Are you looking for ways to get rid of facial hairs? Well, an IPL facial treatment could be the perfect solution. In this procedure, the wavelength of light is directed to the hair follicles. Since the pulsating light penetrates the dermis, it doesn’t damage the skin tissues and you get rid of unwanted hair quickly.
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How To Prepare For IPL Facial
IPL facial hair procedure carries potential risks, so you should check the doctor’s credentials prior to undergoing the treatment. Furthermore, you should stop waxing and plucking at least six weeks before an IPL laser hair removal procedure. This is recommended because during the IPL treatment the light targets the hair roots. Also, before performing the IPL procedure, the specialist will examine skin conditions like eczema or acne. Other ways to prepare for the procedure are:
Shave The Hair
Your specialist may advise you to shave to ensure a hair-free surface. Generally speaking, most people opt for IPL because they want to stop shaving. If you shave the hairs that are close to the skin, the light can then easily target the key areas. Once the hair follicle has absorbed the light, it remains in a dormant state.
What happens if you go for an IPL facial without shaving?
- You may experience burning pain – the stinging sensation is very unpleasant
- You could get a lingering stench of burnt hair
- More hair on the face means less energy will reach the follicles
Be Careful About The Products You Use
The specialist will recommend that you avoid products with vitamin C, Retin-A, benzoyl peroxide, and glycolic acids. One week prior to the IPL treatment, you should not wax the treatment areas. If you have to use a moisturizer, focus on those with 30+ SPF.
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Quit Smoking
Your dermatologist may tell you to quit smoking. This is because smoking causes poor blood circulation. It’s also believed that the toxins in cigarettes could hinder the effectiveness of the procedure.
Avoid Sun Exposure
An IPL facial specialist will advise you to avoid direct sunlight. This is because the UV rays increase the production of melanin, and this could negatively impact the effectiveness of the IPL procedure. Also, you should protect yourself against UV radiation by using a high-SPF sunscreen if you have to step outside. According to experts, sun exposure makes laser hair removal less effective. You may also suffer some complications.
Evaluating Any Skin Concerns
Your dermatologist will evaluate your specific skin concerns and recommend the ideal treatment plan. They will assess the skin for wrinkles, sun damage, broken vessels, rough texture, brown spots, and other skin issues. They may recommend a series of IPL treatments to ensure you get the desired results.
If you want to get rid of the unwanted hair on your face, you should know that you may experience mild skin irritation after the treatment.
What You Should Keep In Mind Before Hair Removal
IPL facial hair removal works well if you have light skin and dark hair. It may not work well if you have blond hair or dark skin. You may need up to six sessions of IPL treatment to get the desired results.
You should expect some blemishes or peels occurring on the surface of your skin. Avoid picking them while the skin heals. During your initial consultation, the doctor will review your medical history of scarring and other skin disorders and you should ask anything that concerns you such as:
- Are there any risks associated with IPL facial treatment?
- How long does it take to recover?
- What results can I expect?
- What is the best way to prepare for the IPL?
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Avoid Antibiotics
If you’re taking antibiotics, you should stop taking them because they make the skin photosensitive. Ask your doctor which anti-inflammatory drugs and medications should be avoided before the procedure.
You may have to wait for one or two weeks after finishing the course of antibiotics to get the IPL procedure. If you have cold sores, you should inform the doctor of that as well.
How To Prepare On The Day Of The IPL Treatment
While preparing for the procedure, the first thing to do is get rid of any makeup. The technician may also recommend that you apply the gel on the outer layer of the skin as a form of protection during the procedure. The IPL treatment is an outpatient procedure and you should arrange for someone to take you home.
Conclusion
After the IPL procedure, the facial hairs won’t fall off immediately. You may experience something that looks like continued growth. So for permanent hair removal, you may need repeated treatments. While most people do not mind the unusual sensation on the skin during the procedure, the specialist may recommend that you use a numbing cream thirty minutes before the treatment.