Read This Before You Combine Laser Hair Removal with Your Regular Retinol
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Dr Sonia Khorana is a GP with a special interest in dermatology and Live That Glow’s own skincare agony aunt. She is passionate about helping people feel confident in their own skin. In this month’s column, she advises about how to safely combine laser hair removal with retinol.
I’m considering having laser hair removal on my face but I currently use retinol every night. Can I carry on using my retinol if I get the laser done? Or should I stop using the retinol before?
Dr Sonia says:
If you’re planning laser hair removal and use retinol regularly, it’s best to pause your retinol a few days before and after your laser session. Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive, increasing the risk of irritation, redness, or even superficial burns when combined with laser treatments.
I usually advise patients to stop using retinol 5-7 days before their laser appointment and wait at least 3–5 days afterwards (or until the skin has completely settled) before restarting. During this time, focus on gentle cleansing, hydration and sun protection.
Once the skin has recovered, you can reintroduce your retinol. Your laser practitioner can also guide you based on your skin’s reaction and the specific laser being used.
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