Can You Get Laser Hair Removal If You Have Acne?

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe If You Have Acne? Here’s What You Need to Know

Laser hair removal is a fantastic way to get rid of unwanted hair, but what if you have acne? Can you still enjoy smooth, hair-free skin? Understanding how acne and laser hair removal interact is key if you have breakouts or acne-prone skin. Let’s discover whether you can get laser hair removal when you have acne, what you need to avoid, and whether you’re a good candidate for the treatment.

Can I Get Laser Hair Removal If I Have Acne?

It depends! If you have acne scars, you’re in luck—laser hair removal is generally safe for you. In fact, some people with acne scars notice smoother skin after the treatment because certain lasers help stimulate collagen, which can improve skin texture.

However, if you have active acne, it’s a different story. Laser hair removal and active breakouts don’t mix well. The laser targets pigment in the hair follicle, but any inflammation or infection around the skin can cause irritation or make the acne worse. It’s best to wait until your breakouts have cleared up before starting laser treatments. If not, you could end up with side effects like increased redness, blistering, or even scarring.

Can You Laser Over Active Acne?

No, it’s not safe to do laser hair removal over active acne. The heat from the laser can make your acne worse by increasing inflammation and irritation. When you have a breakout, your skin is already sensitive, and adding laser treatment could aggravate the situation. There’s also the risk that bacteria from acne could spread to other areas, leading to more breakouts or even infections.

Treating inflamed skin or open acne lesions with a laser can also lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which are dark spots that appear after the treatment. This is especially common in people with medium to darker skin tones, and these spots can be tricky to get rid of. It’s always best to avoid laser treatments on areas with active acne until your skin has fully healed.

Who Is Not a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal isn’t for everyone. Here are some situations where laser hair removal might not be the best option:

1. Active Acne or Other Skin Conditions
As mentioned, people with active acne should avoid laser hair removal. The heat from the laser can irritate inflamed skin, making acne worse or even lead to scarring. Those with other skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea should also check with a dermatologist before trying laser hair removal.

2. Certain Medications
If you’re taking medications that make your skin more sensitive to light—like Accutane, which is often prescribed for severe acne—laser hair removal may not be safe for you. Accutane makes the skin more vulnerable to irritation, and combining it with laser treatments can result in severe blistering or scarring. You’ll likely need to wait several months after stopping the medication before you can undergo laser treatments safely.

3. Tanned Skin
If you’ve recently been in the sun, used a tanning bed, or have fake tanner on your skin, you’ll need to wait before getting laser hair removal. This is because lasers can’t differentiate between the pigment in hair follicles and the pigment from a tan. Be sure to avoid sun exposure and self-tanner for at least two weeks before laser hair removal treatments.

4. Pregnancy
While no studies have definitively proven that laser hair removal is harmful during pregnancy, most professionals recommend against it. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that can make the skin more sensitive, so it’s usually best to wait until after you’ve had your baby.

5. Infections or Open Wounds
If you have any kind of skin infection or open wounds, laser hair removal is off-limits until your skin has healed. Treating damaged skin can spread bacteria, increase scarring, or slow down your recovery.

What if you have darker skin?

Laser hair removal can be safe and effective on darker skin tones as long as the right type of laser is used. LaserAway uses the Cynosure Apogee Elite Nd:YAG laser which can penetrate hair follicles without damaging surrounding tissue and can safely treat all skin types. Rest assured, if you have a darker skin tone, you’re in good hands!

What Should You Do If You Have Active Acne and Want Laser Hair Removal?

If you’re dealing with acne but still want laser hair removal, the good news is you don’t have to give up on it forever. Here’s what you can do to make sure your skin is ready for treatment:

1. Consult with a Dermatologist
A dermatologist can help you figure out how to manage your acne and give you advice on when it’s safe to start laser hair removal. They might also suggest other hair removal methods, like shaving or depilatory creams, to use in the meantime.

2. Treat Your Acne First
It’s important to get your active acne under control before starting laser hair removal. You might need to use prescription treatments like topical creams, antibiotics, or even oral medications like Accutane. Once your skin is clear, you’ll be in a much better place to undergo laser treatments without risking irritation or scarring.

3. Find a Clinic Experienced with Acne-Prone Skin
Some laser hair removal clinics specialize in treating people with sensitive or acne-prone skin. They may offer a more personalized treatment plan, including advice on how to keep your skin healthy throughout the process. Always make sure you’re working with a qualified, experienced provider like LaserAway to avoid complications.

Is Laser Hair Removal Right for You?

Laser hair removal can be an excellent long-term solution for smooth, hair-free skin, but it’s essential to be cautious if you have acne. While laser hair removal is safe for people with acne scars, those with active breakouts should wait until their skin has cleared up before starting treatment. If you’re unsure whether laser hair removal is the right option for you, speak to a dermatologist and one of our treatment specialists for personalized advice. With the right care, you’ll be on your way to smooth skin—safely!

Want to learn if you’re a good candidate for laser hair removal? Contact one of our treatment specialists here. 

References

1. “Guidelines of Care for the Management of Acne Vulgaris,” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, May 2016.