If you’re looking for a permanent body hair removal method, IPL treatment may just be what you’re looking for!
IPL refers to intense pulsed light and works by transmitting light into the hair follicles to halt their growth.
While IPL treatments don’t usually cause much pain, there are some care tips you should follow before and after your treatment, to minimise any discomfort and ensure the best results.
Want to give IPL permanent hair removla a try? Read on!
We’ve gathered the essential pre and post-treatment care tips so you’ll be more prepared for your journey towards baby-smooth skin.
Pre-treatment:
Avoid waxing or plucking
As IPL targets the roots of your hair, it’s important to avoid plucking or waxing the area so that the roots remain present during your treatment.
Stop any waxing or plucking at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to your session to ensure that your IPL treatment retains its effectiveness.
Shave
Whilst waxing and plucking is highly discouraged, shaving is not!
Since the laser targets the melanin present in your hair, it can react with the hair on the skin’s surface, which can lead to skin irritation and even burns.
Since shaving only cuts off the hair above the skin level, the laser will have an easier time trying to locate the hair follicles. Moreover, it also ensures that your treatment produces minimal discomfort and pain.
Your skin should be shaved at least 24 to 48 hours before your IPL session to prevent any irritation.
Avoid UV exposure
You may want to skip sun-tanning for at least 2 weeks before your session.
Exposure to sunlight can cause your skin to become highly sensitive to the light energy used during the treatment
UV exposure can cause skin discolouration after your treatment, or even worse, cause extreme pain and blisters. Even a minor sunburn can cause significant problems when it comes to IPL.
If you can’t avoid the sun during the day, make sure to use a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen to protect your skin
Stop using harsh products
During the 3 days before your treatment, avoid using harsh products that cause photosensitivity.
Products with salicylic acid, hydroxyl acids, retinol and benzoyl peroxide will react with UV radiation, forming compounds that make one more sun sensitive.
Since IPL is a laser treatment that utilises light energy to rid unwanted body hair, increased photosensitivity can cause severe burns on the skin.
Instead, use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser on the targeted areas.
Post-treatment:
Still avoid UV exposure
After an IPL session, your skin will be more sensitive than before. Prolonged sun exposure after your treatment not only increases your chances of sunburn, but also hyperpigmentation and scarring.
It’s incredibly crucial that you cover up and wear sunscreen when heading out.
Avoid using heat on your skin
Since heat is used to damage the hair follicles, exposing your skin to more heat after your treatment will increase the risk of irritation.
Avoid saunas and hot water for at least 48 hours. Instead, take showers in warm or cool water to speed up the healing process.
Apply aloe vera
It’s normal for your skin to be slightly red and uncomfortable following your treatment. If you need some relief, aloe vera is an excellent skin soother!
Apply aloe vera gel 2 to 3 times a day on the treated area to reduce the inflammation on your skin. For an additional cooling effect, refrigerate the aloe vera gel before applying it.
With proper care taken, IPL is an effective hair removal method with minimal discomfort.
Book an appointment with us to start your IPL journey today!