THE SKIN DOCTOR
Photosensitising Medications & Products
Important Information Before Laser & Light-Based Treatments
Why This Matters
Some medications, supplements, and skincare products can make your skin more sensitive to light (photosensitisation).
This can increase the risk of:
- Burns
- Blistering
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Prolonged redness (post-inflammatory erythema, PIE)
- Delayed healing
These risks may occur even when treatment is performed correctly.
Your Responsibility
Before undergoing any laser or light-based treatment:
- You must inform your clinician of all medications, supplements, and skincare products you are using
- This includes prescription, over-the-counter, topical, and “natural” products
- If you are unsure whether something is relevant, please ask before your treatment
Common Photosensitising Agents
The following are the most clinically relevant and commonly encountered agents.
High-Risk (Common and Clinically Significant)
These frequently require treatment modification or delay.
Oral Medications
- Isotretinoin (Roaccutane)
- Doxycycline, minocycline, and other tetracyclines
- Certain antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole)
Topical Medications / Skincare
- Topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, retinol)
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA)
- Benzoyl peroxide
Supplements
- St John’s Wort
Moderate Risk (Context-Dependent)
These may increase sensitivity depending on dose, duration, and individual response.
Medications
- Some antidepressants (including SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants)
- Certain diuretics (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide)
- Some anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Certain antifungal medications
Hormonal Treatments
- Oral contraceptive pill
- Hormone replacement therapy
Lower or Variable Risk
These may contribute in certain circumstances and should still be disclosed.
Topicals and Cosmeceuticals
- High-strength vitamin C preparations
- Exfoliating scrubs
- Fragrance-containing products
Other
- Some herbal supplements
- Certain acne treatments
Procedures With Higher Sensitivity Risk
Photosensitising agents are particularly important to disclose if you are undergoing:
- Ablative laser treatments (e.g. erbium resurfacing)
- Full-face laser resurfacing
- Fractional laser treatments
- IPL or pigment-targeting treatments
These treatments involve heat or disruption of the skin and carry a higher baseline risk of complications.
Timing and Treatment Safety
Depending on the medication or product:
- You may need to pause use before treatment
- Your clinician may adjust treatment settings
- In some cases, treatment may be postponed
Do not stop prescription medications without medical advice. Your clinician will guide you.
Additional Medications and Substances to Be Aware Of
The lists above highlight the most clinically relevant and commonly encountered photosensitising agents.
However, there are many other medications, supplements, and substances that have been reported to increase sensitivity to light in certain circumstances.
While the agents listed below are not exhaustive, and taking them does not necessarily mean you will experience increased sensitivity or complications, they have been associated with photosensitivity in some individuals.
For this reason, it is important that:
- You review this list carefully
- You inform your clinician if you are taking any of these substances
- You seek clarification if you are unsure whether something is relevant
Even medications or products not listed here may increase sensitivity in some individuals.
Comprehensive Reference List (Photosensitising Agents)
Antibiotics
- Tetracycline
- Doxycycline
- Minocycline
- Ciprofloxacin
- Norfloxacin
- Ofloxacin
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Antifungals
- Griseofulvin
- Voriconazole
Cardiovascular Medications
- Amiodarone
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Furosemide
- Quinidine
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Piroxicam
- Ketoprofen
Psychiatric Medications
- Amitriptyline
- Nortriptyline
- Citalopram
- Fluoxetine
- Sertraline
- Paroxetine
Dermatological Medications
- Isotretinoin
- Acitretin
- Topical retinoids
Hormonal Agents
- Oral contraceptives
- Oestrogen therapies
Herbal and Natural Products
- St John’s Wort
- Certain essential oils
Other Agents
- Some antihistamines
- Certain anti-diabetic medications
- Some chemotherapy agents
Final Safety Note
This list is not exhaustive.
New medications and products are constantly introduced, and individual responses vary. Even agents not listed here may increase sensitivity to light.
Failure to disclose relevant medications or products may increase the risk of:
- Burns
- Pigmentation changes (PIH)
- Prolonged redness (PIE)
- Other complications
When in doubt, you should inform your clinician.
Contact Us
THE SKIN DOCTOR IVANHOE
1/1065 Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe VIC 3079
Phone: (03) 8373 4646
Email: dermal@theskindoctor.clinic