To prepare your skin and reduce the risk of adverse reactions, follow these guidelines:
Two Weeks Before Treatment
Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanning products
Do not wax, use depilatory creams, or exfoliate the treatment area
Stop using active skincare ingredients such as retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide unless instructed otherwise
Discontinue antibiotics or photosensitizing medications if possible (consult your provider first)
Five to Seven Days Before
Avoid chemical peels or laser treatments in the area
Do not bleach the treatment area
Stay hydrated and maintain a consistent skincare routine using gentle, non-active products
Day of Treatment
Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin
Do not apply lotion, SPF, deodorant, or makeup on the treatment area
Let your provider know if you have a history of cold sores, recent illness, or are on new medications
After Your IPL Treatment
Some redness, warmth, and mild swelling are normal and usually resolve within a few hours to a couple of days.
First 24 to 48 Hours
Avoid heat, sweating, and sun exposure
Use a cool compress if needed
Cleanse with a gentle, non-active cleanser and lukewarm water
Apply a soothing moisturizer and mineral sunscreen daily
Do not apply makeup until the skin has calmed (usually after 24 hours)
What to Expect
Pigmented spots may darken and look like coffee grounds or peppering before flaking off over 5 to 7 days
Avoid picking, scrubbing, or exfoliating treated areas
You may resume gentle exfoliation after all flaking is complete (typically around 7 days)
Ongoing Care
Avoid unprotected sun exposure during and after your IPL treatment series
Use SPF 30 or higher daily
Avoid active ingredients like retinol or acids for 5 to 7 days post-treatment
For best results, complete your full treatment series (usually 3 to 5 sessions)
Reach out immediately if you notice
Blistering
Unusual pain or heat
Swelling that worsens after 48 hours
Signs of infection (pus, spreading redness, or fever)
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to target pigmentation, redness, sun damage, and other skin imperfections. Unlike a laser, IPL delivers a broad spectrum of light that can treat multiple concerns in a single session.
IPL is ideal for improving
Sun damage and age spots
Freckles and uneven pigmentation
Rosacea and broken capillaries
Redness and flushing
Dull, uneven tone
Overall skin rejuvenation
Most clients benefit from a series of 3 to 5 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart. Your exact number of sessions depends on your skin type, concern, and how your skin responds to treatment.
There is little to no downtime. You may experience mild redness or warmth for a few hours after treatment. Pigmented spots may darken temporarily and flake off over the next 5 to 7 days. You can return to work and most normal activities right away.
Most clients describe the sensation as a quick snap or flick of heat. It’s generally very tolerable. Some areas may be more sensitive than others, but the treatment is quick and well-managed without the need for numbing.
Redness and warmth are common for a few hours. Pigmented spots will temporarily darken and shed over several days. The skin may feel slightly rough or dry during this time. As your skin heals, tone and texture improve gradually.
You should wait at least 24 hours or until any visible redness or warmth resolves. Avoid applying makeup on flaking or sensitive areas to prevent irritation.
IPL is safest and most effective for Fitzpatrick skin types I to III. We will evaluate your skin during your consultation to ensure you're a good candidate and recommend alternative treatments if needed.
IPL can be used on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, arms, and hands. It is especially effective in treating sun damage on areas frequently exposed to UV light.
Avoid sun exposure, tanning, and self-tanners for two weeks before treatment. Discontinue retinols, acids, and other active products five to seven days before. Shave the area if necessary but avoid waxing or plucking.
Avoid sun exposure, excessive heat, intense workouts, and exfoliating skincare for several days. Use a gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, and SPF daily to protect and support your skin’s healing.