• Melanin gives color to our hair, skin, and eyes.

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• Tanning is a defense mechanism where melanocytes produce melanin in response to UV rays.

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• Laser treatment on sunburned skin can result in melanocytes either overproducing (resulting in dark spots) or underproducing (leading to white spots) melanin.

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• Eumelanin, which gives the bronzed tan appearance, varies in levels among individuals, thus affecting tanning ability.

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• An active tan can make eumelanin compete with tattoo pigment. This competition can interfere with the laser's ability to differentiate between ink and skin, potentially hindering effective treatment.

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• While we can treat suntanned skin, optimal results are obtained when the tattoo is at its lightest shade.

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• After treatment, there's a risk of hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening) if exposed to the sun. For safety and effectiveness, it's best to avoid direct sun exposure for at least two weeks post-treatment, and longer if feasible.