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1. Retinoids / Vitamin A
Examples of ingredients: Retinol, Retin-A, Tretinoin, Adapalene, Differin, Retinaldehyde
Why avoid: Thins and sensitizes the skin
Stop using: 5-7 days prior
Common Products:
- The Ordinary Retinol in Squalene
- CeraVe Resurfacina Retinol Serum
- La Roche-Posav Retinol B3 Serun
- Differin Gel (Adapalene)
2. AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
Examples of ingredients: Retinol, Retin-A, Tretinoin, Adapalene, Differin, Retinaldehyde
Why avoid: Thins and sensitizes the skin
Stop using: 5-7 days prior
Common Products:
- The Ordinary Retinol in Squalene
- CeraVe Resurfacina Retinol Serum
- La Roche-Posav Retinol B3 Serun
- Differin Gel (Adapalene)
3. BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids)
Example: Salicylic acid.
Why avoid: Exfoliates and increases sensitivity
Stop using: 5-7 days prior.
Common Products:
- Paula's Chaice RHA liquid Eyfolian
- Neutrogena Acne products(Salicylic Acid)
- La Roche-Posay Effaciar
4. Benzoyl Peroxide
Why avoid: Can cause drynes, iritation, and inflammation
Stop using: 3-5 days prior
Common Products:
- PanOxyl Cleanser
- Clean & Clear Persa-Gel
- CeraVe Acne Foaming Cleanser
5. hydroquinone
Why avoid: Skin-lightening ingredient that increases sensitivity
Stop using: Minimum 7 days prior
Common Products:
- Topicals Faded Serum
- Ambi rade crean
- Murad Pigment Lightening Treatment
6. High-Concentration Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Why avoid: Can irritate or sensitize the skir
Stop using: 3-5 days prior.
Common Products
- SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic
- The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8-30%
- La Roche-Posay Vitamin C10 Serum
7. Exfoliating Scrubs & Peels
Why avoid: Causes microtears and makes Skin reactive
Stop using: 3-5 days prior
Common Products
- St. Ives Apricot Scrub
- Any enzyme peels or deep exfoliating masks
8. Fragrance Heavy or Alcohol Based Products
Why avoid: Can strip or irritate the skin.
Stop using: 2-3 days prior.
Common Examples:
- Strongly Fragrance cleansers
- Toners
- Moisturizers
9. Self-Tanners/ Spray Tans
Why avoid: Increases melanin in the skin → higher burn risk. Ensure the treatment area is tree of all self-tanner before your laser session
Stop using: Minimum 1-2 weeks before laser
Common Examples:
- St. Tropez
- Bondi Sands
- Tanologist
Safe to Use Before Laser Non-Active Products
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Ceramides
- Basic moisturizer
- Gentle Cleansers
- Physical Sunscreen (Recommended)
A Few Important Things to Know
You may resume to your regular skincare routine 24 hours after treatment; however, active ingredients in skincare should be avoided tor 3-s days post-laser to ensure optimal results and skin safety
If you've recently taken antibiotics or any medications that make your skin more sensitive to light, please let us know before your appointment.
Please avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for 4-6 weeks before your session to keep your skin safe
In the days leading up to your treatment, switch to a gentle skincare routine - think simple, non-active cleansers and a soothing moisturizer.