Pre-Care and Aftercare for IPL
LUMECA IPL Pre-Care and Post-Care Instructions
How IPL Works
LUMECA IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a non-invasive treatment that uses broad-spectrum light to address various skin concerns. The light energy penetrates the skin and is absorbed by pigments (melanin) or blood vessels, converting into heat to break down pigmentation, redness, or capillaries. IPL improves skin tone, reduces pigmentation, treats acne, and stimulates collagen production for smoother, youthful skin.
Diode Laser Technology:
- Targets melanin in hair follicles with a concentrated wavelength of light.
- Targets melanin in hair follicles with a concentrated wavelength of light.
Selective Photothermolysis:
- Converts light energy into heat, selectively damaging hair follicles while sparing surrounding skin.
- Disables follicles to prevent future hair growth.
Cooling Mechanism for Comfort:
- Integrated cooling continuously cools the skin, reducing discomfort and irritation.
- Integrated cooling continuously cools the skin, reducing discomfort and irritation.
Multiple Treatments Required:
- Hair grows in cycles, so 4-6 sessions spaced several weeks apart are needed to target all active follicles effectively.
Pre-Care Instructions for IPL Treatment
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Refrain from direct sun exposure and tanning (including self-tanners) for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
- No Waxing or Plucking: Avoid waxing, tweezing, or depilatory creams on the treatment area for 2 weeks before your session.
- Shave The Area: Shave the area 24 hours prior to reduce discomfort.
- Discontinue Certain Skin Care Products: Stop using retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs at least 5-7 days prior to treatment.
- Avoid Photosensitizing Medications: If you’re on medications like Accutane or antibiotics, inform your provider in advance, as these may increase light sensitivity.
- Arrive with Clean Skin: Ensure the treatment area is free of makeup, lotions, deodorants, or any other products.
Post-Care Instructions for IPL Treatment
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.
Limit Prolonged Sun Activities:
- Avoid long drives, walks, or biking for 1-2 weeks to prevent hyperpigmentation or burns, even with sunscreen.
- Avoid long drives, walks, or biking for 1-2 weeks to prevent hyperpigmentation or burns, even with sunscreen.
Avoid Makeup:
- Skip makeup for 24 hours to allow the skin to heal.
- Skip makeup for 24 hours to allow the skin to heal.
Cool Compress:
- Apply a cool compress (not ice) to soothe warm or sensitive skin.
- Apply a cool compress (not ice) to soothe warm or sensitive skin.
Avoid Heat and Strenuous Activities:
- No hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or intense exercise for 48 hours post-treatment.
- No hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or intense exercise for 48 hours post-treatment.
Gentle Skincare:
- Avoid retinol, retinoids, exfoliants, or harsh products for 1-2 weeks.
- Avoid retinol, retinoids, exfoliants, or harsh products for 1-2 weeks.
Do Not Pick or Scratch:
- Treated areas may darken or peel as they heal. Let them flake off naturally.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, peeling, or scabbing in the treated area.
- Signs of infection (e.g., pus, excessive pain).
LUMECA IPL is an effective solution for improving skin tone, reducing pigmentation, and rejuvenating your skin. Follow these pre- and post-care guidelines to achieve the best results!