Your Complete IPL Recovery Guide

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is one of the most effective, non-invasive light-based treatments in our toolbox to erase brown spots, excess hair, visible blood vessels, and the effects of sun damage. IPL offers no significant downtime or recovery period, and it improves the skin’s texture, overall appearance, and health, making it a win-win for many patients who want to enhance their skin. With the treatment, there’s no need to worry about what your skin will look like post-IPL recovery, making it a fast and favorite way to tackle several skin concerns simultaneously to feel confident and put your best face forward.

Immediate Post-Treatment Care

Directly after each IPL session, you’ll want to follow the proper post-treatment IPL recovery plan and directions to help nurse your skin back to health as quickly as possible. It’s normal for the skin to look and feel like it has a mild sunburn post-IPL. There may also be some redness or pinkness to the skin, some blotchiness, minor swelling, and minimal discomfort that may last for a couple of days, so it’s important to ice your skin (with ice packs) and treat it with gentle, bland products including a mild cleanser, moisturizer (apply it multiple times per day as instructed), and sunscreen. If the skin feels itchy after IPL, an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may help.

You will also start to see treated sunspots and pigmentation turning dark and resembling the texture of coffee grinds, which will darken, crust over, and fall off, so it’s critical to be extra gentle with your skin during the IPL recovery phase.

Even though an IPL treatment does not ablate or remove the top layer of skin or pierce it, creating micro-injuries, it still needs the proper care. That includes avoiding sun exposure, using skincare with active ingredients, including retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and other exfoliators, and avoiding activities that will make you sweat for at least the first 24 hours. You’ll also want to sleep on your back and elevate your head to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on the face as it heals.

How to Manage Redness and Swelling from IPL

Post-IPL redness and swelling are typical yet manageable, usually lasting from a few hours to a few days. There are plenty of ways to handle them so they do not interfere with your daily routine.

After an IPL session, it’s super important not to pick at your face or scrub it, which will not only irritate the skin and potentially compromise your results but can also interfere with the healing process. To mitigate any redness and swelling, applying a gentle yet bland moisturizing cream is best since it will help retain moisture in the skin and support the normal healing process. You can also use ice packs wrapped in a soft cloth on the treated areas to help with swelling and discomfort.

Until all the redness has resolved, avoid applying makeup to the face, exposing it to harsh household chemicals, including chlorine in swimming pools and hot tubs, steering clear of sweat-inducing activities and exercises, always using sunscreen, avoiding direct sun exposure, and avoiding all hair removal and skin treatments for 7 to 14 days. You’ll also want to avoid picking, peeling, rubbing, or massaging red or swollen areas.

Expected Recovery Timeline

On average, it takes the skin about 7 to 10 days to fully recover from an IPL treatment, but that doesn’t mean you need to hide out and take a break from your regular activities while the skin is recovering. Here’s what to expect each day post-treatment so there are no surprises during the process.

• Day 1: The skin is normally pink or red, blotchy, and feels like it has a sunburn. There may be some mild discomfort and swelling, and a darkening of treated pigment may already be noticeable.
• Days 2 and 3: The skin may feel tight, dry, and rough. The treated dark spots are starting to look like coffee grinds.
• Days 4 – 6: The skin will become less dry each day. The dark spots will start to fall off naturally and fade.
• Days 7 – 10: The skin will continue to slough off on its own, and a more evenly toned, glowy, healthier-looking complexion will begin to emerge.

Activities to Avoid During IPL Recovery

Avoiding specific activities and skincare ingredients to keep the skin healthy and ensure optimal results after IPL is essential.

• Always wash the skin with lukewarm or room temperature water, and not hot water, since the skin can be more sensitive to temperatures
• Don’t go a day without applying sunscreen. Never expose skin to direct sunlight, either, since it will be sun-sensitive as it heals.
• Avoid using harsh ingredients and actives on the skin
• Don’t pick or scratch at the skin
• Bypass tanning beds at all costs
• Don’t wear makeup or follow your regular skincare routine without getting clearance from your provider
• You should avoid smoking and drinking since they can interfere with the body’s repair processes

Taking Care of Your Skin Long-Term After IPL Treatment

Even after your skin has fully healed after an IPL treatment, following the proper skin care protocol is vital to maintain your results. We recommend the following to keep the skin looking its absolute best:

• Always wash with a mild cleanser that won’t strip the skin
• Use a moisturizer on the skin morning and night to lock in hydration. Drinking plenty of water is also important to help maintain proper moisture levels in the skin.
• Never miss a day of sunscreen. SPF 30 or higher is best, especially when spending time outdoors.
• Regular maintenance sessions depending on your needs to help sustain the results of IPL and address any skin concerns that may arise

You can always consult with a team member for a more personalized long-term skincare plan to help maintain the results of your IPL treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to recover from IPL treatment?

The entire IPL recovery process takes 7 to 10 days, depending on how your skin responds to the treatment and how quickly it bounces back.

Are there any side effects or risks associated with IPL treatment?

IPL is a generally safe treatment with extensive research behind it. There is no known evidence of major side effects or risks with the treatment. However, it can cause mild and temporary redness and skin sensitivity. If too high of a setting is used, more sensitive skin types that are prone to blistering and scarring may experience that.

When can I expect to see the full results of IPL treatment?

In just a few weeks, you should see a noticeable difference in your skin, with improved tone and texture. However, to reap the full benefits of the treatment, we recommend a series of IPL treatments for maximum results.

How often should I schedule IPL treatments for optimal skin rejuvenation?

Most IPL sessions are scheduled every four to six weeks, and a total of three to five are generally recommended.

Can I wear makeup after an IPL?

It is best to let the skin breathe and avoid wearing makeup directly after an IPL treatment. Wearing tinted sunscreen is a good alternative, and you can begin wearing makeup around day 2 or 3.

Start Your IPL Journey Today!

Begin your transformation to more evenly toned, smoother, and healthier skin at Serenity Aesthetics & Wellness, and get ready to embrace a more confident you. Connect with us today to discuss your skin goals and learn how our customized IPL treatment plans can make your vision a reality. Book your consultation now and take the first step towards lasting beauty and wellness.