Before starting a diode laser hair removal treatment, it is important to inform the clinic of any medication you are taking. Although most pharmaceutical treatments do not prevent a laser session, there are some medications that can increase the skins sensitivity to light or alter the skins response.

Therefore, rather than talking about a list of medications completely incompatible with laser hair removal, it is important to know which medications require caution and a professional assessment before performing the treatment.

Why can some medications affect laser hair removal?

The diode laser emits light that is converted into heat when absorbed by the hairs melanin. This heat reaches the hair follicle and damages it, hindering hair growth.

Some medications can cause photosensitivity, that is, make the skin react more intensely or unusually.

Not all photosensitising medications necessarily react the same way to a given wavelength. For this reason, taking a photosensitising medication does not automatically mean you cannot have laser hair removal, but it is important to report it before the session.

Which medications may require special caution when starting a laser hair removal treatment?

1. Certain antibiotics

Certain antibiotics can cause photosensitivity. Among these are some that belong to the tetracycline group, such as doxycycline, minocycline or tetracycline.

The photosensitivity associated with tetracyclines is documented, although the risk can vary depending on the medication. There are also other antibiotics that can produce photosensitivity reactions.

If you are taking an antibiotic, inform the clinic before the session. Do not stop the treatment on your own in order to have the laser. The professional will assess whether it is appropriate to perform the session, postpone it or consult your doctor.

2. Medications for acne treatments

Isotretinoin, used to treat certain cases of acne, is one of the medications that raises the most doubts when it comes to laser treatments.

For years it was recommended to avoid certain aesthetic procedures during isotretinoin treatment and for a subsequent period. However, more recent evidence has questioned whether it is necessary to specifically delay laser hair removal for this reason.

Even so, isotretinoin can make the skin drier and more sensitive. Therefore, if you are taking isotretinoin, you must inform before starting or continuing a laser hair removal treatment so that your specific case can be assessed.

Before any medical treatment related to the skin, Laser Factory will request prior medical authorization.

3. Some medications for depression and anxiety

Some medications used to treat depression can be associated with photosensitivity reactions. This does not mean that a person taking antidepressants cannot have laser hair removal. The risk depends on the specific medication, the dose, individual sensitivity and how long it has been taken, since tolerance may vary with continued use. For this reason, it is important to assess each case individually and consult a healthcare professional before undergoing the treatment.

Therefore, if you are taking antidepressants, it is advisable to inform the clinic before the session and consult any doubts with the healthcare professional who prescribed the treatment.

4. Some anti-inflammatories and painkillers

Certain anti-inflammatory medications or steroids, such as ketoprofen or ibuprofen, can be associated with photosensitivity reactions.

However, this does not mean that taking one of these medications occasionally necessarily implies that you must cancel the session.

The important thing is to inform about any medication you are taking, especially if it is a regular treatment.

5. Some medications for high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems

Some drugs used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases can also cause photosensitivity. Among the drugs described are some diuretics, certain calcium channel blockers and amiodarone.

If you are undergoing treatment for blood pressure or any cardiovascular disease, always inform before having laser treatment.

6. Other photosensitizing medications

The list does not end here. Photosensitivity reactions have also been reported with certain:

• Antifungals.
• Antiepileptics.
• Antihistamines.
• Antimalarials.
• Cardiovascular drugs.
• Anti-inflammatories.
• Diuretics.

For this reason, it is not advisable to decide based on the brand name of the drug whether you can have laser treatment or not. The important thing is to know the active ingredient and assess its possible effects on the skin.

And what if I am taking a drug that appears on this list?

First of all: never stop taking a medication on your own to be able to have a laser hair removal session.

Before having a laser hair removal session, check the patient information leaflet to see if it includes precautions related to photosensitivity and whether it specifies any waiting period, both during treatment and after it has ended.

If you are undergoing medical treatment, inform the laser hair removal center team before the session. Depending on the medication and your situation, it can be assessed whether any precautions are necessary, whether the treatment should be temporarily modified, or whether it should be discussed with your doctor.

What information about medications should you give before your laser hair removal session?

Before starting treatment, inform the center if:

• You are taking any medication regularly.
• You have recently started a treatment.
• You are taking antibiotics.
• You are undergoing treatment for acne.
• You take antidepressants or other medications that may cause photosensitivity.
• You use medications or topical products that may irritate the skin.
• You have recently had a significant reaction to the sun.
• Your skin is especially irritated or sensitized.

This information allows for a better assessment of the condition of the skin and to decide whether the session can be carried out normally.

Laser hair removal and medications: safety first

The diode laser hair removal is a treatment that must be adapted to the characteristics of each person and their skin. Therefore, before each session it is important to communicate any relevant change in your medication.

If you have doubts about a specific medication, contact us and we will be happy to resolve them.

Frequently asked questions about laser hair removal and medications