Acne IPL

• Avoid all sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanner for 4 weeks prior to treatment. IPL on tanned skin risks blistering and permanent pigment change, and we will reschedule tanned clients.
• Discontinue retinoids and exfoliating acids 1 week prior.
• Disclose all medications, especially photosensitizing drugs (certain antibiotics such as doxycycline, some acne and psychiatric medications). These may require a washout period.
• Do not wax, pluck, or use depilatories on the treatment area for 2 weeks prior. Shaving is fine.
• If you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex), let us know when booking. An outbreak can be triggered by treatment, and a preventive antiviral prescription can be arranged through our nurse practitioner.
• Please disclose isotretinoin (Accutane) use now or within the past 6 months.

Arrive with clean skin: no makeup, sunscreen, lotion, or perfume on the treatment area. You will wear protective eyewear during the session. Each pulse feels like a warm snap, often compared to a small elastic band, and a cooling gel keeps it very tolerable. Redness and a mild sunburn sensation for a few hours afterward are normal. For acne treatment, the light targets the bacteria and inflammation in active lesions, so do not pop or treat spots with drying products in the days before your session.

• Redness and warmth typically settle within 2 to 8 hours. A cool compress helps if needed.
• Pigment spots often darken to a coffee-ground appearance before flaking off over 7 to 10 days. Do not pick or exfoliate them; they shed on their own.
• Avoid hot showers, strenuous exercise, saunas, and hot tubs for 24 to 48 hours.
• No retinoids or exfoliating acids for 1 week.
• Makeup may be applied the next day if the skin is intact.
• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (ideally zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based) every day, and avoid direct sun for 4 weeks after treatment. Sun exposure is the main cause of post-IPL pigment complications.
• A series of treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart is typical for full results.

• Tanned skin or recent sun exposure: Treatment will be rescheduled; this is the most important IPL rule.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: IPL is deferred until after.
• Isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6 months: Treatment is deferred.
• Photosensitizing medications: Certain antibiotics and other drugs make skin dangerously light-sensitive; full disclosure is required.
• Melasma: IPL can worsen melasma in some clients; this requires assessment, and a different treatment may be recommended.
• Darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV to VI): Higher risk of pigment change with IPL; your provider will assess suitability and settings, or recommend an alternative.
• Active infection, cold sores, or open lesions in the area: Treatment is postponed until resolved.
• Known or suspected skin cancer in the treatment area: IPL is not performed on or near suspicious lesions.
• Seizure disorders triggered by light: Please disclose before treatment.
• History of gold therapy: Gold particles in the skin can react to light-based treatments.
• Tattoos or permanent makeup in the treatment area: These areas are avoided or shielded.