Laser hair removal is a safe and pain-free solution to unwanted hair removal. The process utilizes laser light to destroy pigment in hair follicles, thus stopping further growth of new follicles.
Many medications do not cause adverse side effects associated with Laser Hair Removal, however some do. Some of the more frequently taken drugs include:
Acne Treatments
At a laser hair removal treatment, a wavelength of light is absorbed by cells containing pigmented cells on your skin to convert into heat, damaging cells and disrupting hair follicles, stopping their ability to grow new hair strands. Cooling technology on the laser device protects surrounding tissues against damage during this process.
Laser hair removal is typically safe when performed by an experienced cosmetic dermatologist, yet it’s still wise to be aware of possible drug interactions and pre-treatment guidelines in order to minimize side effects and complications like hyperpigmentation, blisters or burns. Dr. Green from her Upper East Side practice can offer expert guidance that reduces risks such as hyperpigmentation or burns during your session.
Retin-A is a well-known skincare medication, widely prescribed to reduce wrinkles and acne scars by speeding up cell turnover and exfoliating skin cells. Unfortunately, however, retin-A also increases your skin sensitivity to light which increases risk for laser hair removal injury – therefore discontinuation should occur at least two weeks prior to laser hair removal treatment.
Acne medications are prescribed to patients for various reasons, including treating severe acne. Some antibiotics, like tetracycline, may increase light sensitivity and increase the risk of laser hair removal treatments; it is advised that patients taking such drugs wait six months until undergoing laser hair removal treatments.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment used to eradicate unwanted hair, leaving behind skin that looks smooth and flawless. However, prior to receiving laser treatments it is wise to avoid certain medications and dietary supplements in order to lower the likelihood of adverse side effects.
Antibiotics such as tetracycline may increase sensitivity of skin to light and increase risk during laser hair removal procedures. Accutane should also be discontinued at least six months prior to having laser hair removal done.
Certain over-the-counter pain relievers and antidepressants may trigger phototoxic or photoallergic reactions during Laser Hair Removal sessions. These more serious reactions are caused by chemicals within these drugs that change molecular structures and cause the immune system to react against it as though it were harmful foreign substances. Although these reactions do not pose a direct threat, clients should be aware of them prior to scheduling their laser session.
Many people find laser hair removal far less painful than shaving or waxing. A client can reduce discomfort during a laser session by limiting caffeine intake (which causes dehydration and lowers pain threshold) as well as premedicating with OTC pain relievers prior to their appointment. Furthermore, an anesthetic cream should also be applied directly over the area being treated so as to eliminate sensations of heat caused by laser treatments.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that supports immune health and skin integrity. Unfortunately, high doses can increase your risk of skin injury during laser hair removal treatment; thus it is recommended that supplements containing vitamin E be discontinued two weeks before your laser session.
Any method of hair removal that targets the root should be avoided in the month leading up to a laser appointment, including tweezing, waxing and plucking. Such practices remove pigment from hair roots that lasers cannot target effectively.
Before having laser hair removal treatment, it is advisable to avoid self-tanning products and tanning beds at least a few days in advance, in order to protect the skin from direct sun exposure that could result in permanent pigmentation changes to that area.
After receiving laser treatments, it is recommended to apply perfume-free sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on all of the treated areas. Furthermore, you should keep an aloe vera cooling lotion in the fridge and use it regularly on more sensitive skin after treatments. A soothing cream may also prove helpful and speed up skin’s return to its natural tone more quickly after laser procedures. Furthermore, shaving the area until its fully healed should also be avoided in order to allow natural hair loss rather than being forced out prematurely through shaving.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure designed to inhibit unwanted hair growth. Multiple sessions, usually four or six, may be required in order to achieve maximum effectiveness; the success of which depends on individual factors like skin color and type. Unfortunately, white or blond hair cannot be removed with laser treatments as their pigment cannot be detected by the laser system and targeted accordingly.
Before your appointment, it is essential that any medications which increase sun sensitivity be discontinued, and use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 rating on daily basis in order to protect yourself from laser targeting of sun-sensitive areas of skin that could result in blisters or burns from laser targeting.
Before your appointment, it is also advisable to refrain from applying topical creams or lotions in the area being treated, as these could create an obstruction that would prevent laser light from reaching hair follicles effectively.
Communicate openly and honestly with your technician regarding any medications or natural supplements such as gingko biloba and garlic that could alter how your skin reacts to laser hair removal light, possibly leading to hypopigmentation or discoloration issues. Sharing this information will allow them to determine the most suitable strategy for you during laser hair removal treatments.
Blood Clotting Drugs
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective solution to unwanted body hair. Laser light targets pigment in hair follicles to convert them to heat energy that damages them, stopping future hair growth. Usually the process requires two to six sessions.
Before beginning treatment, a technician will apply topical numbing cream to reduce any discomfort from laser pulses. Laser treatments must only be conducted by licensed medical professionals.
Some medications and dietary supplements may interfere with laser treatments. For instance, antibiotics like Tetracycline can increase your skin sensitivity to sunlight, increasing your chances of sunburn post-laser hair removal treatment. Anticoagulants/blood thinners raise bleeding risks during laser hair removal treatments so it is wise to avoid them altogether.
If you take medication that makes your skin sensitive to light, it is crucial that you consult with a physician prior to scheduling any laser treatments in order to ensure their safety for you. Furthermore, when receiving laser treatment it is wise to avoid tanning lotions, self-tanners, exfoliating treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasions, as well as shaving the area that will be treated at least 24 hours prior to any appointment.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient to ensure healthy skin. You may find Vitamin A found in skincare treatments and supplements for wrinkle reduction, like Retinol. Retinol may also be used in combination with laser hair removal treatments to reduce fine lines and wrinkles; however, as it increases skin sensitivity it should be discontinued prior to laser hair removal treatments in order to make them less uncomfortable and ensure optimal results. Therefore it is strongly advised that any Retinol products be discontinued at least a week before any scheduled session of laser hair removal treatment session in order to maximize results and make laser hair removal sessions more successful and comfortable.
Supplements that contain garlic or gingko biloba can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising during laser hair removal treatments, so it is recommended that these be discontinued two weeks in advance of any scheduled procedures.
Before your laser hair removal treatment, it is also crucial that you avoid tanning. Tanning makes it harder for laser beams to target dark pigments effectively and could result in burns. Therefore, we advise using high-SPF sunscreen outdoors when outdoors and refraining from tanning at least a week prior to receiving laser hair removal treatments.
Staying hydrated by drinking enough water will also help minimize dryness, which may make laser hair removal more uncomfortable.
