I’m on a Retin A routine which helps to keep my acne at bay. Will this affect the electrolysis in any way? I’ve had laser hair removal done while on Retin A and also when I was on a low dose of Accutane with no problems but I suppose electrolysis differs because of potential scabbing? I would imagine it would increase sensitivity?
Thanks 
I have been using Retin-A (0.025%) once a day on my face for about a year for moderate acne, and have had both laser and electrolysis. I was warned by both my laser operator and electrologist to stop using the Retin-A a week before having laser or electro. They told me to do this because of the increased sensitivity. (They both said they would not work on someone taking accutaine and if they had they would have to be off of it for six months.)
I didn’t always listen, or just forgot, and used it right up until a day or two before both laser and electro. It definitely made the laser more painful if I didn’t stop a week before and learned my lesson and always waited a week before laser from then on. Electro seemed to be a little more painful but not as much and not as bad and I could go right up until two days before without noticing any increased sensitivity. So for me it seemed to make a difference when it comes to pain, but less so for electrolysis. That is just my experience with my skin and hair, and as always, your mileage will vary.
Thank you for your response, I appreciate it.
As an electrologist, I work on clients who take Accutane and use Retin-A with no problems. This is where good equipment makes a difference. I choose insulated probes and decrease the intensity and will do shorter sessions. Observing the skin is important and client feedback is necessary for those first appointments.
There have been no adverse reactions. All goes well if electrolysis is performed correctly. Laser is a different matter and I cannot comment on this with expertise.
You shouldn’t be using these if you’re getting laser treatments as it makes your skin more vulnerable to burns.
Thank you for your responses everyone.
I posted [somewhere awhile back] a short copy and paste of an article regarding Retin-A. Apparently, Retin-A is a known cause of facial hair growth. Makes your skin smoother… and for many… hairier. Not sure I’d like that trade-off. Accutane will give you more sweat glands but not more hair.
(I always thought the number of sweat glands you have is set from birth, but apparently not)
The article did not say whether Retin-A gave you more vellus hair or caused terminal hair. Both are bad, in my book.