With so many great options to rejuvenate your face, you may forget to give one important piece of information to your skin care professional that can significantly impact finding the right facial for you: your daily medications.

When you’re popping a daily birth control pill or antihistamine or even a daily multi-vitamin, it may seem like no big deal and you may forget to say something. But this is extremely important information.

Ingredients in birth control, cardiac medicine, antihistamines, antibiotics, and prescription or even over-the-counter acne medicine can make your skin more sensitive and alter the results of whatever facial you choose.

Here are some of the medications that can cause problems:

  • Retinoids (prescription and over the counter): These helpful acne-fighters are no help when it comes to photosensitivity.
  • Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide: Both of these are mild exfoliants that can make your skin more sensitive.
  • Antibiotics: Recent bladder infection? Bronchitis? Prescription antibiotics will cause hypersensitive skin.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): This means ibuprofen, aspirin and other anti-inflammatories.
  • Herbs and vitamins: St. John’s Wort and Vitamin B3 are known to cause skin reactions and photosensitivity — so don’t forget to tell your skin care professional what herbs and vitamins you take.

This is not an exhaustive list. There are more that can cause problems. So when you come to your consultation, remember nothing is too minor to divulge.

If you are on one or more of the medications listed, don’t despair! We will find the right facial treatment for you. Just because you’re not a candidate for a photofacial or a chemical peel because of XYZ medication, that does not mean you won’t be a candidate for another treatment like Intraceuticals Hyperbaric Oxygen or Ultherapy treatment.

To find out more about all of the treatments available to you, visit our Services page and schedule a consultation appointment today.

About Jennifer

Jennifer Curtin is a medical aesthetician, nationally recognized for her expertise in medical skin care. With more than 20 years of experience in medical aesthetics, she is dedicated to the aesthetic industry and has received awards of merit including the International CIDESCO Certification, Assistant Cosmetic Laser Practitioner and National Leadership Award. Jennifer is also an expert in facials and the president of Skintherapy, which is located in the Buckhead section of Atlanta. To schedule an appointment with Jennifer, call 404-358-2961.