IPL Photofacial

• 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.

• 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.