Alpha Arbutin/Retinol between laser hair removal appointments?

I have hyperpigmentation on my underarms and bikini area and I've started getting hair removal. I was thinking to use something that would help lighten the area, like alpha arbutin or maybe retinol. Is it safe to use between appointments or would it make my skin sensitive to light or even burn the area/darken it even more? Am I supposed to wait to finish all my laser hair removal sessions and when I am finally free of hair, then I can use it? Cause that seems like a lot of time to wait.