enhance skin care & hair removal specialists IPL & Skin Rejuventaion Before & Aftercare Instructions
The following instructions should be followed closely to make sure that your next treatment can go ahead as planned. Please note that some conditions are not suitable for IPL Treatments, such as Light-Induced Epilepsy, Porphyria and pregnant women. Persons taking photo-sensitive medication or undergoing treatment for certain medical conditions may also not be suitable for IPL treatment. Red, white, and blonde hair cannot be treated due to the lack of melanin.
More information is available in our IPL & Skin rejuvenation information sheet.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to Contact Us
Before your treatment...
• Do not expose the skin to UV light (sun exposure or the use of tanning beds) or self tan (lotions, gels, spray etc) for at least 4 weeks before and/or between your IPL treatments.
• ONE day prior to treatment, neatly remove all the hair in the area to be treated by shaving, trying not to nick the skin in the process. The IPL energy needs to be able to travel all the way down the hair shaft towards the root to fully destroy the hair follicle. Any remaining surface hair will attract the IPL energy away from the root making it more uncomfortable and less effective.
• Do not depilate with waxing, plucking, or threading before and/or between IPL treatments. shaving is preferred.
• Do not use bleaching creams.
• Avoid swimming in strong chlorinated water immediately before an IPL treatment session.
• Avoid exfoliating, microdermabrasion, or peels for 1 week before treatment sessions.
• Keep the area to be treated clean and dry.
• Protect the skin from sun exposure with suitable clothing and use of sun block SPF 30+ before first treatment and between subsequent treatment sessions.
On the day of your treatment …
• Avoid wearing dark/black underwear for underarm or bikini treatments.
• If taking antibiotics, inform us of the exact dose, brand name & the length of time
After your treatment...
• Do not expose skin to UV light (sun exposure or the use of tanning beds) for the duration of your course of • treatments as actively tanned skin cannot be treated. You must wait at least 4 weeks (and up to 6) after tanning • to have another IPL treatment.
• Do not use any self-tan products for at least 2 weeks after your treatment and at least 10 days before your next • treatment.
• Do not shave for 48-72 hrs after your treatment. Leave the hairs in the follicles for at least 3 days after the • treatment. This will help reduce any chances of an opportunistic infection in the damaged follicle. The hairs will • drop out naturally over the following days and weeks. Please note that hair re-growth occurs at different rates on • different areas of the body.
• Do not pick or scratch the treated area.
• Avoid rough handling of the area treated.
• Leave any skin responses alone (they are temporary and will subside). The area treated can be red, warm and • bumpy for up to 24h hours after treatment. In some cases small blisters may appear. If this is uncomfortable you • can cool the area with a cold flannel/towel or some other means of cooling. It is advisable to avoid ice as this • may cause an “ice burn”. You can apply the aftercare product that is recommended, but if any skin irritation • occurs stop use immediately and contact your IPL therapist.
• Avoid very hot baths / showers / steam baths / sauna for 1 week, and NOT on the day of treatment. Hot and • humid conditions can also aggravate the skin following the treatment.
• Avoid swimming in strong chlorinated water, and exfoliating or peels for 1 week.
• Avoid rough sports for 24-48 hrs. Hydrate the body by drinking plenty of water.
• Use sun block (min SPF 30+) and consider using protective cotton gloves for driving, a hat to protect facial areas.
• Try to use cleansing products that have been developed for sensitive skin for 2 days after treatment. Be gentle • when dry or rubbing the area treated.
• Always seek professional medical advice and contact your doctor immediately if any symptoms are of concern and for any questions if needed. Inform enhance skin care & hair removal specialists of any adverse reactions