Pre-care and aftercare for IPL

Lumecca IPL pre-care and post-care instructions

Pre-care instructions for IPL treatment

1. Avoid Sun Exposure: Refrain from direct sun exposure and tanning (including self-tanners) for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
2. No Waxing or Plucking: Avoid waxing, tweezing, or depilatory creams on the treatment area for 2 weeks before your session.
3. Shave The Area: Shave the area 24 hours prior to reduce discomfort.
4. Discontinue Certain Skin Care Products: Stop using retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs at least 5-⁠7 days prior to treatment.
5. Avoid Photosensitizing Medications: If you’re on medications like Accutane or antibiotics, inform your provider in advance, as these may increase light sensitivity.
6. Arrive with Clean Skin: Ensure the treatment area is free of makeup, lotions, deodorants, or any other products.

Post-care instructions for IPL treatment

1. Avoid Sun Exposure:
   • Stay out of the sun for at least 72 hours post-treatment.
   • Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen (preferably mineral) and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
2. Limit Prolonged Sun Activities:
   • Avoid long drives, walks, or biking for 1-⁠2 weeks to prevent hyperpigmentation or burns, even with sunscreen.
3. Avoid Makeup:
   • Skip makeup for 24 hours to allow the skin to heal.
4. Cool Compress:
   • Apply a cool compress (not ice) to soothe warm or sensitive skin.
5. Avoid Heat and Strenuous Activities:
   • No hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or intense exercise for 48 hours post-treatment.
6. Gentle Skincare:
   • Avoid retinol, retinoids, exfoliants, or harsh products for 1-⁠2 weeks.
7. Do Not Pick or Scratch:
   • Treated areas may darken or peel as they heal. Let them flake off naturally.
8. Be Patient:
   • Full results may take 2-⁠4 weeks as the skin rejuvenates.

What to expect after IPL

• Darkening of Pigmentation:
  • Treated spots (e.g., sunspots) may darken before fading or flaking off within 1-⁠2 weeks.
• Temporary Redness or Swelling:
  • Mild redness or swelling, resembling a sunburn, may occur and typically resolves within a few hours to days.
• Darkened Veins:
  • Blood vessels may appear darker immediately after treatment but will fade over 1-⁠2 weeks.

These are normal and temporary responses as the skin heals and improves.

When to contact your provider

• Persistent redness, swelling, or discomfort lasting beyond a few days.
• Blistering or scabbing in the treated area.
• Signs of infection (e.g., pus, excessive pain).