Pre & Post Care for Pigmented Lesion Treatments (IPL)

Pre-treatment Preparation

• Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment.
• No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment, including spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc.
• Some medications or supplements may increase the risk of bruising (e.g., vitamin E, baby aspirin, blood thinning medication, etc.).
• Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, etc.).
• Notify us of any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment.
• History of herpes or cold sores may require an antiviral prescription prior to treatment.
• Stop use of retinol 1-2 weeks prior to treatment.
• For darker skin type patients, such as skin type IV, pretreatment with topical Tranexamic Acid or hydroquinone 4% preparation may be helpful in reducing the potential risk of post-laser hyperpigmentation. Follow provider’s instructions if pretreatment is recommended.

Benefits of IPL

• Improves the appearance of pigmented skin, sun damage, brown spots, freckles, redness on the skin, rosacea, red veins, facial lines & wrinkles, acne & acne scars, stretch marks.

How It Works

• Uses broad-spectrum light (not laser) to target skin concerns.
• Pulses of light penetrate the skin and are absorbed by pigment (melanin) or blood vessels.
• Heat from light destroys unwanted cells (e.g., sunspots, redness, hair follicles).
• Triggers skin’s natural healing response → boosts collagen production.
• Usually done in a series of sessions for best results.

Post-treatment Care

• Avoid sun exposure and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to prevent further sun damage.
• It may feel similar to a sunburn, and bruising, redness, and swelling are common and will resolve with time.
• Treated pigment will turn darker (brown to black) within 24-48 hours. Do not pick at treated areas.
• Treated pigment will exfoliate off the face in approximately 1 week.
• Treated pigment will exfoliate off the body in approximately 2-3 weeks.
• Avoid wearing makeup or using harsh cleansers while skin is sensitive.
• Avoid heat – hot tubs, saunas, etc. for 1-2 days.
• Avoid skin irritants (products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc.) a few days post-treatment.
• Notify us with any concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, etc.).
• Alastin Pre & Post Care skin care regimen is recommended.