Laser Pre-Treatment Care
- Discontinue Accutane 6 months prior to treatment
- Discontinue use of Retinoic Acid products 2 weeks prior to treatment
- Do not exfoliate, use glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide or any other skin irritants 1 week prior to/after treatment
- Avoid Microdermabrasion’s or peels for two weeks, prior to treatment
- Avoid alcohol 48 hours prior to treatment
- Avoid epilating for at least 6 weeks prior to your first treatment. Do not depilate with: waxing, sugaring, plucking, threading or hair removal creams before and/or between IPL treatments. Shaving is permitted and recommended (except for laser hair removal)
- Discontinue using bleaching creams for 2 weeks prior to treatment and perfumed products (eg. Aromatherapy oils) for 48 hours before treatment
- Avoid sun exposure, or the use of tanning beds for 4-8 weeks (dependent on the skin type of patient), and self tanners for at least four weeks, prior and/or in between IPL treatments
- Report all skin diseases, viruses, infections, cold sores, eczema or allergies to treating practitioner
- If the skin is red, irritated or sunburned, the treatment must be rescheduled
- Report all medication taken within three weeks of the treatment.
- Do not use sun blocking creams within 12 hours of scheduled treatments. However, the treatment area must absolutely be protected from sun exposure
- Avoid swimming in strong chlorinated water immediately before an IPL session
Laser Post-Treatment Care
- Avoid sun exposure for at least 2-3 weeks after treatment
- ALWAYS wear sunscreen!
- Avoid any heat 48 hours after laser treatment (no cooking, dishes, vigorous cleaning, etc.)
- Avoid strenuous exercise or any activity which will cause sweating or excessive heat to the skin
- Avoid saunas, hot tubs, hot showers before and after treatment
- Avoid alcohol 48 hours after laser treatments
- Avoid make up, antiperspirants or any topical creams which may not allow for the skin to properly breath, 24 hours post treatment
- Do not shave and or wax between treatments, as we need the hair papilla in tact (for hair removal services)
- Avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds or self tanners for at least 2 weeks after a treatment
- If there are scabs or blisters, make-up should not be used for 3-4 days
- Avoid touching, rubbing, peeling or picking of the skin in treatment area, as this may cause hyper/hypo pigmentation, or scarring
- Gently apply pure Aloe Vera gel or antibiotic ointment to the treated area, twice daily until healed and dry
- A “cold pack” may be placed over the treated area to reduce swelling and/or discomfort for the first 2-3 days
- For 1 week, avoid hot baths, showers, hot tubs and saunas. When showering and washing, gently pat dry and do not rub
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours following treatment
- Avoid swimming in strong chlorinated water immediately after a laser session
- Hot and humid weather conditions can aggravate skin in the period immediately before and after treatment