The Best Time of Year to Get IPL — Timing Matters
Thinking about starting IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) for clearer, brighter skin? Timing truly matters. While it may seem convenient to book right before summer or an event, the fall and winter months are the ideal season to begin your IPL journey. These cooler months give your skin a safe, low-UV environment to repair and rebuild — setting you up for your best skin by spring.
Why Fall and Winter Are Ideal for IPL
IPL works by targeting pigment and redness in the skin using pulses of light. Because the treatment focuses on pigment, recent sun exposure or tanning increases risk and can interfere with results. Fall and winter naturally offer:
Less sun exposure
Lower UV intensity
Reduced heat and sweating
Better post-procedure comfort
This calm skin environment means IPL can break down sun damage and redness more safely and effectively. As a result, dark spots fade more consistently, surface damage corrects evenly, and skin appears clearer and more refreshed.
Why Sun Exposure Matters
IPL energy seeks pigment. If your skin is recently tanned, the device cannot distinguish between sunspots and your tan. This increases the risk of irritation and unwanted pigmentation. Starting treatments when your skin tone is at baseline — usually in cooler months — protects your results and avoids complications.
The Ideal IPL Treatment Timeline
Most patients benefit from three IPL sessions spaced about four weeks apart. Starting in fall gives you enough time to complete your series and enjoy brighter, more even-toned skin before spring events, vacations, and sunnier days return.
Cooler temperatures also make aftercare easier. With less sweating and heat exposure, healing is smoother and SPF habits are easier to maintain.
Who Is a Candidate?
IPL is best suited for fair to medium skin tones. For deeper skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI), we evaluate alternative options to avoid post-inflammatory pigmentation. We also review sun exposure history, medications, and skincare to ensure safe timing.
Plan Ahead for Your Best Skin
At Core Aesthetic, fall and winter IPL bookings fill quickly as patients plan ahead for weddings, photos, travel, and spring social calendars. Securing your sessions early ensures you complete your series in ideal conditions — not rushed before summer.
