Laser hair removal is a popular solution for both women and men looking to rid themselves of unwanted body hair, but when using Retinol there are certain precautions you need to take.
Avoid direct sun exposure (including fake tanning) and allow time for your skin to adjust after each session – your Entre Nous aesthetician will factor this into their body hair treatment plan!
1. Don’t Apply Retinol on the Same Area of Your Skin
Retinol is not your average skincare ingredient – it has potency and should be used responsibly; especially when combined with laser hair removal treatment. Therefore, its usage rulebook must be observed, particularly if receiving treatment simultaneously.
Retinoids are a category of skin-care products that includes both over-the-counter and prescription retinol, and also tretinoin (a form of vitamin A available by prescription). Dermatologists utilize them for treating acne, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and sun damage as well as speeding cell turnover to create smoother looking skin. Although retinol may make your skin more susceptible to outside forces such as skincare products or laser hair removal procedures; dermatologists have special rules regarding its usage alongside any of these treatments simultaneously.
Before having laser hair removal treatments, be sure to avoid all retinol products and skincare ingredients such as AHAs/BHAs, hydroquinone, Tazorac and Differin which could trigger redness, itchiness, dryness and potentially interfere with results. These can all cause redness, itchiness and dryness which could hinder results of your laser treatment.
As part of your laser treatment, it is also wise to avoid self-tanners or any creams or lotions that dye the skin – this ensures that it works more effectively without leaving behind patches of undone skin.
If you require any lotions or other treatments in an area of your body that will be being treated, make sure it has been properly cleansed prior to your appointment. Also shave any areas being addressed so they will be ready for treatment when they come.
Laser hair removal treatments are often administered on legs, underarms and bikini area – though any part of your body such as face, arms chest and stomach could potentially be treated. Laser treatments work to eliminate unwanted hair by damaging its pigment follicles to stop growth back – however regular visits will still be required in order to achieve lasting results.
2. Don’t Apply Retinol on Sunburned Skin
Retinol, while powerful skincare ingredient, can be hard on skin. It increases photosensitivity and can be an irritant; so when applying it before laser hair removal sessions it must be applied cautiously and avoided on sunburned skin as doing so may lead to severe burns and scarring. For optimal results it is advised that at least two weeks should pass between your last application of retinol product and laser hair removal sessions.
Retinols are powerful ingredients that can speed up cell turnover, making your cells healthier and smoother. But large doses should only be used under medical supervision as this could lead to dry, irritated, flaky skin. They’re also photosensitive, meaning certain medications and treatments like laser hair removal could affect them adversely.
If you are planning to undergo laser hair removal, it’s essential that when reapplying your retinol each morning and night you use a moisturizer with SPF in it – particularly during the cold and dry winter weather months when skin can be particularly parched. A rich balm-like formula works particularly well.
As well, any harsh scrubs or exfoliants used on the treated area should be avoided as this may damage skin cells and undermine results. Abrasive products may even lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in those with darker complexions.
Self-tanners or fake tans should also be avoided at least four weeks prior to having laser treatment done, since these products can get into the hair follicle and hinder its ability to target natural pigmentation in your hair.
Shave the area prior to starting laser treatment; this will ensure that it can accurately target hair follicles. In addition, try not to wear makeup or other lotions on areas being treated, as this could cover hair follicles and reduce effectiveness during laser therapy.
If you are uncertain of whether it is safe for you to use your current skincare regimen prior to receiving laser hair removal treatments, speak to one of the professionals at Xanadu Med Spa who can offer tailored advice about both. They offer customized advice about skincare regimens and laser therapies.
3. Don’t Apply Retinol on Irritated Skin
Retinol is an effective ingredient to use for skin issues like acne, anti-ageing and pigmentation as well as fine lines and wrinkles. However, there may be side effects, so only use where appropriate and follow any advice provided by a healthcare provider – which means only taking small doses at any one time.
Retinol products make your skin extremely fragile as they promote cell turnover, leading to thinner top layers of skin which increases risk for burning or other side effects when exposed to heat.
To avoid these potential issues, it’s a good idea to forego using retinol just prior to getting laser hair removal. Additionally, avoid any other topical skincare products containing acids, benzoyl peroxide and retinol-like ingredients (a la Differin). Instead use a gentle cleanser and moisturizing product which does not include alpha-hydroxy acids or vitamin C in its ingredients.
At all times while using retinol, it is recommended to wear sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher to protect the skin from becoming oversensitive to sunlight and irritation. Retinol may increase sun sensitivity as well as make skin more susceptible to itching and redness.
Therefore, it is advisable to gradually introduce retinol onto your face over time until you have developed tolerance to it. In this way, you can gradually build up to daily usage and reap all its advantages.
Concerned about this rule? Recent studies show that retinoids do not thin skin. While retinoids may increase your sensitivity to light, which requires extra caution when combined with other treatments.
4. Don’t Apply Retinol on the Same Area of Your Skin at the Same Time
If you use retinol products, it’s wise to wait at least several weeks prior to having laser hair removal done before applying them in the area that needs laser treatment. Retinols encourage dead cells to shed and replace with new cells quickly, leaving your skin extremely sensitive; to minimize any complications during laser hair removal it’s also advisable not to shave, tweeze or wax those areas before making an appointment for laser hair removal.
Before your appointment, it is wise to refrain from using skincare products that increase sensitivity such as alpha-hydroxy acids or hydroquinone that could potentially irritate or worsen treatment, resulting in redness or swelling. An SPF 30+ sunscreen and moisturizer containing no alpha-hydroxy acids or retinol may also be beneficial.
Laser hair removal uses light energy to target and destroy individual hairs. While not 100% effective at eliminating all traces of unwanted hair growth, laser treatment has proven significantly effective and saves both time and money when compared with traditional hair removal methods like shaving, tweezing or depilatory creams. Keep in mind that multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart may be required in order to reach desired results.
Laser treatments should never be performed while pregnant or breastfeeding, taking certain prescription medicines (blood thinners and antidepressants, for instance), herbal supplements or having sunburned or irritated skin; or when pregnant. Any combination of these factors could potentially increase risks during and post procedure.
Laser hair removal combined with retinol products is often highly beneficial, particularly for patients who have mixed skin types. Before adding any such product into your routine, speak to a dermatologist and obtain their recommendations regarding when and how best to utilize these treatments together. They will also be able to advise as to when is best timed with laser treatments for optimal effectiveness.
