If you’ve ever stared at your skincare shelf the night before an appointment wondering, “Wait… should I stop my retinol?” you’re not alone.
This is one of the most common (and important) questions we hear from women who take their skin seriously.
If you’re between 35–55 and familiar with medical spas, chances are retinol has been a long-term relationship for you. You know it works. You’ve seen the benefits. But when it comes time for treatments like laser hair removal, chemical peels, or other medical-grade services, knowing when to pause retinol can make the difference between glowing results and unnecessary irritation.
At Colorado Beauty RN, our goal isn’t to scare you away from your favorite skincare—it’s to help you use it strategically. Let’s break this down in a clear, empowering way so you feel confident heading into your next appointment.
Why Retinol Timing Matters More Than You Think
Retinol works by increasing cell turnover. That’s why it’s so effective for fine lines, acne, and texture but it’s also why timing matters before medical treatments.
When retinol is active in the skin, it can:
-
Increase sensitivity
-
Thin the outermost layer of skin temporarily
-
Make skin more reactive to heat, lasers, and exfoliation
For treatments like laser hair removal, this increased sensitivity can raise the risk of irritation, redness, or post-treatment discomfort if retinol isn’t paused appropriately.
Stopping retinol isn’t about undoing your progress, it’s about protecting it.
The General Rule: Stop Retinol Before Most Med Spa Treatments
As a general guideline:
-
Stop retinol 5–7 days before most medical treatments
-
Resume only after your provider clears you to do so
This window allows your skin barrier to calm down and reduces the chance of adverse reactions.
However, and this is important, the exact timing can vary depending on:
-
The strength of your retinol
-
How long you’ve been using it
-
The specific treatment you’re having
That’s why individualized guidance matters.
What About Laser Hair Removal?
Let’s talk specifically about laser hair removal, since it’s one of the most popular treatments we perform and one of the most misunderstood when it comes to skincare prep.
For laser hair removal, we typically recommend:
-
Stopping retinol at least 5–7 days before treatment
-
Avoiding retinol during the treatment series unless advised otherwise
Why? Laser energy targets pigment in the hair follicle, but the surrounding skin still absorbs heat. Retinol-thinned skin can be more prone to:
-
Excessive redness
-
Prolonged irritation
-
Increased sensitivity post-treatment
A client we’ll call “Laura,” 44, learned this the hard way before coming to us. She continued her prescription retinoid right up until a laser hair removal appointment elsewhere and experienced lingering redness for days. Once we adjusted her prep routine and timing, her subsequent sessions were smooth and complication-free.
The treatment didn’t change, the prep did.
Chemical Peels, Lasers, and Retinol: Timing Is Everything
For more intensive medical treatments, retinol timing becomes even more important.
General guidelines:
-
Chemical peels: Stop retinol 7–10 days before
-
Laser treatments (pigment, redness, resurfacing): Stop retinol 7 days before
-
Laser hair removal: Stop retinol 5–7 days before
These windows help prevent over-exfoliation and allow treatments to work with your skin, not against it.
Why Stopping Retinol Isn’t a Step Back
Many women worry that pausing retinol, even briefly, will undo months or years of progress. The good news? That’s not how skin works.
Think of retinol like strength training for your skin. Taking a short rest doesn’t erase your muscle, it allows recovery so you can come back stronger.
In fact, properly timing retinol can:
-
Improve treatment outcomes
-
Reduce downtime
-
Help you tolerate future treatments better
Especially when paired with treatments like laser hair removal, giving your skin a break can actually enhance long-term results.
What Should You Use Instead While Retinol Is Paused?
This is where “beauty on a budget” meets smart strategy.
While retinol is on hold, focus on:
-
Gentle cleansers
-
Barrier-repair moisturizers
-
Hydration-focused serums
-
Daily SPF (non-negotiable in Colorado sun)
These products protect your investment and keep skin calm before and after treatments like laser hair removal.
You don’t need a whole new routine, just a supportive one.
Local Insight: Colorado Skin Needs Extra Care
Living in Castle Rock and throughout Colorado means higher altitude, stronger UV exposure, and often drier air. All of these factors can amplify retinol sensitivity.
That’s why our local clients often benefit from slightly longer retinol pauses, especially before laser hair removal or laser-based treatments.
Your environment matters. A safe med spa should factor that in.
When Can You Restart Retinol After Treatment?
This depends on:
-
The treatment performed
-
How your skin responds
-
Your provider’s guidance
For laser hair removal, many clients can restart retinol:
-
3–5 days after treatment, once redness has fully resolved
For more aggressive treatments, the wait may be longer. The key is listening to your skin, not rushing the process.
A Simple Way to Remember
If you’re ever unsure, remember this rule of thumb:
If your skin feels sensitive, tight, or reactive—wait.
And when in doubt, ask. A safe med spa will always prefer questions over complications.
We’re Here to Guide You, Not Guess
At Colorado Beauty RN, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all prep instructions. Whether you’re coming in for laser hair removal, chemical peels, or advanced laser treatments, we tailor guidance to you.
Our clients often tell us the biggest relief isn’t just great results—it’s knowing exactly what to do (and not do) beforehand.
That’s confidence.
Ready for a Treatment Plan That Works With Your Skin?
If you’re considering laser hair removal or another medical treatment and want personalized guidance, including how to time your retinol, we’d love to help.
Book a consultation with our Castle Rock team and let’s create a plan that protects your skin, your results, and your peace of mind.
Great skin isn’t about guessing. It’s about guidance and we’ve got you.