Can Laser Hair Removal Help Acne?

When people imagine beautiful skin, it likely looks smooth, soft, and clear. In order to achieve those traits, there are two major things that the skin should be free from: unwanted hair and blemishes. There are several treatments that you can use to get your desired results, but is there one that can kill two birds with one stone? Below we’ll be discussing if laser hair removal is a miracle skin solution that can help acne while zapping away body hair. So, let's dive in and find out if laser hair removal really is the acne-busting solution that many people wish for!

What Is Acne?

Acne is defined as a skin condition that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog up hair follicles. It can come in different forms, such as pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, and can be found anywhere on the body but most commonly on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Acne is more likely to pop up in areas with high concentrations of sebaceous glands, since they are at a higher risk for clogging. These microscopic glands are responsible for producing sebum, a natural oil that prevents the skin from drying out. However, too much oil can lead to acne, which is why finding balance in your skin care routine is crucial. 

There are other factors that can cause acne, such as hormonal changes, genetics, stress, or the use of certain medications. Mild cases of acne can be managed with the right skincare products or over-the-counter treatments, but severe cases may require professional attention from a dermatologist. Acne isn’t generally considered a serious medical condition, but it can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and quality of life, which is why finding an effective treatment is so important.

Does Laser Hair Removal Help Acne?

You’re likely wondering if laser hair removal is one of those professional solutions that will eliminate acne once and for all. 

Firstly, it's important to understand the root causes of acne. We know that blemishes occur when hair follicles become clogged. The oils and dead skin cells can become infected, which is what leads to the acne that manifests on your body. There certainly is a connection between hair and acne, since it develops within hair follicles. Hair provides a surface for oils and dead skin cells to collect, so removing it can make a difference. 

By using concentrated beams of light (or lasers) against the skin, laser hair removal effectively targets and destroys hair follicles to prevent future hair growth. 

Now, we know what you’re thinking. No hair follicle, no problem, right?

Well, sort of. 

While laser hair removal prevents future hair growth, therefore reducing the amount of hair follicles that can get clogged, it doesn’t have any direct effects on the oil production that can contribute to acne formation. 

This means that laser hair removal can definitely improve acne symptoms, but it’s not necessarily a be all, end all solution for acne. It will be in your best interest to continue using skincare products designed for acne-prone skin to prevent future breakouts.

Still, laser hair removal will likely make your skincare routine a lot easier. Cleansing will become more efficient without unwanted hairs, especially coarse ones, because your skincare products will be able to really penetrate the skin’s barrier and remove excess oil and bacteria without anything getting in the way. Many people who have undergone laser hair removal have been delighted to find out that it has helped reduce their levels of acne. 

Can You Get Laser Hair Removal If You Have Acne?

If you’re currently suffering from acne, you may be wondering if you can be considered a candidate for laser hair removal. 

The answer is: absolutely!

The presence of acne will not interfere with a laser hair removal treatment, but you may want to consult with a dermatologist if your acne is severe. Mild acne should not be a problem, especially if it’s in an area where you don’t want laser hair removal treatments. 

More severe acne won’t interfere with the treatment itself, but the side-effects could be a source of concern. Laser hair removal can cause slight skin irritation and inflammation post-treatment, which could temporarily make your acne worse. While it should improve your skin in the long-term, you might want to work on reducing your acne levels so that the side effects remain minimal during your treatment. If you’re not sure whether laser hair removal will be right for you, it’s always best to consult with a technician and a dermatologist first. 

Will Laser Hair Removal Make You Break Out?

Like many major beauty treatments, laser hair removal comes with a few temporary side effects. Acne is generally not considered a major one, but there is a small possibility of it. 

Laser hair removal can sometimes cause temporary skin irritation, redness, and swelling, which can be mistaken for breakouts. Irritated skin may be at a higher risk for acne, especially if it isn’t properly cleansed or moisturized following treatments. 

Fortunately, the risk of breakouts should be minimal as long as you stay on top of your aftercare treatment (this will also help minimize any other potential side-effects). As always, be sure to discuss any potential breakout concerns with your laser technician or dermatologist so that you can get tailor-made advice for your skin. 

Wrapping Up

Laser hair removal can serve as a multitasking beauty treatment that removes both unwanted hairs and acne. By removing the hair follicles that become clogged and form acne, it reduces the risk for future breakouts. 

That being said, it's important to remember that laser hair removal is not a total cure for acne. It should not be relied on as the sole treatment for it. If you have moderate to severe acne, you’ll want to look into other solutions that are more specifically catered towards acne treatment. Remember that the main purpose of laser hair removal is, well, removing hair. Everything else is just an added bonus. 

Regardless, laser hair removal is a wonderful solution that can help you achieve the smooth skin of your dreams. Whether you’re looking for one result or more, we’d love to help you out! Talk to one of our team members today to find out if laser hair removal is right for you.