The Ultimate IPL Treatment Aftercare Guide: Maximize Your Results

written by Dr Chike Emeagi MBBS MRCS MRCGP MBA MSc

Introduction

You’ve just had an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment, and you’re excited to see clearer, brighter, and more even-toned skin. But what you do after the treatment is just as important as the treatment itself. Avoiding bleaching creams is crucial as they can interfere with the healing process. Additionally, sun protection is vital to prevent increased sun sensitivity and maintain optimal skin health.

Proper IPL aftercare ensures:

✅ Faster healing

✅ Longer-lasting results

✅ Reduced risk of irritation or complications

IPL treatments target the hair follicle to inhibit hair regrowth over time. At Hampstead Aesthetics, we guide patients in West Hampstead, Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, Camden, Primrose Hill, Belsize Park, St John’s Wood, Queen’s Park, and Finchley Road through their IPL recovery process.

This guide will help you get the best possible results from your IPL session.

Understanding IPL Treatment and Aftercare

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses high-intensity pulses of light to target various skin concerns, such as hair removal, skin rejuvenation, and hyperpigmentation. This versatile treatment can address multiple issues, making it a popular choice for those seeking clearer, more radiant skin.

However, achieving the best results from your IPL treatment doesn’t end when you leave the clinic. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure optimal results, prevent complications, and maintain healthy skin. By understanding the basics of IPL treatment and committing to a proper aftercare routine, you can maximize the benefits and enjoy long-lasting improvements in your skin’s appearance.

What to Expect After an IPL Treatment

Many patients ask: “How will my skin look after IPL?”

Here’s a general timeline of what to expect:

📌 Immediately After Treatment

• Your skin may feel warm and slightly sensitive.

• Some redness and mild swelling may occur.

• Dark spots may appear darker—that’s a good sign!

• It’s important to protect your healing skin from irritation, such as avoiding activities that cause excessive sweating.

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📌 1-3 Days Post-Treatment

• Redness fades.

• Dark spots may become more noticeable before they start flaking off.

• Your skin may feel slightly dry or tight.

• Avoid prolonged sun exposure to ensure optimal healing and treatment effectiveness. Avoid direct sun exposure entirely for at least 48 hours after treatment.

• Avoid tanning beds for at least six weeks to maximize results and prevent skin damage.

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📌 5-7 Days Post-Treatment

• Pigmented spots start shedding naturally.

• Skin tone looks brighter and more even.

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📌 2 Weeks & Beyond

• Full results become visible.

• Skin looks smoother, clearer, and more radiant.

• Some patients may need additional sessions for deeper pigmentation.

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🔬 Scientific Evidence: A 2024 study in the British Journal of Dermatology found that patients who followed post-IPL care (including SPF use) experienced 40% longer-lasting results compared to those who didn’t.

Immediate Aftercare (First 24 Hours)

After an IPL treatment, it’s crucial to follow proper aftercare instructions to promote healing and minimize the risk of complications. Here are some essential tips for the first 24 hours:

• Avoid Direct Sun Exposure: Protect your treated skin by staying out of the sun. If you need to go outside, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.

• Keep the Treated Area Clean: Gently cleanse the treated area and avoid touching or rubbing it to prevent infection and irritation.

• Hydrate Your Skin: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to the treated skin to promote hydration and soothe any discomfort. Consider using an aloe-based body lotion for additional soothing and hydration benefits.

• Skip Harsh Skincare Products: Avoid using exfoliating treatments, retinoids, or any harsh skincare products on the treated area to prevent irritation.

• Take Cool Showers: Opt for cool showers or baths instead of hot baths to prevent irritation and support the healing process.

  
  

By following these immediate aftercare tips, you can help your skin recover quickly and effectively, setting the stage for the best possible results from your IPL treatment.

Short-Term Aftercare (48 Hours)

After an IPL treatment, it’s essential to follow a proper aftercare routine to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications. Here are some key tips for the first 48 hours:

📌 Avoid Direct Sun Exposure: Protect your treated skin by staying out of the sun. If you need to go outside, make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. This helps shield your skin from harmful UV rays and prevents prolonged sun exposure, which can hinder the healing process.

📌 Avoid Hot Baths and Strenuous Activities: Steer clear of hot baths, saunas, and vigorous exercise. These activities can increase skin irritation and prolong the healing process. Instead, opt for cool showers to soothe your treated skin.

📌 Keep the Treated Skin Clean and Moisturized: Gently cleanse the treated area with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Follow up with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and promote healing.

📌 Skip Harsh Skincare Products and Makeup: Avoid using exfoliating treatments, retinoids, or any harsh skincare products on the treated area. Also, refrain from applying makeup to the treated skin to prevent irritation and clogged pores.

By following these short-term aftercare tips, you can help your skin recover quickly and effectively, setting the stage for the best possible results from your IPL treatment.

Essential IPL Aftercare Tips

Avoid Direct Sun Exposure to Protect Your Skin

📌 Use SPF 50+ daily to prevent UV damage.

📌 Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks.

📌 Wear a hat and sunglasses when outside.

Incorporating sun protection into your daily routine is essential to prevent increased sun sensitivity and maintain the health of your treated skin.

💡 Why? Sun exposure can trigger new pigmentation, reducing IPL’s effectiveness.

Avoid Hot Showers, Hot Baths, Saunas & Exercise

📌 No hot baths, steam rooms, or workouts for 48 hours.

📌 Avoid sweating, as heat can irritate the skin.

📌 Avoid vigorous exercise and activities that cause sweating for at least five days after IPL treatment.

📌 Additionally, avoid tanning beds for at least six weeks post-treatment to ensure optimal healing and results.

💡 Why? Heat increases inflammation and redness, slowing down healing.

3. Skip Harsh Skincare Products 🚫

📌 No retinol, AHAs, BHAs, or scrubs for 5-7 days.

📌 Stick to gentle, hydrating cleansers and moisturizers.

📌 Avoid strong acne treatments or prescription creams unless advised.

📌 Avoid using retinol and products high in Vitamin A and C on the treated area for at least two days following IPL treatment.

💡 Why? Harsh ingredients can over-exfoliate and irritate sensitive skin.

4. Keep Skin Hydrated & Moisturized 💦

📌 Use a fragrance-free, hydrating moisturizer daily.

📌 Drink plenty of water to support skin healing.

📌 Apply hyaluronic acid serums to lock in moisture.

📌 Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water after IPL treatment to aid healing.

💡 Why? Hydrated skin heals faster and looks brighter after IPL.

5. Expect Dark Spots to Flake Off—Don’t Pick Them! ❌

📌 Pigmented spots may darken before they fade.

📌 Do not scratch, rub, or pick at the skin.

📌 Let the natural shedding process happen.

💡 Why? Picking can cause scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

6. Avoid Makeup for 24 Hours 💄

📌 Give your skin a break from foundation and concealer.

📌 After 24 hours, use light, non-comedogenic makeup if needed.

📌 Wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup on treated skin after an IPL session.

💡 Why? Your skin needs time to recover without added irritation.

7. Schedule Your Next IPL Session for Best Results 📅

📌 Most patients need 3-5 sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart.

📌 Follow-up treatments help maintain and enhance results.

💡 Why? IPL results build over time—consistency is key!

Skincare Routine After IPL

A consistent skincare routine is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and achieving optimal results from IPL treatments. Here’s how to care for your skin post-IPL:

📌 Use Gentle, Fragrance-Free Products: Choose skincare products that are suitable for your skin type and free from harsh chemicals. This helps avoid irritation and supports the healing process.

📌 Exfoliate Wisely: While exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, avoid exfoliating the treated area for at least 7-10 days after your IPL treatment. After this period, you can gently exfoliate 1-2 times a week.

📌 Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Daily: Protect your skin from sun damage by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day. This helps prevent premature aging and maintains the results of your IPL treatment.

📌 Moisturize Regularly: Keep your skin hydrated by using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. Regular moisturizing promotes healing and helps maintain the smooth, radiant appearance achieved through IPL treatments.

By incorporating these steps into your skincare routine, you can maximize the benefits of your IPL treatments and enjoy long-lasting, healthy skin.

Obagi Medical Grade Skincare Results - Skincare to compliment your IPL Treatments

Common IPL Aftercare Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Skipping SPF – Leads to new pigmentation and counteracts IPL results.

🚫 Using harsh scrubs or exfoliants too soon – Causes skin irritation.

🚫 Going in the sun too soon – Can trigger hyperpigmentation.

🚫 Ignoring hydration – Dry skin heals slower.

🚫 Over-treating the skin – Less is more after IPL.

🚫 Using tanning beds – Can cause skin damage and hinder the healing process.

Following proper IPL aftercare guidelines is crucial for minimizing complications and enhancing results.

FAQs – IPL Aftercare & Recovery

Question	Answer
How long after IPL can I wash my face?	You can wash your face after 6-8 hours, but only use gentle cleansers. Avoid scrubs or exfoliating products.
Can I go in the sun after IPL?	Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks. Always wear SPF 50+ to protect your skin.
Why do dark spots get darker after IPL?	This is normal! The pigment is breaking down and will flake off naturally within 7-10 days.
How long does IPL take to heal?	Most patients fully recover within 7-14 days. Redness subsides within a few hours to 48 hours.
Can I wear makeup after IPL?	It’s best to wait 24 hours. When you do, use non-comedogenic, mineral-based makeup.
How do I keep my IPL results lasting longer?	Wear SPF daily, follow a good skincare routine, and schedule maintenance treatments every 6-12 months. Following aftercare guidelines is essential for maximizing the benefits of IPL treatments.
What if my skin feels irritated after IPL?	Apply soothing aloe vera or a gentle hydrating serum. Avoid harsh products until irritation subsides.
Can I get IPL if I have sensitive skin?	Yes! IPL can be adjusted for sensitive skin, but extra aftercare is important to prevent irritation.

Maximize Your IPL Results with the Right Aftercare

📌 Protect your skin from the sun ☀️

📌 Avoid harsh products & heat 🚫

📌 Hydrate and nourish your skin 💦

📌 Don’t pick at flaking spots ❌

📌 Follow a consistent IPL treatment plan 📅

IPL is a powerful treatment for pigmentation, redness, and skin rejuvenation, but aftercare is crucial for the best results. Proper IPL aftercare is essential for minimizing health complications and enhancing post-treatment comfort, leading to optimal healing and more effective results.

🔗 Ready to book your next IPL session? Click below!

📅 BOOK YOUR IPL TREATMENT NOW  Why Choose Hampstead Aesthetics for IPL Treatment in London?

At Hampstead Aesthetics, we offer advanced IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments, a safe and effective solution for skin rejuvenation, pigmentation, and vascular concerns.

Under the expert care of Dr. Chike Emeagi MBBS, MRCGP, MRCS-Ed, MSc, MBA, a GMC-registered aesthetic doctor and Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, we provide:

✅ Clinically proven IPL technology to treat sun damage, rosacea, acne, and uneven skin tone.

✅ Targeted skin renewal, stimulating collagen production for a smoother, brighter complexion.

✅ Safe, non-invasive treatment with minimal discomfort and no downtime.

✅ Customized treatment plans tailored to your unique skin concerns.

A highly respected trainer and speaker in aesthetic medicine, Dr. Emeagi also brings his expertise to:

✅ Trainer/Speaker: Stylage (Vivacy)

✅ Trainer: DermaMedical

✅ Faculty/Trainer: MINT PDO Threads

For more information on prices click here

✨ Book your consultation today and achieve radiant, even-toned skin with IPL treatment at Hampstead Aesthetics! ✨