Antibiotics increase photosensitivity and may lead to side effects during laser treatment, typically mild and temporary but potentially severe side effects may result.
Arrive for your laser session with clean skin that is free from makeup, lotions, oils, deodorant, sunless tanning cream and any other products which could block light from reaching your hair follicles – this will also prevent clogged pores which can lead to acne breakouts.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics frequently cause diarrhea, usually mild and temporary in nature. Some antibiotics can also cause photosensitivity – an effect which causes skin to be extremely sensitive to light exposure, making laser treatments potentially painful or dangerous for use on such sensitive areas of skin.
Antibiotics can be powerful tools in fighting infections when taken according to instructions, yet up to half of antibiotic use is unnecessary. Excessive use can lead to antibiotic resistance – when bacteria adapt so that medicines no longer work against them; superbugs emerge and present serious threats to human health. To minimize antibiotic resistance, always take antibiotics exactly as instructed – no saving them up or using them against viral infections!
Viruses are smaller than bacteria, yet just as dangerous. By invading healthy cells, viruses cause diseases that include colds, flus, sore throats, coughs and runny noses – as well as serious illnesses like smallpox, measles, mumps, herpes and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Unfortunately, unlike bacteria, viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Many people take medication to manage their illness, including antibiotics, cold and flu remedies, mood regulators and acne medication. Therefore, it’s not unusual to be on medications when coming in for laser hair removal treatments; most won’t interfere with laser hair removal treatment itself but some could increase the risk of an adverse reaction.
Antibiotics can take several days to leave your system, so until your doctor gives the go-ahead for laser hair removal treatments after taking antibiotics you should wait to start treatment with laser. Certain antibiotics (tetracycline and doxycyline in particular) may make skin more sensitive to heat and increase risk of burns or blistering during treatments.
Accutane is a medication designed to treat severe acne by decreasing the amount of oil your skin produces, but if you’re taking this medicine it is essential that you inform your physician prior to seeking laser hair removal as taking Accutane can decrease its effectiveness and raise risks of adverse reactions similar to sunburns.
Accutane
Accutane can be effective at treating acne, yet some patients worry that laser hair removal cannot take place while taking it. For safety purposes, it is advised that at least several months pass between stopping Accutane and seeking laser hair removal treatment as this will give your skin time to stabilize. It will also ensure any adverse side effects have dissipated.
Avoid treatments that pull hair out from its source, such as waxing, tweezing, chemical epilation and microneedling. Shaving should be performed before visiting a laser technician so they can clearly pinpoint where the hair follicles lie beneath your skin’s surface. Also try to limit sun exposure using sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 rating.
Informing your laser technician of any photosensitive medications such as tetracycline or doxycycline antibiotics that increase sunlight sensitivity could increase burn risks or hyperpigmentation during laser treatments.
As well, it is recommended to forgoing tanning at home, in tanning salons, or using self-tanner for at least two weeks prior to scheduling laser hair removal appointments, since laser treatments will target pigmented hair follicles that could alter your natural complexion.
Finally, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid laser hair removal as it is unsafe. The FDA issued an advisory concerning laser treatment’s risks to unborn fetuses during gestation; according to this warning laser treatments may interfere with metabolizing Vitamin A properly as well as expose them to potentially harmful agents.
Although there is still no official advice regarding when and how long after discontinuing Accutane to receive laser hair removal, most dermatologists and laser technicians typically suggest waiting a minimum of six weeks after stopping treatment in order to ensure all menstrual cycles have passed and that you do not risk exposure of your unborn fetus during that period of time. Unfortunately this rule doesn’t apply to males or those without potential childbearing potential.
Antihistamines
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, it’s essential that all antibiotics have left your system. This will lower the risk of adverse reactions and complications during treatments; however, most men and women find that even with complete rounds of antibiotics taken, thermal energy used in laser treatments can still cause some pain or discomfort in sensitive areas; thankfully though, this discomfort often only lasts a few hours after each session!
Laser hair removal works by targeting the blood vessels that feed hair follicles in a target area. Once these blood vessels no longer provide essential nourishment to grow hair follicles, these follicles die and eventually stop producing hair altogether. The thermal energy from the laser does not cause permanent skin damage but rather cauterizes these blood vessels so new hair may sprout back in this area; consequently it is necessary to have six to eight treatments in succession in order for optimal results to occur.
While most medications and supplements do not affect laser hair removal, there may be certain ones that make your skin more sensitive to sunlight if you have naturally fair or light skin that tends to burn easily in direct sunlight. If this applies to you, please notify your licensed medical laser technician so they can personalize a treatment plan that ensures maximum success for you.
Certain antihistamines contain photosensitive compounds that could interfere with laser treatments, so it’s advisable to avoid taking antihistamines like Benadryl or Claritin for two weeks prior to any laser session.
Accutane can increase the risk of laser skin injury during laser hair removal treatments by decreasing oil production by the skin, leading to more intense reactions than would otherwise be experienced when exposed to laser heat. Accutane should be stopped at least six months prior to scheduling laser hair removal appointments.
Before scheduling a laser hair removal treatment session, certain medications and herbal supplements that increase bleeding risk should also be avoided, including blood thinners and herbal remedies that promote healing of bruises or cuts. Make sure that any current medications or dietary supplements taken by yourself or anyone in your care are revealed to your licensed medical laser technician before scheduling treatment sessions.
Other Medications
Many of us take medication for various reasons, from cold and flu remedies, antibiotics, mood stabilizers, acne medication and birth control pills to birth control pills and birth control implants. It is vital that all licensed medical laser technicians know about all medications you are taking including over-the-counter herbs or vitamins as many contain photosensitive compounds which could interfere with laser treatments; especially antidepressants like Zoloft Prozac Vivactil etc as these could increase skin sensitivity leading to adverse side effects during laser hair removal treatments.
Other medications that can have adverse reactions during laser hair removal treatments include herbal supplements like gingko biloba, garlic and vitamin E. Consuming large quantities can make skin more sensitive to UV radiation exposure during treatments; thus increasing chances of skin damage during sessions. It is wise to discontinue taking these herbs and vitamins two weeks prior to your laser hair removal session for best results.
Laser treatments are typically safe while taking antibiotics or certain dietary or herbal supplements; however, it’s essential that you follow any pre and post treatment guidelines provided by a licensed laser technician based on the medications and supplements that you are currently taking.
Laser hair removal can be very effective at reducing the number of hair follicles that grow, but does not guarantee permanent reduction or total hair loss. When hair does regrow after laser therapy, it often grows back thinner and lighter in color than its initial growth; sometimes none at all!
At Simplicity Laser, it is also essential to keep in mind the influence that hair color has on laser treatments. Red, blonde and grey tend to respond less favorably to laser hair removal treatments compared to other colors; therefore it is advisable to speak with one of their technicians regarding expected outcomes before scheduling an appointment.
