Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) laser treatments are frequently used for skin whitening, improving the appearance of age and sun spots, blotches, rosacea, fine lines, and wrinkles. Other benefits include increased collagen synthesis, hair removal, and oil reduction. IPL can also help to minimize your pores.
While IPL skin therapies were once reserved for beauty clinics and dermatologist’s offices, you now have the option to perform these treatments yourself from the comfort and privacy of home for a fraction of the cost. This is all thanks to home IPL devices, which employ the same technology as professional machines, but are designed to be used at home by non-professionals, so they’re safer and less potent.
IPL devices that can be used at home produce changes in the deeper layers of skin to encourage new collagen formation and generate smoother skin above. IPL laser acts to reduce hyperpigmentation by targeting darker skin cells and breaking down melanin, which causes dark patches.
That being said, it is fairly common to encounter mild side effects following IPL treatments, whether at home or at a clinic. However, prepping your skin beforehand and caring for the area post-treatment – including exfoliating at the correct time – greatly reduces the chances of adverse effects. Read on to learn more about IPL and laser hair removal aftercare.
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Aftercare
Both IPL and laser hair removal devices are used as long-term solutions to reduce the amount of hair that grows in a particular area. They work in similar ways and both treatment procedures have been shown to drastically inhibit the growth of existing hairs, as well as reduce their thickness, and prevent hairs from regrowing. It is important to note, though, that aftercare is a crucial issue, regardless of the procedure you choose.
The vast majority of folks who undergo IPL hair removal procedures achieve excellent results. If you receive IPL hair removal treatment, you should follow certain aftercare steps to attain optimal results. How Long Should You Wait Between IPL Treatments? Click to find out.
When it comes to IPL aftercare, it’s critical that you stay away from:
- Exfoliating too soon: this can cause inflammation of the tissue and make the healing process take longer.
- Scratching or picking at the treatment site: you might see darkish spots forming a few days following your treatment. Picking at these flakes might result in scarring and even skin infections – especially when you touch the area with unclean hands.
- Taking hot showers or baths: exposing the area to hot water too soon after treatment can cause irritation and swelling, so avoid them if possible.
- Sun exposure: your skin will be sensitive following IPL therapy, so avoid exposing it to direct light for three to four weeks.
How Long After IPL Can I Exfoliate?
As part of your laser hair removal aftercare, refrain from shaving, waxing or plucking hair, exfoliating, intense sweating, going to saunas, taking hot showers, or wearing tight clothing for at least 24 to 48 hours.
You should hold back from using hair removal products such as waxing, tweezing, depilatories, or alternative hair removal methods throughout your laser treatment. Experimenting with different hair removal procedures in the treated region may hinder you from achieving the best possible outcomes.
Hair loss may occur in the treated region in the period of 5 to 14 days following your IPL treatment. While the new hair may appear to be fresh hair growth, it is actually dead hair pushing out of the follicle in the opposite direction. You can exfoliate your skin by having a warm shower and massaging the affected region with a loofah or washcloth.
Side Effects Of IPL Hair Removal
Laser hair removal, like any other cosmetic treatment, can produce various side effects and discomforts, which can be different for each individual and could be rather unpleasant.
There is an increased risk of mild to severe irritation or even blistering in people with very pale skin or those who burn (instead of tanning) when outside in the sun for an extended period of time.
To avoid unwanted effects, make sure to follow the instructions provided by your device’s manufacturers, do a patch test to test skin sensitivity, and inform yourself about which types of skin the device is safe to use in.
Wondering What Happens If You Use Retinol Before IPL? Click here to find out.
Conclusion
Professional IPL and laser hair removal are not what you would call ‘cheap’. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a single laser hair removal session can set you back nearly $400 – and most people will need at least four to six sessions to start seeing results.
At-home IPL and laser hair removal devices are a safe and affordable alternative to in-office treatments. They work by emitting a low-energy light beam that damages hair follicles in a particular region, so that hair grows back thinner and doesn’t grow back at all. Like any cosmetic treatment, IPL therapy can cause mild to moderate side effects. One way to avoid this is by caring for your skin after treatment. This includes protecting it from the sun, avoiding excessively hot temperatures, and refraining from exfoliating for a couple of days.
