Laser Hair Removal wont do anything to sebaceous glands.

Don Mehrabi, MD answers: Will Laser hair removal help in preventing acne?

I know that the cause of acne is overactive sebaceous glands. If I get Laser hair removal, will the glands get damaged in the process? If not, is there anything that is permanent in shrinking these glands? Thank you.


Don Mehrabi, MD
6 months ago

Thank you for your question.

Laser Hair Removal will help with acne only if that acne is due to hair growth. The prime example of this is acne in the beard, jawline, upper neck areas that are due to hair growth in women and ingrown hairs in men. Laser hair removal of any kind has no effect on sebaceous gland and oil production.

In order to decrease the activity of the sebaceous glands, you might have to resort to accutane (isotretinoin). It is the only medication that has an impact on sebaceous glands. You can also try benzoyl peroxide washes and tretinoin to somewhat dry out the skin and decrease the effect of the sebaceous glands, but to physiologically decrease their activity on a larger scale, you would need to do accutane.

Hope this helps!

3 of 3 found this helpful
Helpful?

Request info from Dr. Mehrabi

50 words maximum (0 words entered)
Your info is protected by our privacy policy
Post your question

Laser hair removal before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.