Which? Warns Of The Dangers Of Mixing Sun And Laser Hair Removal, UK

Holidaymakers having laser hair removal in preparation for escaping the British weather this weekend must do their research and consider the risks, warns Which?

Which? research1 shows that almost two fifths (39 per cent) of people thinking about having cosmetic treatments consider cost to be the most important factor in their decision and only 14 per cent consider the risks.

But, with around 3,000 unlicensed and unregulated providers of laser hair removal in the UK2 a lot of people could damage their skin if they don't properly research the practitioner they intend to use. Having laser hair removal treatment while being tanned or just before going out in the sun can cause burning, scarring, blisters or changes in skin colour.

Frances Blunden, health campaigner, Which?, says:

"Remember to stay out of the sun before and after having laser hair removal treatment as your skin may have a reaction. Plan it for a time when you know you won't be in the sun.

"If you are having laser hair removal treatment, make sure that the clinic is licensed and the practitioner properly qualified. Otherwise, you could be putting yourself in the hands of untrained staff who don't explain all the possible risks."

Mr David Gault, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at the Portland Hospital, London, comments:

"When you have laser hair removal the laser itself targets the pigment in your hair in order to destroy it. Unfortunately, when the skin is tanned, the deeper melanin colour of the skin can also become a target. Therefore in some unfortunate cases, the patient's skin can be left patchy and mottled - not the look they were expecting. In some cases the appearance is actually leopard-like - with white spots."

Laser hair removal is the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment - in 2005, 166,000 treatments were carried out and the market worth £41.5 million3. Which? is now asking the government to ensure there is stricter regulation in place so that people are better protected.

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