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

Skin Sensation and Redness: Your skin may feel like a mild sunburn after treatment. You could experience redness (erythema), swelling (edema), and some discomfort in the treated areas for a few hours, up to 3 days.
Bruising: Purplish spots or patches (purpura) may appear in the treated areas but would be expected to 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.
Cold Compress: You can use cold or ice 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.
Moisturizing and Cleansing: Apply a gentle moisturizer immediately after treatment. For the next few days, use a mild cleanser (like Cetaphil, Aquanil, or Dove) and a gentle moisturizer before returning to your regular skincare routine.
Avoid Skin Irritants: For one week after treatment, avoid using products with Retin-A, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic or salicylic acids, astringents, or Vitamin C.
Sun Protection: Avoid sun exposure to the treated area for 1 to 2 months (or indefinitely). Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 25 or higher.
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.
Avoid 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, or use depilatory products on the treated area for one week after your session.
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.
Crusting Care: If significant crusting occurs, you may apply an antibiotic ointment like Polysporin or Bacitracin if recommended by your doctor.
Travel: Avoid air travel for 24 hours after treatment.
Protection from Trauma: Be careful to prevent trauma to the treated area for the first 4 to 5 days after treatment.
Blisters or Scabs: Rarely, a small blister or scab may form. If this happens, contact your doctor 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.

Additional Care Tips:

Gently wash the area with soap and water.
Keep the skin well-moisturized with the recommended ointment.
Tylenol can be used for pain relief if needed.
Avoid shaving over the treated area.
Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds if the treated area looks irritated.
Avoid contact sports until the area is fully healed and no longer bruised.
Use a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily for at least 6 months.

Contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Injectables

MedSpa

Facial

Massage

Hair Removal

Wellness

Permanent Make Up

Body

Brow & Lash Bar

Hair Bar

Occasional Offer

Combo Treats

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

Additional Care Tips:

Quick Links

Useful Links

Make Appointment