It’s almost time for your first intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment. IPL is a powerful, non-surgical option that does an excellent job of eliminating flaws such as brown spots and visible blood vessels.
Dr. Peterson and the team at Keys Med Spa are transforming skin with minimally invasive IPL, creating some outstanding results in the Key West area. Here are our top tips for caring for your skin post-treatment.
Slather on the Sunscreen
Sun and IPL don’t mix. After your treatment, your skin will be very sun-sensitive. This photosensitivity usually lasts for four to six weeks. The skin will burn very easily, and burns can quickly become severe. Sun damage will negatively impact your IPL results.
To minimize sun damage after IPL, we recommend that patients:
- Stay out of the sun as much as possible.
- Do not use tanning beds or attempt to tan outdoors.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella to shade the skin when you will be outdoors.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply every one to two hours.
Even after you’ve healed, minimizing sun exposure is one of the best things you can do for your skin. The sun’s damaging UV rays are a primary cause of premature aging.
Turn Down the Heat
After IPL, your skin will be hypersensitive, especially to heat. Avoid hot baths and showers. A warm shower should be tolerable, but make sure the water is not directly hitting the skin. Only wash treated areas with cool or lukewarm water for the first two to three days.
Give Your Skin Some Extra TLC
Avoid using harsh skincare products, including exfoliants, scrubs, perfumed soaps and lotions, bleaching creams, astringents, and retinol until your skin has healed. Chlorine may also irritate your skin, so avoid pools, spas, and saunas. Don’t apply makeup to treated skin for a few days.
While you should steer clear of harsh products, you will still want to take care of your skin. Cleanse daily using a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. We can recommend products to nourish and soothe your healing skin.
Hands off While You Heal
After IPL, brown spots on your skin will temporarily darken and crust over. It can be tempting to pick and pull at these dark areas, but we need you to keep your hands off.
Scratching at healing skin can disrupt the recovery process. It can also lead to scarring. If your skin itches, apply a cool compress to temporarily ease symptoms.
Moisturize Inside and Out
Moisturizing your skin is essential after IPL. Use a gentle moisturizing cream multiple times each day to keep your skin comfortable and moisturized. Skin hydration doesn’t only come from the surface, either. Drink lots of water to moisturize your skin from the inside out.
Beautiful skin awaits. Contact us or call at (305) 587-9183 to schedule an IPL treatment at Keys Med Spa.
