Can I do laser treatments while I am on oral or topical acne treatments?

We may not aware that laser and intense pulsed light treatment are often best to combine with other, i.e. mostly topical acne treatments for maximum acne treatment results. (Topical means a product that is used on our skin, such as a lotion, cream or gel)

When the laser procedures are completed, we should continue with the usual maintenance acne therapy, i.e. topical acne treatment to prevent the recurrence of the acne. However, we should stop to use retinoids (i.e. products that are generally in the vitamin A family) for 4 to 5 days before a laser or intense pulsed light treatment and then restart again 3 to 4 days after the treatment.

For other acne medications such as topical antibiotics or benzoyl peroxide (i.e. an antiseptic that is commonly used topically to treat acne, and is widely used as it does not induce bacterial resistance), and depending on our skin sensitivity, we may stop for 1 to 2 days around the procedure. From the acne clear and acne care perspective, it is advisable to review all of our acne medications with our doctor prior to any laser or intense pulsed light procedure in order to determine our level of sensitivity.