Which skincare products should I pause before a laser treatment?

What should I stop, check or keep using?

What about acne treatments and brightening serums?

Put benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, adapalene, tretinoin and topical antibiotics on the list you discuss with the clinic. Some topical acne treatments irritate skin, so mention any current irritation rather than reporting only the product names. Persistent irritation despite using an acne treatment less often needs a healthcare professional's advice.3

Include vitamin C, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids and hydroquinone if you use them for sun damage or pigmentation. These products have different jobs: vitamin C is an antioxidant, alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate, and hydroquinone lightens pigmentation. They do not belong on an identical stop and restart schedule just because they share a bathroom shelf.4

Which medicines need a separate conversation?

Tell the clinician about all medicines, including aspirin and past or current isotretinoin use. Before resurfacing, doxycycline and minocycline need review because they increase light sensitivity; arrange any interruption with the prescriber. Do not apply a cosmetic serum's pause schedule to prescription tablets.12

Alitretinoin, also called Toctino, has a specific restriction: avoid laser treatment while taking it and for six months afterwards. The medicine makes skin more delicate, and wounds can take longer to heal. This is a reason to discuss postponing the procedure, not simply skipping a tablet before the appointment. Alitretinoin and isotretinoin are different medicines; give the clinic the exact name.5

How do I get my routine ready?

1. 1Have a consultation before laser hair removal and ask what you need to do beforehand.
2. 2Bring the names of your skincare products and medicines, and ask which to stop, which to continue and when to restart each one.
3. 3Tell the dermatologist about a recent tan, a tendency to scar, raised scars called keloids, and any history of cold sores or genital herpes.
4. 4Start following the clinic's preparation instructions immediately, including avoiding outdoor tanning, tanning beds and sunless tanners before hair removal.
5. 5Apply sunscreen every day before going outdoors. Sun protection belongs in the preparation routine, not on the pause list.

Ask for the product instructions in writing, so your bathroom shelf does not have to rely on your memory.1

When can I restart my products?

After resurfacing, avoid aggressive treatments such as tretinoin and glycolic acid for four weeks. Treated areas generally heal in five to 21 days. Follow the clinician's cleansing and ointment instructions rather than immediately returning to your usual routine.2

After hair removal, redness, swelling and discomfort commonly last one to three days. A cool compress can ease discomfort. Follow your dermatologist's aftercare instructions and protect the area from direct sunlight. Contact the treating clinic about blistering or suspected infection rather than treating either as ordinary irritation.6