Laser hair removal is a straightforward, non-invasive treatment with very mild side effects. Even so, it doesn’t pair well with every medication. Some medications make the skin more sensitive to light and heat, which puts you at a greater risk of side effects or complications from laser hair removal. 

Before booking your laser treatment, make sure you’re aware of which medications can put you at risk. In this guide, we’ll cover the main types of medications you need to avoid while undergoing laser hair removal so you can keep yourself safe. 

Why Do Some Medications Interfere with Laser Hair Removal?

Before a laser hair removal appointment, your provider will send you a consent form that explains the main contraindications for laser hair removal. That document may include a long list of drug names, but what do they all have in common? Why would an antibiotic or psychiatric drug interfere with your laser hair removal treatment? 

What these medications generally have in common is that they exhibit a photosensitizing effect. This means that they make the skin more sensitive to light (i.e., photosensitive), potentially increasing your risk of treatment complications. This can mean a greater risk of thermal skin injury, scarring, blistering, and developing hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation in the weeks after treatment. 

Some medications also impair your body’s ability to regulate temperature, increasing its sensitivity to the laser’s heat, which may also lead to complications. Finally, medications with a blood-thinning effect are sometimes contraindicated as they may increase the risk of bruising.

If you’re taking medication with a sun exposure or heat warning, you’ll want to speak to a qualified healthcare practitioner before undergoing laser hair removal. 

Which Medications Should You Avoid Before Laser Hair Removal?

You can’t take any of the following medications while undergoing laser hair removal. With some, you can get treated two weeks after you’ve stopped taking them, while others may require a 6-month waiting period. 

Antibiotics 

Antibiotics in the tetracycline class are particularly likely to make the skin photosensitive. That includes tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, and more. Fluoroquinolone-class antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and lomefloxacin can also lead to light sensitivity. If you’re currently taking any antibiotics, wait at least 2 weeks after finishing your course before getting laser hair removal. 

Acne Medication 

Certain acne medications, and especially oral isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane), can be photosensitizing. If you’re currently on Accutane, you’ll have to wait at least 6 months before you can be treated safely with laser hair removal. 

You will likely only need to wait for two weeks with other acne medications, such as antibiotics, topical tretinoin (commonly known as Retin-A), or benzoyl peroxide.

Immunosuppressants 

You’ll have to wait at least 6 months after you’re off immunosuppressants before you can undergo laser hair removal. The reason for this is that immunosuppressants, aside from potentially being photosensitizing, also impede your body’s immune response and increase your risk of skin infections or more severe complications from normal side effects. 

Anticoagulants 

Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, should also not be taken for at least two weeks prior to undergoing laser hair removal. This includes higher doses (over 81 mg) of medications like acetylsalicylic acid (more commonly known as aspirin). The risk of purpura (pinpoint bruising) or bleeding from laser hair removal is incredibly low, but being on blood thinners may increase the likelihood or severity of such side effects. 

Antidepressants

Some antidepressants and antipsychotics can increase skin sensitivity and dryness. This is especially true for tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, phenothiazine antipsychotics, and more, which cannot be taken 2 weeks prior to laser hair removal.

Photosensitizing Medications to Watch Out For

While there are some medications you’ll absolutely need to avoid, others are just something to watch out for. As a 2014 review notes, photosensitizing medications make the skin more sensitive to UV light, which travels at a different wavelength than laser. 

If you’re taking any medications from the categories below, check in with your doctor before signing up for laser hair removal to make sure that you can be treated safely. 

  • Heart and blood sugar medication can trigger photosensitivity. Examples include amiodarone, diltiazem, and ACE inhibitors.
  • Hypoglycemic medication (usually prescribed for diabetics) may make the skin more sensitive to light, including glipizide, glyburide, and tolbutamide.
  • Cancer and chemotherapy medications can suppress skin healing and increase sensitivity, including methotrexate, fluorouracil, and vinblastine.
  • Antihistamines or allergy medications can raise light sensitivity slightly, including diphenhydramine, cetirizine, and loratadine. You can take them after a laser treatment to reduce side effects, but you may want to be careful prior to an appointment. 
  • Anti-inflammatory medications may cause increased sensitivity during laser treatments if they’re taken on a daily basis for a prolonged period. They include medications with high amounts of ibuprofen, as well as naproxen and celecoxib. 
  • Anti-arthritics, particularly gold-based medications like gold sodium thiomalate.
  • Diuretics may cause dryness or photosensitivity; they include hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide. 

What To Do If Your Medication Is Contraindicated 

Never stop taking a medication you’ve been prescribed without speaking to your doctor. The level of photosensitivity caused by a drug may vary depending on the dose and other factors, so your doctor might clear you for treatment even if you’re taking certain medications. 

In the cases of strongly sensitizing medications, like isotretinoin and immunosuppressants, you will need to wait a minimum of 6 months after stopping a medication before you can get laser hair removal. In other cases, a 2-week break is enough for laser hair removal treatments to be safe again.

Other Treatments to Avoid 

Medications aren’t the only treatments you may need to avoid while undergoing laser hair removal. Here are a few other treatments to watch out for: 

Skincare

Some cosmetic ingredients can also leave your skin vulnerable. At SEV, you’ll need to take a 7-day break from retinoids like tretinoin, retinol, or retinal, exfoliants like AHAs and salicylic acid, and other “active” skincare ingredients. 

Supplements

The supplement world is endless, so it’s important you research how any supplements you’re taking may impact your laser experience. Iron supplements with over 65 mg should be stopped for 3 days before treatment (speak to your doctor if your iron supplement is prescribed or medically recommended). Herbal supplements with blood-thinning or photosensitizing effects should also be avoided — especially St. John’s Wort. 

Salon/Med Spa Treatments 

From chemical peels to injections to microneedling, there are many other treatments you may need to avoid or space out while undergoing laser hair removal. In most cases, a 2 to 4-week break is sufficient. Check in with your laser provider if you’re not sure! 

Safe Laser Hair Removal at SEV

Your safety is non-negotiable for us. When you come for your laser hair removal at SEV, your nurse or laser technician will always go over your medical background to make sure we can treat you safely. Please be honest with them, because they only have your best interests at heart. It may mean we’ll have to rebook your treatment, but your health and safety are worth it. 

It’s best if you know which medications don’t pair well with laser hair removal before you book, so you can schedule accordingly. You may have to wait a few weeks or months before getting treated but the final outcome — lasting smooth skin — is well worth it. If you’re quite certain you’re ready for treatment, don’t hesitate: Book now. 

Disclaimer: This post is written for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide diagnosis or treatment, nor is it intended to be an exhaustive resource of drugs that may cause photosensitivity. Please speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about the information provided here. 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What medications are safe to use after laser hair removal?

Most medications only need to be avoided before getting laser hair removal, not after. Some medications that you may want to avoid before treatment, like ibuprofen or diphenhydramine (the active ingredient in Benadryl), can be used once you’ve already had your laser session to help alleviate side effects like redness or swelling.

Are antidepressants safe with laser hair removal?

If you’re currently taking antidepressants, speak to your doctor before scheduling laser hair removal, as some medications may increase skin sensitivity.

Can I do laser while taking bipolar meds like lithium?

While there are no specific risks associated with undergoing laser hair removal while taking lithium, always speak to your doctor about laser hair removal plans. Additionally, make sure your laser provider knows about any medications you’re taking.

Do migraine medications affect laser hair removal?

Some medications often prescribed for migraines, including some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antidepressants, can increase photosensitivity. Speak to your doctor before committing to laser hair removal, and if cleared for treatment, inform your laser hair removal practitioner about the medications you’re taking.

Can I get laser hair removal if I’m taking thyroid medications?

Thyroid medications themselves are generally not known to interfere with laser hair removal, but having a thyroid condition can lead to complications. If you have a thyroid condition, you’ll need medical clearance before undergoing laser hair removal.

What medication should I take before laser hair removal?

You don’t need to take any medications before laser hair removal. If you’re nervous about pain or discomfort, the best analgesic to take is acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol or Tylenol) as it’s not associated with causing photosensitivity.

When should I stop taking doxycycline or other antibiotics before laser hair removal?

You’ll need to stop doxycycline and other antibiotics at least two weeks before undergoing laser hair removal. Please speak to your doctor before discontinuing any medication.

How can I make my laser hair removal less painful?

From using cold packs to taking acetaminophen before your treatment, there are plenty of safe ways to make laser hair removal less painful. Avoid using numbing creams. At SEV, we use a cooling device that goes a long way towards ensuring your comfort, so no ice packs are needed!

References

  1. Montgomery, S., & Worswick, S. (2022). Photosensitizing drug reactions. Clinics in dermatology, 40(1), 57–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.08.014
  2. Kowalska, J., Rok, J., Rzepka, Z., & Wrześniok, D. (2021). Drug-Induced Photosensitivity-From Light and Chemistry to Biological Reactions and Clinical Symptoms. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 14(8), 723. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14080723
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, June 18). Heat and medications – Guidance for clinicians. https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/hcp/clinical-guidance/heat-and-medications-guidance-for-clinicians.html
  4. Kerstein, R. L., Lister, T., & Cole, R. (2014). Laser therapy and photosensitive medication: a review of the evidence. Lasers in medical science, 29(4), 1449–1452. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-014-1553-0