IPL Photofacial Aftercare
IPL (intense pulsed light) treats sun spots, redness and uneven tone. Pigment spots usually darken and flake off over 1–2 weeks. Good aftercare keeps your skin calm and protects the result.
For: IPL Photofacial
Your own doctor’s instructions always come first. If anything here is different from what you were told at the clinic, follow your doctor and ask us if you are unsure.
Before your appointment
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning and self-tan for 2 weeks before
- Stop retinol, retinoids and exfoliating acids 3–5 days before
- Tell us about any medicines that make you sun-sensitive, cold sores or recent isotretinoin
- Come with clean skin, no makeup on the area
After your treatment, step by step
First 24 hours
Do- Apply a cool compress or aloe vera gel if the skin feels warm
- Use a gentle cleanser and fragrance-free moisturiser
Avoid- Hot showers, steam and sauna
- Gym and heavy sweating
- Makeup for the first 12–24 hours
Days 2–14
Do- Use SPF 50 every morning and reapply outdoors
- Let darkened spots flake off on their own
Avoid- Scrubbing or picking the dark spots
- Scrubs, retinol and AHA/BHA acids
- Tanning and long sun exposure
Between sessions
Do- Keep up daily sunscreen
- Book your next session on time, usually 3–4 weeks apart
Avoid- Sunbathing or tanning beds
What to pause, and for how long
| Pause | For how long |
|---|---|
| Retinol, retinoids and exfoliating acids | 5 days after each session |
| Hot showers, sauna, gym | 24–48 hours after |
| Sun exposure and tanning | 2 weeks before and after |
Normal, and settles by itself
- Redness and warmth for a few hours, like a mild sunburn
- Brown spots turning darker and looking like coffee grounds
- Light flaking over 7–14 days
Call your clinic if you notice
- Blisters, crusting or oozing that keeps spreading
- Pain, swelling or redness that gets worse after 48 hours
- Pus, warmth or fever
- New dark or light patches on the treated skin
Aftercare questions
Why have my spots got darker after IPL?
That is expected. The light brings pigment to the surface, where it darkens and flakes off over 1–2 weeks.
Can I wear makeup after IPL?
Usually from the next day, once any redness has settled. Use clean brushes and remove makeup gently.
How many IPL sessions will I need?
Most people need 3–5 sessions about 3–4 weeks apart. Your doctor will suggest a plan for your skin.
Paradise Wellness · +91 97738 63777 · https://www.paradisewellness.in/aftercare/ipl-photofacial · General information only; it does not replace advice from your doctor.