Using a laser to eliminate unwanted body hair is a common cosmetic technique known as laser hair removal.
Many people elect to undergo laser hair removal in order to obtain a smoother, hair-free appearance because it is generally safe and effective. But, it's crucial to be aware that some prescription drugs and dietary supplements may affect the procedure and perhaps provide a risk of problems.
We will look at the drugs and supplements to stay away from before laser hair removal in this article.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Targeting the hair follicles in the skin with a laser is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment known as laser hair removal. The hair follicles are damaged and unable to produce new hair as a result of the laser's light beam being absorbed by the pigment in the follicles. Laser hair removal can be utilised on practically any area of the body, including the face, legs, arms, underarms, bikini area, and back. It is normally carried out in a doctor's office or medical spa.
Although laser hair removal is a generally risk-free operation, there are some dangers and side effects to be aware of. Changes in the colour and texture of the skin can also occur, along with redness, swelling, and itching at the treatment site. Laser hair removal can occasionally result in infection or scars.
Medications to Avoid Before Laser Hair Removal
A number of medications should be avoided before to laser hair removal as they may raise the risk of side effects or impair the procedure's effectiveness.
Prescription drugs to steer clear of include:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are drugs that fight bacterial illnesses. Tetracycline is one antibiotic that can enhance skin sensitivity to light and raise the risk of skin injury with laser hair removal. If you take antibiotics, it's crucial to let your doctor know before getting laser hair removal.
- Accutane is a drug that is prescribed to treat severe acne. It functions by reducing the quantity of oil that the skin produces. Accutane can increase the risk of skin damage from laser hair removal by making the skin more sensitive to light. Prior to getting laser hair removal, it is advised that you wait at least six months after finishing Accutane.
- Retin-A: Retin-A is a drug that treats acne and minimises the look of wrinkles. By accelerating cell turnover and exfoliating the skin, it works. Retin-A can enhance the risk of skin damage after laser hair removal by making the skin more sensitive to light. Retin-A usage should be discontinued at least two weeks before laser hair removal.
- Blood thinners: Drugs that prevent blood clots include blood thinners. These might make laser hair removal more likely to result in bleeding and bruising. If you take blood thinners, you should tell your doctor before getting laser hair removal.
- Herbal dietary supplements St. John's Wort and ginkgo biloba are two examples of herbal supplements that can increase skin's sensitivity to light and risk of skin injury after laser hair removal. Before getting laser hair removal, it is advised that you cease taking herbal supplements at least two weeks in advance.
Supplements to Avoid Before Laser Hair Removal
There are some nutrients that should be avoided prior to laser hair removal in addition to drugs. These supplements may affect how the laser works or raise the possibility of negative side effects. The most typical supplements to stay away from are:
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that supports immune system, skin, and vision health. High vitamin A dosages, however, may increase the skin's sensitivity to light and the chance of skin injury during laser hair removal. Before getting laser hair removal, it is advised that you cease taking vitamin A pills at least two weeks in advance.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that supports immune system and skin health. High vitamin E dosages, however, can raise the danger of bleeding and bruising after laser hair removal. Before getting laser hair removal, it is advised that you cease taking vitamin E pills at least two weeks in advance.
Omega-3 fatty acids: These necessary fatty acids are crucial for preventing heart disease and lowering inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acid intake in excess can, however, raise the danger of bleeding and bruising during laser hair removal. Before having laser hair removal, it is advised that you cease taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements at least two weeks in advance.
Garlic: Popular for both its culinary and therapeutic uses, garlic is a popular herb. But, using a lot of garlic can make laser hair removal more likely to result in bleeding and bruises. It is advised that you cease consuming supplements containing garlic at least two weeks before having laser hair removal.
Gingko biloba: This herbal supplement is employed for its advantages to the brain and the vascular system. Ginkgo biloba can, however, increase the risk of skin damage after laser hair removal by making the skin more sensitive to light. It is advised that you cease taking supplements containing gingko biloba at least two weeks before having laser hair removal.
Why Should You Avoid Certain Medications and Supplements Before Laser Hair Removal?
Some drugs and dietary supplements should be avoided before to laser hair removal since they may reduce the treatment's efficacy or raise the possibility of adverse effects. Antibiotics and Accutane, for instance, can increase skin's sensitivity to light and risk of skin injury after laser hair removal. Moreover, retin-A can increase the likelihood of skin damage and make the skin more light-sensitive. Blood thinners, herbal supplements, and some vitamins can make laser hair removal more likely to result in bleeding and bruises.
The laser used for laser hair removal works to remove the pigment from the hair follicles. This indicates that the laser also targets the skin's pigment. Skin injury may result if the skin absorbs more laser energy due to increased light sensitivity. The therapy may be more unpleasant and subject to more difficulties if the skin is more prone to bleeding and bruising.
What Should You Do Before of a Laser Hair Removal Procedure?
It is crucial to let your doctor know about any medications or dietary supplements you are taking if you intend to undergo laser hair removal. Your doctor can provide you advice on which drugs and supplements you should stay away from prior to laser hair removal.
Before getting laser hair removal, it's vital to follow a few rules as well. These recommendations can aid in ensuring the safety and efficacy of the treatment.
Among the most popular recommendations are:
Avoid sun exposure: Before getting laser hair removal, you should avoid getting too much sun. Sun exposure might increase the risk of skin damage during treatment by causing the skin to become more light-sensitive.
Shave the treatment area: It is advised that you shave the treatment area before having laser hair removal. By doing so, you may make sure the laser is only focused on the hair follicles and not the surface hair.
It is advised that you refrain from applying topical lotions, such as moisturisers or analgesics, before getting laser hair removal. The efficacy of the treatment may be hampered by these creams.
After having laser hair removal, it's vital to follow the post-treatment guidelines provided by your doctor. This could entail staying out of the sun, refraining from particular activities, and applying topical treatments to lessen redness and swelling.
Conclusion
Unwanted hair can be successfully removed with the common cosmetic procedure of laser hair removal. To make sure the treatment is safe and effective, it is crucial to avoid taking specific medications and supplements before starting it.
“Before to laser hair removal, one should avoid taking some vitamins, herbal supplements, blood thinners, antibiotics, Accutane, and Retin-A.”
It is crucial to let your doctor know about any medications or dietary supplements you are taking if you intend to undergo laser hair removal. Your doctor can provide you advice on which drugs and supplements you should stay away from prior to therapy.
Also, it's crucial to adhere to a few rules both before and after getting laser hair removal. These recommendations can aid in ensuring the safety and efficacy of the treatment. Some of the most typical recommendations include limiting sun exposure, shaving the treatment area, refraining from topical treatments, and adhering to post-treatment instructions.
Overall, when performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner, laser hair removal is a secure and efficient cosmetic procedure. You can ensure that your therapy is safe and effective with few risks and adverse effects by avoiding specific drugs and supplements and adhering to pre- and post-treatment guidelines.
