Laser hair removal involves placing a hand-held device against the skin and using its beam of light to send an electric current through it, producing what many describe as either rubber band snapping sensations or sunburn-like sensations.
Some medications can increase photosensitivity. These are generally medicines containing photoreactive compounds; examples include several antibiotics and gingko biloba supplements.
Wait a Week After Completing Your Antibiotics
Antibiotics used to treat specific infections may leave trace amounts in tissues and organs of your body even after you’ve finished taking all prescribed medication, potentially leading to adverse reactions or complications during laser hair removal treatment. To limit potential adverse reactions or complications caused by such treatment, it’s advisable to wait at least a week after finishing an antibiotic regimen before getting laser hair removal treatment.
Accutane and other medications and supplements that interfere with laser hair removal include Retin-A (a drug to treat acne and reduce wrinkles by increasing skin turnover) and blood thinners (drugs used to prevent blood clots). These may increase your risk of injury during laser hair removal by making skin more sensitive to light or increasing bleeding and bruising following treatment; to minimize risks during laser hair removal it’s wise to inform your physician beforehand that you intend on having this procedure done.
As many of us rely on medication for everything from cold and flu relief to mood stabilizers and acne medication, it is not unusual for individuals to take at least some form of medication daily. While most have no effect on laser hair removal procedures themselves, certain ones can make your skin more sensitive to light; such medications include those taken for Herpes Simplex 1 management as well as certain anti-acne medications.
At each laser hair removal appointment, a technician will use thermal energy from a laser to target specific hair follicles that produce unwanted hair growth and cauterize their blood supply, killing it off in one fell swoop. Therefore, prior to your appointment it’s crucial to shave off excess hair around targeted areas because otherwise thermal energy won’t reach all follicles to kill them off efficiently.
For optimal results, it is also wise to avoid applying products such as lotions, deodorant, sunless tanning products and numbing cream to the treatment area. Furthermore, physical activities that raise body temperature such as taking hot baths or sauna baths should also be avoided in order to maximize results.
Follow your technician’s post-treatment guidelines carefully for optimal success of treatment, such as limiting sun exposure and shaving the treated area. Also adhere to any recommendations made during and post treatment that ensure a successful outcome. Mild redness and swelling may occur immediately following treatment, though these should subside with time. You can help alleviate these side effects by applying cold compresses or hydrocortisone cream directly onto the treatment area. Keep in mind that results of laser hair removal can take several weeks to appear, so be patient as you follow your treatment schedule for maximum effectiveness. We welcome any inquiries on our laser hair removal page; contact us now to book your consultation session!
Wait a Month After Completing Your Antibiotics
As long as they have completed their course of antibiotics, most people can safely undergo laser hair removal treatments provided that certain precautions and guidelines are observed during and post procedure. In general, however, specific medications and dietary supplements should be avoided during laser hair removal treatment to minimize risk and ensure it’s successful results. These recommendations aim to minimize adverse reactions from occurring.
Antibiotics may make your skin sensitive to light and heat, increasing the risk of complications during laser hair removal sessions. This is especially true if taking antibiotics such as tetracycline which increase skin sensitivity by inhibiting its natural production of pigment needed to protect it against UV radiation.
Retinoids may also contribute to this side effect by stimulating cell production in the outer layer of skin and increasing its sensitivity to light and heat. Therefore, it is advised to stop taking all retinoids, such as over-the-counter retinols, glycolics, and salicylics prior to starting laser treatments.
Other medications that can increase photosensitivity include blood thinners, vitamin E pills and omega-3 fatty acid supplements. While blood thinners and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of blood clots during laser hair removal treatments, they also make your skin more likely to experience bleeding or bruising following treatment – so it is essential that you inform your laser hair removal technician of this fact beforehand.
Antihistamines may also increase photosensitivity and negatively impact laser hair removal treatments due to being composed of compounds which make skin more sensitive to UV light – including Benadryl, Claritin and Periactin.
Before beginning laser hair removal, it may be beneficial to wait at least one month after taking antibiotics for them to fully clear your system of any bacteria they killed off. This allows time for any remaining harmful organisms in your system to clear away. Even though you may not immediately notice results of taking antibiotics, they’re still killing bacteria in your body – and taking this time allows you to make sure the treatment will be both effective and safe. As with other cosmetic procedures, before starting laser hair removal it is advisable to consult a licensed medical professional in order to receive accurate information and advice regarding how best to prepare for the session. Often this means avoiding certain medications or dietary supplements as well as sun exposure; and adhering to pre- and post-treatment guidelines.
