Don'ts:

• Don't tan before or after a procedure: Tanning prior to a treatment can interfere with the absorption of laser light and may cause usual lightening of the skin. Artificial tanning lotions should also be avoided because the perceived darker pigmentation may also interfere with the absorption of the laser on the skin causing unusual burns and bumps.
• Don't seek laser treatments for blonde or white hairs: Since the laser responds to darker pigmented hair follicles, laser treatments are not as effective in treating lighter hair. Patients with this type of hair should consider other methods of hair removal.
• Don't undergo laser procedures if you take light-sensitive medications: Some medications may interfere with laser procedures, making the skin more susceptible to burning and scarring. To ensure that your medication won't interfere with the procedure, consult a physician before undergoing any laser treatment.

Do's:

• Do consult a qualified laser technician: Regulations for laset use have not kept up with the demand and consumers should be cautious of non-certified technicians and non-physicians who are practicing these procedures. Qualified training and experience are prerequisites for those performing these procedures.
• Do ask questions: What kind of lasers do they use? What kind of training or experience do they have? Can you speak with one of their clients? If the person performing the procedure can't answer these simple questions, you should walk away.
• Do undergo a skin test: If there are any apprehensions as to how the laser may interact with the skin, ask for a skin test to ensure there will be no adverse side effects.
• Do ensure the laser technician has experience with different skin types: People of darker complexion may experience unusual lightening of the skin if an incorrect laser is used at an inappropriate setting,

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