Intense-Pulsed Light (IPL) Pre/Post Care
Pre Care IPL
- Closely shave the treatment area as close to your appointment time as possible.
- Avoid sun exposure 1 to 3 weeks prior to treatment. Use SPF 30+ daily to ensure coverage against UVB and UVA rays. Not adhering could result in injury to your skin, including serious burns.
- Discontinue use of self-tanning products 2 weeks prior to appointment.
- Discontinue all products that contain Retinoids (Tretinoin, Retin-A, Renova, Differin, OTC Retinol, Tri-Luma, Solage, etc) at least 2-3 days prior to treatment.
- Discontinue use of Hydroquinone 1 week prior to treatment.
- If you have a history of cold sores, it is recommended to begin prophylactic treatment no later than the day prior to IPL
- Cold sores, active acne, and open lesions in the area cannot be treated.
- Closely shave any coarse or dark hair in the area to be treated.
- If the skin is irritated, non-intact or bruised, your treatment will be postponed until the skin is healthy.
- The use of certain medications causing sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitive) should be avoided. Photosensitizing medications may create serious burns.
- PLEASE NOTE: You can be up to 3 times more sensitive to the procedure if you are menstruating.
- BOTOX and FILLERS: Not recommended 2 weeks prior or until 2 weeks after your treatment. Longevity of Botox or fillers could be affected.
Post Care IPL
- Use SPF 30+ daily on treated area. Avoid sunlight completely, if possible.
- Use a gentle cleanser, gentle moisturizer, and/or hyaluronic acid post-treatment. When cleansing, use lukewarm water only.
- Avoid working out or sweating for 24 hours to reduce risk of hyperpigmentation.
- You may resume your normal skincare regimen after 3 days post-treatment.
- Makeup may be applied the day after your treatment.
WHAT YOU MAY FEEL IPL
- You may experience a sunburned sensation immediately following treatment. Although rare, light edema (swelling) is possible.
- Erythema (redness) is normal and should subside within 1-2 hours.
- Darkening of freckles and other areas is normal. If this occurs, avoid picking or exfoliating the area. They will flake off or lighten on their own in the next several weeks.
- Notify us of any burns. If you experience a burn, gently cleanse the area and use hydrocortisone cream on the area several times a day for a week. If the burn blisters and opens, use antibiotic ointment over the hydrocortisone cream.