a session should I stop using self-tanner?
The safest approach: stop as soon as you begin your treatment and arrive with skin free of artificial tanning on the area. If you have recently applied any, wait until it has completely faded before the session.
6) My skin itches afterwards: can I use perfume or deodorant to "mask" it?
No. If it itches, the skin is irritated: stick to simple , perfume-free products and follow your practitioner's instructions.
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