Laser Hair Removal Medications to Avoid Before Laser Hair Removal

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
10 Min Read

medications to avoid before laser hair removal

Laser hair removal can be a safe and effective solution to eliminating extra body hair, but certain medications should be avoided prior to laser hair removal treatments.

Antidepressant medicines like Zoloft and Prozac contain photosensitive compounds that may react adversely with laser treatment, while patients suffering from lupus or porphyria often exhibit hypersensitivity to sunlight – making them unsuitable candidates for laser treatments.

Antihistamines

Before your laser hair removal sessions begin, it’s advisable to forego antihistamines. The reason being is because laser light emits a beam that heats up and destroys hair follicles, leading to histamine response symptoms like itching, redness, or swelling; by forgoing antihistamines you may reduce this reaction and make your sessions more comfortable.

Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, any form of sun or tanning lotions and creams should be avoided to reduce photosensitive ingredients’ potential to increase skin sensitivity to light and increase risks from laser treatment side effects.

If you must use sun or tanning lotions before your laser session, be sure to let them fully dry without leaving any extra product on your skin. Also ensure you shave the area where you plan to receive treatment so there are no hairs in its way that could obstruct its path.

Most oral and topical prescription medications do not interact negatively with laser treatments; however, natural and herbal remedies may cause side effects when taken together with laser therapies.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, provides essential immune system benefits while supporting skin health. However, high doses can increase bleeding and bruising following laser hair removal treatments; therefore it is advisable for patients to discontinue taking vitamin E supplements at least two weeks prior to commencing laser treatments.

Herbal supplements and vitamins containing garlic may increase the risk of side effects after laser hair removal treatment, including more sensitive skin which could result in unwanted blotches or pigmentation after laser hair removal. Therefore, it is advised to discontinue taking such supplements at least two weeks prior to laser hair removal treatment.

Prior to your laser hair removal appointment, it is also wise to limit sun exposure for at least a week prior. Too much sunlight can heighten skin sensitivity to light and increase risk for side effects after laser hair removal treatments such as bruises, swelling and other complications. Therefore, tanning beds, spray tans or any products that darken your skin must also be avoided as this can impact results of laser treatments and make reaching desired goals difficult.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are an integral component of cell membranes throughout the body and regulate cell receptors and genetic function. Omega-3 fatty acids have long been recognized for their anti-heart disease properties as well as reduced inflammation levels and improved mental wellbeing; these essential nutrients can be found in various foods like fish oil and flaxseed oils or taken in supplement form. There are three important omega-3s: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA); with EPA and DHA coming mostly from fish sources while ALA comes from plants.

Consuming too many omega-3 fatty acids before laser hair removal can pose challenges, particularly if the skin has recently been sunburnt or tanned. Therefore, it is recommended to stop taking these supplements at least two weeks prior to treatment, and avoid topical lotions with these fatty acids on them as topicals on treatment areas. Furthermore, follow any post-treatment recommendations given by your laser technician and avoid sun exposure as much as possible and apply broad spectrum sunscreen on affected areas for safe and effective results of laser hair removal.

Blood-Thinning Medications

Laser hair removal is a safe, efficient method for eliminating unwanted body hair. In order to maximize results and minimize side effects, certain medications and dietary supplements should be avoided before beginning therapy.

Before receiving laser hair removal treatments, blood-thinning medications like aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided to lower the risk of bleeding and bruising during surgery. Therefore, it is wise to abstain from such drugs for at least three weeks prior to laser hair removal treatment.

Before laser hair removal, other medications that could potentially increase skin sensitivity must also be avoided, including Retin-A acne treatments and Tretinoin. Such drugs could make the skin photosensitive and increase its chances of sunburn or other forms of damage.

Before your laser hair removal treatment, it is wise to avoid other hair removal methods, including plucking, waxing and electrolysis for at least four weeks prior. Other hair removal techniques may disrupt hair follicles making laser treatment less effective and creating uneven skin tone.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Laser hair removal is generally safe, with side effects typically being minimal and mild. However, certain medications that contain chemicals that could potentially be photosensitive should you receive laser treatment; some examples include painkillers, antibiotics and acne drugs.

If you are currently taking one of these drugs, speak with your doctor about whether discontinuing use for several days prior to receiving laser treatment. Furthermore, on the day of your appointment try not to use any topical products such as deodorant or lotions on your skin such as deodorants or moisturizers – such as lotions or creams – since this could interfere with how effective the laser is at working its magic.

Prior to beginning laser treatments, it’s wise to shave the area where they will take place in order to help ensure that the laser reaches and treats each hair root effectively. In addition, waxing or plucking hair in that area for one month before your appointment as this can temporarily remove its root and make laser treatment impossible. Furthermore, avoid scheduling treatments around periods as your tolerance might decrease dramatically and cause additional discomfort.

Steroids

Laser hair removal works best on hair follicles that are in their new-growth stage. Unfortunately, laser treatments don’t perform well against re-growing hair and darker follicles, meaning those with blonde, gray, or white locks may require multiple sessions for their removal.

Steroid creams used to treat psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions like dermatitis may interfere with laser treatments; you should discontinue use at least two weeks prior to receiving laser therapy.

Medication prescribed to treat autoimmune conditions such as lupus or porphyria should not be used for laser hair removal as these increase your skin sensitivity. Also, gold therapy for arthritis treatment or having experienced herpes simplex or cold sores should prevent laser hair removal treatments.

Eflornithine can help slow hair growth and can be used in combination with laser treatment to diminish unwanted hair. You should avoid waxing, shaving or plucking the area where laser treatment will take place as this could lead to thermal damage to the epidermis, making your procedure less effective. After treatment is finished apply a wet washcloth over it to decrease temporary swelling afterward.

Birth Control

If you use birth control pills to help prevent pregnancy, it’s important to consult your physician prior to seeking laser hair removal treatment. Birth control pills can stop hair growth, making hirsutism (excessive hair growth) worse. For best results when treating or managing this condition, talk with an endocrinologist first before seeking laser hair removal as laser can only work once all underlying factors have been controlled and managed successfully.

Before scheduling laser hair removal appointments, it’s also wise to avoid plucking, waxing and depilatory creams for six weeks as these methods remove hair follicles directly from their roots, potentially decreasing success of treatment.

Before your appointment, it is advisable to limit sun and tanning bed exposure, particularly if you have darker skin tones. UV radiation increases your risk of hyperpigmentation and burns caused by laser treatments; should tan/burn appear upon arriving for your appointment it’s important to inform your technician immediately so they can reschedule and arrange your session as quickly as possible.

Share This Article