Experts used to recommend that you stop using retinoids before laser hair removal for safe treatments. But now, new research shows it may be okay to keep using them. Today, we’ll explain how retinoids and laser hair removal can work together.

Laser Hair Removal and Retinoids

To understand how laser hair removal and retinoids work together, it helps to know what each one actually does.

Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of laser energy to target the hair follicle under the skin, not just the hair you see on the surface. The laser damages the follicle so that hair stops growing in that area over time.

Retinol is a form of over-the-counter Vitamin A. It helps your skin make new cells and boosts collagen, keeping it looking smooth and youthful. Many people use retinol to treat acne, fine lines, and dark spots.

Understanding the Powerhouse Ingredients

Potential Concerns and Best Practices

One reason people have been told not to use retinol while getting laser hair removal is skin sensitivity. To be clear, not everyone experiences sensitivity after laser hair removal. But for some, mild redness or irritation is normal and can even mean treatment is working.

And if you want to help soothe your skin after a treatment, aloe vera can help. With retinol treatments, sensitivity to sunlight via sun exposure is more common. It can also cause dryness, flaking, itching, or redness, especially at first.

Because of these side effects, many laser technicians recommend stopping retinol before getting laser treatments. But that thinking is starting to change, and we’ll explain why.

Is There a Recommended Waiting Period?

When retinoids were first approved by the FDA in the 1970s and lasers started being used in skincare, doctors noticed that some patients had slower healing after treatments. Because of that, the advice was to stop using retinol during laser hair removal to avoid any problems.

Newer research shows that using retinoids and undergoing laser hair removal poses no significant risk, provided proper precautions are followed. Protect your skin from the sun. The skin should be thoroughly cleansed before treatment, with no product residue remaining, and there should be no visible side effects from retinoid use at the time of treatment.

In the past, people were told to wait at least a week after laser treatment before using retinol again and slowly adding it back to their skincare routine due to UV sensitivity. Now, that waiting period is no longer required unless sensitivity occurs. If irritation is present, wait one to two days before reapplying topical retinoids, and consistently use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin.

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Newer research shows that using retinoids and undergoing laser hair removal poses no significant risk …”

Alternative Approaches

In rare cases, your dermatologist or laser technician might still recommend taking a break from retinol, especially if your skin is very sensitive to that treatment plan.

But don’t worry. You can still keep your skincare routine on track. There are great retinol alternatives that support healthy, glowing skin. 

Look for anti-aging products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, or ceramides. These help keep your skin hydrated, smooth, and protected without increasing sensitivity during laser treatments.

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Ready To Book Your Free Consultation?

Thinking about laser hair removal, but unsure if it’s right for you? You’re not alone. Thousands of people are trading in shaving and waxing for smoother, longer-lasting results. At Milan Laser Hair Removal, you can start with a free consultation at one of our 400+ locations nationwide. Find a convenient location near you and start your hair-free journey today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

You can safely use retinol serum after laser hair removal. If your skin feels sensitive right after treatment, wait a day or two before applying any topical products. But overall, there are no restrictions with using retinol after laser hair removal as long as your skin is comfortable.

There is no harm in keeping up your regular skincare routine. Most skincare products, including retinol creams, are safe to use during laser hair removal, provided your skin tolerates them well. You can maintain your regular routine, but ensure your skin is clean and free of any product immediately before treatment.

You don’t need to stop using retinol before a laser hair removal session. Both topical retinol and oral retinoids are considered safe during treatment. The only precaution? Don’t apply topical retinol right before your appointment. You’ll want your skin to be clean, product-free, and at baseline skin tone before the laser is used.

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