What supplements should I avoid with laser hair removal?

Author: Prof. Riley Hansen  |  Last update: Saturday, November 22, 2025

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.

What supplements should I avoid before laser?

One week prior to procedure please discontinue your usage of any of the following: Aspirin/Ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve, etc.), Gingko Biloba, garlic, flax oil, cod liver oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and any other essential fatty acids like omega 3, GLA, CLA, and EPA or DHA.

Can I take hair supplements with laser hair removal?

Answer: Vitamins and laser hair removal The vitamins will not affect the outcome of the laser. Some vitamins/supplements might make you more sensitive to the laser and you need to discuss with your provider.

What ingredients to avoid after laser hair removal?

FOR THE NEXT WEEK

Avoid the following active ingredients in treated areas: topical retinoids (e.g. Retin-A, tretinoin, adapalene), vitamin C, glycolic acid, salicylic acid. Scaling/hair shedding occurs during this time. Let the hair fall out naturally. Do not rub, exfoliate, or pick any treated areas.

Does taking vitamin D affect laser hair removal?

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can absolutely take Vitamin D while doing laser hair removal. It will not make the hair regain strength.

Laser Hair Removal: Dermatologist Answers Common Questions! | Dr. Sam Ellis

What vitamins interfere with laser hair removal?

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.

What makes laser hair removal less effective?

Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that don't absorb light well: gray, red, blond and white. However, laser treatment options for light-colored hair continue to be developed.

Can I use vitamin C while doing laser hair removal?

Using the same 2-week timeframe, it is crucial that skin irritants such as retinol, benzyl peroxide, AHA/BHA or Vitamin C products are stopped. Medication that is photosensitive must also be stopped during this time to avoid skin sensitivity or irritation.

How to speed up shedding after laser hair removal?

The best way to help speed up shedding after your laser hair removal treatment is by gentle exfoliation once or twice a week once you start to see signs of your hair starting to shed.

What is not allowed after laser hair removal?

FOR AT LEAST THREE DAYS AFTER YOUR TREATMENT…

Avoid topical irritants— these potentially include harsh soaps, medicated washes, scrubs, oils, retinols, scented lotions and peels. Avoid hot baths / showers, as well as swimming (in any temperature).

Do collagen supplements affect laser hair removal?

As several medical experts confirm, collagen supplements do not interact with or inhibit the focused laser's efficacy.

How can I maximize my laser hair removal results?

Here are some suggestions on how to get the most out of laser hair removal.
  1. Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning: ...
  2. Shave before each treatment: ...
  3. Avoid Plucking and Waxing: ...
  4. Exfoliating: ...
  5. Follow the recommended treatment schedule: ...
  6. Communicate openly with your technician: ...
  7. Take care of your skin post-treatment:

What stops laser hair removal from working?

What are the reasons why laser hair treatment might not be working for you?
  • You didn't time your treatments correctly: Proper treatment times are essential. ...
  • Hair Type and Color: ...
  • You might have a hormonal imbalance: ...
  • Hair Growth Rate or Cycle: ...
  • You waxed before treatments:

Does vitamin B12 affect laser hair removal?

Yes, definitely. Certain medications and vitamins will affect and influence the hair growth. Vitamin B12 and folic acid will stimulate hair growth, contradiction the laser hair removal process. Medications for skin conditions such as acne will make the skin very sensitive which will contradict the treatment.

What products to avoid before laser?

Do not use any topical products that cause photosensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) in the treatment areas for three days before treatment. Use a gentle cleanser and lotion on treated areas.

Can I take hair supplements while doing laser?

Yes - hair supplements can affect your treatment progress as they can stimulate hair growth. We recommend to not consume hair supplements during the treatment course.

Why is my hair getting thicker after laser hair removal?

It's called paradoxical hypertrichosis — and even the name sounds scary. No one actually knows why this happens with laser patients, but after treatment, the laser can do the opposite of what you're expecting and actually stimulate hair growth.

What happens if you don't exfoliate after laser hair removal?

It also happens when treated hairs are shedding and if you don't exfoliate regularly enough these hairs will tend to get trapped in the skin. If you are prone to ingrown hairs you will normally see bumps appear about a week after a laser hair removal session these are nothing to worry about.

Can you pull out loose hairs after laser?

Pulling out loose hair after a laser hair removal session is not recommended. It disrupts the hair growth cycle; when hairs are loose it means the hair is in its cycle of removal. If it's removed before it dies on its own, it could stimulate hair to grow again.

Can you take vitamin D with laser hair removal?

take supplements containing vitamin D two weeks before and after a laser treatment as it activates melanocytes that can increase a risk of skin damage during a laser treatment; pick on shedding hair after a laser hair removal treatment.

What foods should you avoid after laser hair removal?

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, Niacin supplements, refined carbohydrates, and spicy foods for 48 hours after treatment.

Can iron supplements affect laser hair removal?

Avoid any retinoids or exfoliating skincare products (including AHAs and BHAs) for 1 week before and after your treatment. Avoid iron supplements for 72 hours before and after your appointment.

Why is my hair growing back 2 days after laser?

This is a sign that the laser successfully treated the follicle, and it's clearing out the dead hair shaft. This shedding process, also called “peppering,” can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. In some cases, it may feel like the hair is growing back because it's breaking through the skin.

How can I maximize my laser hair removal?

3 Tips to Improve Results from Laser Hair Removal
  1. Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning. Before undergoing laser hair removal, it's crucial to avoid ultraviolet radiation, both natural and artificial. ...
  2. Avoid Certain Skin Care Products. ...
  3. Maintain Your Results at Home.

How to stop upper lip hair growth permanently?

I wax my upper lip but it's annoying to have to keep doing it. The only way to permanently eliminate unwanted hair is a process called electrolysis. Electrolysis is performed by inserting a tiny needle into the hair follicle and using an electric current to kill the hair root.

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