What Should I Avoid Before and After IPL Treatment?

Glowing, even-toned skin often requires more than just a regular skincare routine. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments effectively target sun damage, pigmentation, and other skin concerns while delivering lasting results. At Eminence Spa, we offer a wellness experience to enhance your beauty and well-being. Preparing and following the proper aftercare instructions during your IPL session is crucial to ensure the best results.

What to Avoid Before IPL Treatment

1. Sun Exposure: Direct sunlight exposure may increase skin sensitivity, resulting in burns, discoloration, or irritation during the procedure. Stay away from too much sun exposure for two weeks before your session. Using sunscreen will help shield your skin from harmful UV rays and prepare it for the IPL treatment.
2. Tanning Products: Self-tanners, lotions, and spray tans should be avoided before your IPL treatment. These products can mimic sun exposure by artificially darkening the skin, which can interfere with the IPL’s ability to target pigmentation effectively. Using tanning products can also lead to uneven results or even damage the skin during treatment. Before your appointment, avoid tanning products for at least two to three weeks to ensure the IPL works as intended.
3. Chemical Exfoliants and Peels: Avoid chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinoids before your IPL treatment. These ingredients are usually found in skincare products and can irritate your skin. Additionally, chemical peels should be avoided for at least one week before your IPL session. Avoiding these products will help ensure your skin remains calm and in the best condition for treatment.
4. Certain Medications: Some medications, particularly those that increase skin sensitivity to light, should be avoided before your IPL treatment. These include certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and retinoids. They can advise whether to stop the medication temporarily or if an alternative treatment is more suitable.
5. Waxing and Hair Removal Creams: Refrain from waxing, threading, or using hair removal creams on the treatment area for at least one week before your IPL appointment. These methods can cause irritation and inflammation, making the skin more vulnerable during IPL therapy. Shaving is the only method recommended before treatment if hair removal is necessary, as it doesn’t remove the hair follicle and won’t disrupt the IPL process.
6. Avoid Heavy Makeup, Moisturizers, or Serums: On the day of your IPL treatment, avoid using heavy makeup, moisturizers, or serums in the treatment area. These products can create a barrier that may affect the effectiveness of the IPL. Clean, bare skin ensures that the IPL can penetrate the skin evenly for the best results.

What to Avoid After IPL Treatment

After your IPL treatment, your skin will need extra care to heal correctly and deliver the best 

results. To ensure optimal healing, let’s consider what to avoid following treatment.

1. Sun Exposure: Just as you should avoid sun exposure before your IPL treatment, it’s equally important to protect your skin after the procedure. As a result, your skin will be more susceptible to burns and pigmentation changes due to UV exposure. After treatment, avoid direct sunlight and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Wearing wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved clothing will also help protect your skin from the sun.
2. Heat Exposure: Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and showers for a few days after your IPL treatment. Heat can increase inflammation and delay healing, potentially causing redness or irritation. Stick to lukewarm water when showering and avoid heat-related activities for at least 48 hours after your session.
3. Harsh Skincare Products: After IPL treatment, your skin will be more delicate and prone to irritation. For at least one week after treatment, avoid harsh skincare products containing ingredients such as retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), beta hydroxy acids (BHA), and other exfoliants for products that can aggravate the skin and lead to further irritation. Instead, select gentle, hydrating skincare products that soothe and nourish your skin during recovery.
4. Picking or Scratching the Skin: Some people may experience mild flaking or peeling after their IPL treatment as the skin heals. It’s important not to pick or scratch at these areas, as it can cause scarring, infection, or pigmentation changes. Allow your skin to heal naturally without interference. Apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer if you experience itching or discomfort.
5. Strenuous Exercise: Intense physical activity can raise your body temperature and lead to sweating, irritating the treated area and slowing the healing process. Avoid strenuous exercise, such as running or weightlifting, for at least 24 to 48 hours after your IPL session. Give your skin time to recover before returning to more intense activities like walking or stretching.
6. Excessive Exfoliation: While gentle exfoliation can help slough off dead skin cells, avoid using any exfoliating products or tools for at least a week after your IPL treatment. The skin needs healing time; exfoliating too soon can irritate or disrupt healing. Once your skin fully recovers, you can gradually reintroduce exfoliation into your skincare routine.
7. Heavy Makeup: After an IPL session, your skin may be red or sensitive, and it’s important to let it breathe. Avoid applying heavy makeup, especially foundation, for at least 24 hours post-treatment. If you must wear makeup, opt for light, non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores or irritate your skin.

General Post-IPL Care Tips

Following a few simple post-care steps will facilitate healing & maintain the results of your IPL treatment. Keep your skin well-hydrated using a gentle moisturizer to prevent dryness and support recovery. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin looking healthy. Additionally, depending on your skin concerns, multiple IPL sessions may be necessary for optimal results, so following your skincare provider’s recommendations for follow-up treatments is imperative to ensure lasting improvements.

Consult a Professional

IPL treatments improve skin texture, reduce pigmentation, and address other skin concerns. However, achieving the best results requires proper care before and after each session. By avoiding sun exposure, harsh products, and certain medications, you can protect your skin and ensure the IPL treatment works as intended. Likewise, following post-care instructions, such as staying out of the sun and avoiding heat or irritation, will help your skin heal beautifully. Consulting with a professional medical aesthetician will guide you toward the best skin treatment option.

Takeaway

Taking care of your skin before and after IPL treatment is essential for achieving smooth, glowing results. By avoiding sun exposure, harsh skincare products, and other irritants, you can protect your skin and enhance the benefits of your IPL session. Whether you’re looking to reduce pigmentation, improve texture, or rejuvenate your complexion, IPL is a powerful solution. Ready to experience the difference? At Eminence Spa, book your IPL treatment at St. George, UT, and let us help you achieve the radiant skin you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!