Will applying a tyrosinase inhibitor prior to and during laser hair removal improve results/reduce the risk of adverse effects?

Question

My laser hair removal clinic is suggesting that I use a tyrosinase inhibitor prior to and during my Brazilian laser hair removal as I have medium skin. I haven't heard of any other clinics that suggest this or found any papers that recommend the use of tyrosinase inhibitor for laser hair removal. I'm left wondering if this is a scam as each 30ml bottle of the tyrosinase inhibitor that they sell costs about $75 and my treatment would take about a year and 2 months.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

all my patients getting laser hair remnoval on face and sensitive areas like vagina, penis, armpits and butt we do cosmelan and enlighten peels between treatments and have them on vivatia foam, is clinical pro heal, phyto plus, and anteage MD (see emeragecosmetics.com link).
Hyperpigmentation from any type needs a combination approach of peels like cosmelan,  lasers like clear and brilliant and aerolase or laser genesis, radiofrequency like venus viva, and constant skin care and sun protection.  Bimontly facials with silk peel dermalinfusion is essential to hydrate, exfoliate and infuse vitamins and antioxidants into the skin.  If you have acne you can do additional treatments and peels to get more improvement.  I suggest a formal consultation with an expert in lasers and peels. Best, Dr. Emer.

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

It is not necessary but could be beneficial.  If you are prone to hyperpigmentation or have darker areas a tyrosinase inhibitor could help reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation and allow you to receive a more efficient treatment.  Laser works by picking up on the pigment of the hair.  This is why people with light skin and dark hair are great candidates for laser hair removal because the laser will be focused on the hair rather than the skin.  However there are lasers that work on all skin tones.  I don't usually recommend that someone use a tyrosinase inhibitor unless they are prone to hyperpigmentation since there is always a risk of this with laser.  Good luck!

Will applying a tyrosinase inhibitor prior to and during laser hair removal improve results/reduce the risk of adverse effects?

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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Will applying a tyrosinase inhibitor prior to and during laser hair removal improve results/reduce the risk of adverse effects?

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.