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Tips to Prepare for Your IPL Treatment

We’ve all done it—went to the beach, played at a park, sat out by the pool, etc.—without wearing sunscreen. Now, a few years after our faux pas, dark spots and fine lines have started to emerge on our once clear skin. Fortunately, there is hope for those of us in this situation.

Intense Pulse Light, also known as IPL, is a treatment that delivers high-intensity pulses of light that penetrate your skin to help eradicate brown spots caused by sun damage while stimulating healthy, new collagen.

To maximize the effectiveness of your IPL photofacial, there are a few things you should do before and after your procedure.

Hold Off on the Self-Tanner

The area being treated mustn’t be tanned or exposed to direct sunlight for two weeks before treatment. This is because sun exposure can encourage the production of melanin (which is the coloration that appears in the dark spots) and can interfere with the treatment’s effectiveness.

Don’t Skip the SPF

Be sure to apply your favorite SPF even when stepping outside for even a brief period of time. Grab your favorite baseball hat and represent your team while keeping direct sunlight from harming your skin.

Moisturize Regularly

Morning and night should be devoted to a great skincare routine with a gentle face wash followed by a hydrating moisturizer to promote better healing. There are some retinoid antibiotics that may cause skin sensitivity before and after your procedure so check your products to be sure they don’t include this ingredient or any harsh resurfacing acids. Once your skin is healed from your IPL procedure, check with your doctor to see if your skin is ready to continue with those products.

Be Mindful of What to Expect

Most patients experience a few days of redness (similar to a sunburn), and some brown spots may appear darker for a few days. Some patients also experience scabs or blisters. It’s important to keep in mind that all of this is entirely normal and necessary as the top layer of your skin is shedding to make room for a new, fresh layer of skin beneath. Please do your best not to pick or disturb your skin in any way while it’s healing. If necessary, you can apply makeup immediately after IPL treatment.

IPL Therapy in Palm Desert

Dr. Doriana Cosgrove at Desert Med Aesthetics will provide you with a personalized treatment strategy and give you a general idea of your procedure’s possible results and what you can expect. Following treatment, you’ll also receive tips for properly caring for your newly refreshed skin.

Results from IPL photofacial can help significantly reduce issues such as brown spots, redness due to rosacea, broken blood vessels, sun-damaged skin, and freckles and birthmarks. To provide our patients with the best care possible, our practice uses some of the latest technologies. With Cutera Limelight IPL, a state-of-the-art laser with a proven history of success, we can effectively treat a wide range of skin types.

Schedule Your LimeLight Consultation with Dr. Cosgrove Today

Don’t let skin damage keep you from appreciating your skin. Contact Desert Med Aesthetics here to learn how IPL rejuvenation can benefit you. We are currently offering in-person and virtual consultations.