Although laser hair removal is a treatment without real risk, its contraindications must be respected. Only then will you be able to enjoy its benefits in complete safety.
The use of certain medications
The use of several medications is contraindicated for laser hair removal. This is first and foremost the case with anti-acne treatments, such as those containing a retinoid like roaccutane. In fact, they reduce the skin’s ability to heal. If you have undergone such a treatment, you must wait 6 months before you can perform laser hair removal.
You must also not have been under photosensitizing treatment, such as isotretinoin (Accutane), steroids or tetracycline antibiotics within six months.
A skin disease or other skin affliction
To undergo laser hair removal, it is imperative that the skin be in good condition. The session cannot be performed on sunburned skin, skin suffering from hypertrophic or keloid scars, or in case of psoriasis, vitiligo, urticaria, dermatosis or other skin affliction in the treated areas.
More generally, there may be a problem for people with herpes. The virus can be activated by the procedure. It is advised in this case to ask your doctor, who can prescribe antiviral drugs.
Tattoos
Obviously, laser hair removal should not be done on an area covered by a tattoo. The laser would burn the ink and the skin with it.
Contra-indication: pregnancy and breastfeeding
Laser hair removal is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding because of hormonal changes. This makes the procedure less effective.
Tanning
The treated skin must not have been recently exposed to the sun or to ultraviolet rays or self-tanning products.