The rules surrounding retinol and laser hair removal can be confusing.
Here’s what happens when they mix, plus tips from dermatologists.
Dont wear itwithout SPF!
Dont mix it withpowerful acids!
Dont combineretinol and waxing!
Oh, and one more worth adding to the list: Dont use it around lasers.
board-certified medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatologist
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removalis a cosmetic procedure that destroys hair follicles at the root through repetitive pulses of light.
How does retinol work?
This is also why derms recommend using gentler, specifically-formulated products when usingretinol for your under eyes.
Retinols vs. retinoids vs. tretinoin: Whats the difference?
This is because tretinoin has a higher potency than retinol.
Retinol is a weaker form of a retinoid, explains Georgetown-based SkinSpirit aesthetic nurse specialistKathy Shay, RN.
Can I use retinol before laser hair removal?
The short answer: Experts dont recommend it.
board-certified medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatologist
What happens if you use retinol before a laser treatment?
The severity of the effects will depend on the concentration of the retinol, she notes.
Patients with dry or sensitive skin are more likely to have a reaction, hence whymyskin turned red.
This allows enough time for the skin to repair itself since the retinols exfoliate the skin.
If youre getting a non-ablative laser treatment, downgrade the dose to 0.05%.
And be sure to go heavy on the moisturizer throughout the process to prevent reactions.
What other skincare should you avoid during laser hair removal?
Cutting out retinol isnt the only precaution you should take before going under the laser.
This is key to ensuring you have the best experience and results, says Boakye.
The patient needs to follow them to mitigate irritation and side effects.
When should I resume retinol after laser hair removal?
Your usual skin care regimen can be fully resumed at this time as well, she adds.
But, this timeline may differ depending on the specific laser treatment.
Also, wait 24 hours post-procedure, then slather on zinc-based sunscreen religiously for the next two weeks.
Then, youll be all good to get back to your regularly scheduled retinol-ing.
FAQs:
How long should you stop retinol before laser hair removal?
What happens if you get laser hair removal after using retinol?
Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to light.
Because laser hair removal devices use heavy flashes of light, this opens up your already-vulnerable skin to irritation.
[It] can cause longer healing times and possibly burns and scarring, says Shay.
Can I use retinol while doing IPL?
However, she still recommends talking to your doctor or provider prior to using retinol.
As a general rule of thumb, stop all retinol use one week beforehand.
Can I get laser hair removal while on tretinoin?
you could, but you (and your skin) may regret it.
Tretinoin, like retinol, is a retinoid.
Can you use vitamin C before laser hair removal?
Dr. Boakye says its typically fine to use vitamin C before laser hair removal.
However, your provider may lower the energy setting if your skin shows signs of irritation.
Can I use hyaluronic acid while getting laser hair removal?
Hyaluronic acidis a moisturizing ingredient, Dr. Boakye says, so theres no issue there.
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