What to Do Before and After IPL Your Appointment

What To Do Before Your IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Appointment

Avoid Skin Irritants: For one week before your treatment, avoid using products containing Retin-A, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic or salicylic acids, astringents, or Vitamin C.
Waxing or Depilatory Use: Refrain from waxing or using depilatory products on the treatment area for at least one week before your session.
Sun Exposure: The treatment area should not have been exposed to sunburn or tanning for at least 2 weeks before your session, and you should continue to avoid tanning or burning the area for 2 weeks after your last treatment.
Medication Disclosure: Inform us if you are taking any new antibiotics or medications, as they may make your skin more sensitive to light. If so, we may need to delay your treatment for one to two weeks after you finish the medication.
Cold Sore History: Let us know if you have a history of cold sores or currently have one before your treatment.

Skin Sensation and Redness: Your skin may feel like a mild sunburn after treatment. You could experience redness, swelling, and some discomfort in the treated areas for a few hours, up to 3 days.
Bruising: Purplish spots or patches may appear in the treated areas but should resolve within a few days.
Itching and Redness: If you experience itching, you may use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. Redness and mild swelling are usually normal and subside quickly.
Crusting and Flaking: Treated dark spots may darken and crust within a few days, usually resolving in 1 to 3 weeks. Let the crusting naturally flake off—do not pick at it.
Blisters or Scabs: Rarely, a small blister or scab may form. If this happens, contact your provider immediately. While waiting for a response, gently clean the area and apply an antibiotic ointment (like Bacitracin or Polysporin) unless allergic. Avoid sun exposure and let it heal naturally without interference.

Skin Irritants: For one week after treatment, avoid using products with Retin-A, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic or salicylic acids, astringents, or Vitamin C.
Heat and Strenuous Activity: For 48 hours after treatment, avoid hot baths or showers, aerobic exercise, massages, harsh cleansers, or chemicals on the treated area.
Hair Removal: Do not wax, tweeze, shave, or use depilatory products on the treated area for one week after your session.
Sun Exposure: Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds on the treated area for 1 to 2 months (or indefinitely). Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapplying every two hours.

Cold Compress: You may use cold packs for comfort and swelling relief. Apply for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off, repeating as needed during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. Never apply a cold pack directly to skin.
Protection from Trauma: Be careful to prevent trauma, such as picking, scratching, bruising, or chafing, to the treated area for the first 4 to 5 days after treatment.
Mild Cleanser: Gently wash the treated area with a mild cleanser. Avoid using hot water on the treated area.
Moisturizer: Keep the treated area moisturized at all times with a gentle moisturizer.
SPF: Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapplying every two hours.
Makeup: You may apply makeup to the treated area as long as the skin is not broken, blistered, or irritated. If you don’t need makeup immediately, it’s best to wait until the next morning.