Some medications should not be used during laser hair removal because they are photosensitive, in other words, they can interfere with the hair removal process by altering the skin’s response to the emission of the light beam emitted by the laser.
Laser hair removal works because the light emitted is absorbed by melanin, so any medications that alter melanin function, increase skin sensitivity or increase the inflammatory response of the skin are counterproductive in these situations.
List of medications incompatible with laser depilation
The compatibility of the following medications depends on how they affect the skin and the skin’s ability to respond to laser treatment. Therefore, it is important that both the professional and the user communicate clearly, in order to establish the possible risks. When in doubt, it is best to ask.
- Antibiotics:
- Tetracyclines
- Fluoroquinolones
- Acne medications:
- Tretinoin
- Antidepressants:
- Amitriptyline
- Fluoxetine
- Paroxetine
- Medications for hypertension:
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Enalapril
- Atenolol
- Diabetes medications:
- Pioglitazone
- Glyburide
- Metformin
- Topical or systemic corticosteroids:
- Prednisone
- Betamethasone
- Hydrocortisone
- Medications for skin pigmentation disorders:
- Hydroquinone (used in skin lightening treatments)
- Antipsychotics:
- Chlorpromazine
- Haloperidol
- Risperidone
- Vaccines: there is currently no known vaccine with photosensitive effects. However, there are some vaccines that may cause certain skin reactions in people who are more sensitive to the sun or have previous skin conditions.
These are usually mild and sporadic reactions, such as rashes following administration of yellow fever vaccine, measles, rubella and influenza vaccine.
Other well-known and commonly used drugs that can cause complications are omeoprazole, diazepam and ibuprofen. The latter is particularly sensitive, so it is usually recommended not to use it in the 48 hours prior to the hair removal session. Paracetamol is not a problem for the skin during laser hair removal.
And we must also take into account those medications or topical products that may include counterproductive active ingredients with laser hair removal. For example, corticosteroids, acne creams with vitamin A acid, antibacterial deodorants and cosmetics or perfumes containing lemon, carrot, artichoke, lavender, celery, cedar, bergamot or sandalwood.
Effects of medications incompatible with lasers
Photosensitive medications can make the skin more prone to burns or irritation during a laser hair removal session. In addition, they can also cause allergic skin reactions when combined with exposure to light.
Medications for diabetes and some antipsychotics also interfere with melanin production and the pigment distribution process in the skin, so they reduce the effectiveness of the laser beam.
Anti-inflammatory drugs may hinder healing. And some medications, such as oral contraceptives, can alter hormone levels in the body and affect hair growth.
It should be noted that each case may be different and the effects may vary depending on the amount of drug injected or the period of treatment.
It does not produce the same effect the previous or subsequent intake of the medication. Those that increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, may affect regardless of the time of intake. While those that affect the skin’s ability to heal properly may have a greater effect if the intake occurs after the hair removal session.
What are photosensitive medications?
Photosensitive drugs are those which, due to their composition, may cause an adverse skin reaction when exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation, because they increase skin sensitivity.
Doing so may cause redness, swelling, burning, blistering or discoloration of the skin. As we have already seen in the previous list, there are many medications with this capacity. This is why it is so important to read medication labels and consult, if in doubt.
