You’re mid-way through your laser hair removal course… but your holiday flights are booked. Can you still travel? Will the sun set back your progress? What happens if you miss a session?

These are some of the most common questions we get at Laser Me Out especially before summer or a winter escape to sunnier places. Here’s a clear, no-nonsense guide to planning your holiday without putting your skin or your results at risk.

Why Timing Between Sessions Matters

Laser hair removal works in cycles. Your hair grows in different phases, but the laser can only treat hairs in the active growth stage known as the anagen phase.

• Face: treatments are booked every 4–6 weeks
  
  
• Body: treatments are booked every 6–8 weeks
  
  

If you stretch that gap too far:

• More hairs move out of the treatable stage
  
  
• You’ll still get results, but the process slows
  
  
• You may need 1–2 extra sessions to get the same end point
  
  

Think of it like a gym plan  skip too many workouts, and progress slows. You can catch up, but it takes extra effort.

The Real Holiday Risk: Sun, Skin Changes & Heat

Travelling between sessions is fine. The problem? Your skin changes in the sun.

When you tan:

• Melanin in your skin increases to protect you from UV damage
  
  
• Laser energy can target that melanin by mistake
  
  
• This raises the risk of burns, blisters, hyperpigmentation (dark patches), and hypopigmentation (light patches)
  
  

It’s not just tanning. Hot climates, sweat, tight holiday clothing, and even pool chemicals can all increase post-treatment skin irritation.

Competitor Timelines vs. Our Approach

UK clinics have slightly different rules:

• Laser Clinics UK: 4 weeks before/after direct sun, 2 weeks before/after incidental sun
  
  
• sk:n Clinics: 2 weeks before and after
  
  
• Skin Perfection London: 4–6 weeks after visible tan
  
  
• CoLaz: 15 days after sun
  
  
• Body Lipo Lincoln: 2 weeks before & after beach holidays
  
  

Our approach at Laser Me Out is simple but safe:

• Direct sun planned? Book laser 2–3 weeks before you fly
  
  
• Planning to tan? Book 3–4 weeks before (and be ready for a longer gap after)
  
  
• Incidental sun only? 1–2 weeks before is fine with daily SPF
  
  

Before You Travel — The Safe Booking Window

If you’ll be in direct sun (beach, pool, hiking, tanning outdoors):

• Book your last session 2–3 weeks before you go
  
  
• If you’ll actively tan, book it 3–4 weeks before
  
  
• Avoid tanning beds, sun lamps, spray tans, or self-tan products for at least 2 weeks before
  

If your trip is mostly incidental sun (city sightseeing, covered skin, indoor activities):

• Book 1–2 weeks before
  
  
• Use SPF 30+ daily — even in cool or cloudy weather
  
  

Shaving before travel:

• Keep skin smooth, but skip any harsh exfoliation or waxing for 2 weeks before your last pre-holiday session

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While You’re Away — Keeping Skin Protected

The first 48–72 hours after laser are the most sensitive:

• No direct sun on treated areas
  
  
• No saunas, steam rooms, or hot tubs
  
  
• Avoid pools if skin is red or irritated
  
  

After the first 3 days:

• Keep SPF 30+ on treated areas at all times
  
  
• Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors
  
  
• Wear UPF-rated clothing or a rash vest for swimming
  
  
• Choose loose, breathable fabrics to minimise friction
  
  
• Carry aloe vera or a gentle after-sun gel in your holiday kit
  
  

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After You Return — When Can You Resume Laser?

Your post-holiday wait time depends on how much your skin changed:

We always check your skin before treating.
If in doubt, we delay — because safety > speed.

Missed a Session?

Plenty of clients skip a session for a holiday. You’re not starting from scratch.

• You’ll just see more regrowth until your next visit
  
  
• The course may need an extra session or two
  
  
• We’ll adjust your booking plan so your results stay on track
  
  

Medications & Holidays

Some travel medications and skincare products can make your skin more sensitive to laser light. Let us know if you’ve taken:

• Antibiotics (doxycycline, tetracyclines)
  
  
• Anti-malarials (doxycycline-based)
  
  
• Retinoids (oral or topical)
  
  
• High-dose NSAIDs
  
  

If you’ve been on these, we may delay your next session — sometimes by several weeks — for your safety.

Reddit Voices: Real Concerns From Travellers

From our deep dive into laser forums:

• “One week after laser before my beach holiday — is that okay?” → Most said no, wait at least 2–3 weeks
  
  
• “Will missing 13 weeks ruin my results?” → No, but you’ll need more sessions
  
  
• “Can I tan and still get laser?” → Only after your skin returns to baseline
  
  

These echo what we see in clinic — and why we give conservative timelines.

Holiday Laser Safety Checklist 📝

• ✅ Book last laser session 2+ weeks before direct sun
  
  
• ✅ SPF 30+ every day — reapply every 2 hours
  
  
• ✅ UPF-rated clothing or rash vest for beach/pool
  
  
• ✅ No active skincare (retinoids, acids) 48–72 hours before/after laser
  
  
• ✅ Pack aloe vera for skin soothing
  
  
• ✅ Tell us about any new meds taken abroad
  
  

FAQs

Can I fly after laser?
Yes flying is fine. Just avoid friction, heat, and sun exposure on treated skin in the first 48–72 hours.

Will tanning ruin my results?
No, but it can delay your next session and increase risk of side effects.

Is it safe to get laser while abroad?
We recommend staying with your original clinic — settings, history, and patch test results matter for safety.

Does missing a session matter?
It can slow your course, but doesn’t reverse results.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to choose between your holiday and your laser results — but you do need a plan.

• Book smart before travel
  
  
• Protect your skin while away
  
  
• Give your skin recovery time before your next session
  
  

Got a trip coming up?
Book your consultation or send us a message. We’ll plan your course so your skin stays safe, smooth, and on schedule  wherever your holiday takes you.

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