IPL Aftercare Instructions
These are my instructions for before and after intense pulsed light treatment. They cover sun and product pauses, what is normal as pigment responds, and when I want you to call the office.
23+ YEARS EXPERIENCE | BOARD CERTIFIED MD | FORMER ASST. PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE | 5.0★ ACROSS 136 REVIEWS
About the Procedure
Intense pulsed light delivers filtered light to selected pigment or visible vessels in the skin. Treated brown spots can darken before they flake or fade, while redness, warmth and mild swelling can occur early. Sun protection before and after treatment is an important part of the plan.
Before Your Treatment
In the weeks before
- Avoid direct sun and tanning for four weeks before treatment.
- Stop self-tanner two weeks before the appointment.
- Tell me about any recent tan, sunburn or planned sun exposure so the appointment can be adjusted if needed.
- Tell me about isotretinoin use. Wait at least 6 months after stopping oral isotretinoin (Accutane) before IPL.
The week before
- Stop these products before your treatment:
- Retinoids (tretinoin, retinol): 7 days before
- Hydroquinone: 7 days before
- Acne creams and gels, such as benzoyl peroxide: 5 days before
- Alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHA / BHA): 5 days before
- Vitamin C: 3 days before
- Scrubs and other exfoliants: 3 days before
- If you take aspirin, an NSAID, Coumadin or another blood thinner, check with the prescriber before making any change. Do not stop any prescribed medication without checking with the prescriber first.
- Avoid alcohol for two days before your appointment.
- Arrive with clean skin and no makeup, lotion, sunscreen, perfume or deodorant on the treatment area. Wear the protective eyewear provided during treatment.
After Your Treatment
Keep the skin cool and use gentle products while the first warmth and redness settle. Pigmented spots may look darker before they release, so leave them alone and let the response follow its course.
First 48 hours
Do
- Use a cool compress if the area feels warm or swollen.
- Keep your head elevated if your face was treated.
- Cleanse gently and use the moisturizer and sunscreen recommended for you.
Do Not
- Do not scratch, rub or pick the treated area.
- Do not exercise vigorously or use hot showers, saunas or other heat for two days.
- Do not drink alcohol for 2 days after treatment.
- Do not use scrubs or other exfoliating products.
The first week
- Let darkened spots flake or fade on their own.
- Keep retinoids, glycolic acid and other exfoliating products paused for one week unless I give you a different plan.
- If a blister or crust develops, leave it intact and call me before applying anything to it.
- Use makeup only when the skin is intact and comfortable.
Weeks 2 to 6
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day.
- Avoid deliberate sun exposure for four to six weeks.
- Results usually show within 2 to 4 weeks, as pigment and redness improve gradually.
- Most clients need 3 to 6 sessions. I set the schedule according to the condition being treated and the way your skin responds.
What to Expect and What Is Normal
The area may feel warm and look pink at first. Mild swelling can occur, especially on the face. Superficial brown spots may temporarily become more noticeable, then flake or fade without rubbing. Improvement develops gradually rather than at the moment of treatment.
Call the office at (415) 644-8301 if you notice:
- Significant blistering, worsening pain or spreading redness
- Drainage, an open sore, or skin that turns white or dark
- Any reaction that concerns you or is getting worse instead of better
IPL Aftercare FAQs
Questions About Your Care?
Keep these instructions for reference between sessions, and do not hesitate to call the office with any questions. Your comfort, safety and result are the priority at every session.