What to Avoid Before and After IPL — Patient Mistakes That Affect Results
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) can dramatically brighten your skin, fade sun damage, reduce redness, and even out tone — but results are only as good as the preparation and aftercare. Even the most advanced device cannot perform its best if the skin is irritated, recently tanned, or exposed to the wrong products.
At Core Aesthetic, we guide you through every step so your treatment is safe, effective, and delivers the glow you’re looking for.
Before IPL: What to Avoid
Your skin should be calm, untanned, and not sensitized by strong actives.
Avoid sun exposure
Sun-tanned skin increases the risk of irritation and patchy pigment. Limit sun exposure for two to four weeks before treatment and wear daily SPF.
Avoid self-tanners and bronzers
These add artificial pigment to the skin, which IPL can mistakenly target. Stop use at least two weeks before treatment.
Avoid strong skincare actives
Retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs, and highly active vitamin C formulas can make the skin sensitized. Pause them for three to seven days before your session. We will review your routine and tell you exactly when to stop and restart products.
After IPL: What to Avoid
IPL continues to work under the skin for several days. Proper aftercare protects your results.
Do not pick or scrub treated spots
Brown spots may darken and flake — this is normal. Allow them to shed naturally.
Avoid sun exposure without protection
Freshly treated skin is more sensitive to UV. Use SPF daily and avoid direct sunlight. Hats and shade help protect results.
Avoid reintroducing actives too soon
Wait at least three to seven days before restarting retinoids, acids, or vitamin C. Use gentle cleansers and hydrating products to support healing.
How Core Aesthetic Supports You
We provide clear, customized instructions, in-office guidance, and optional pre- and post-care kits to protect the skin barrier and enhance results. You are never left to guess — we stay involved from start to finish.
IPL works best on fair to medium skin tones. For deeper skin tones, we offer safe alternative options to avoid pigmentation risk.
Bottom Line
IPL results aren’t luck — they’re technique and protocol. With proper preparation and aftercare, IPL creates brighter, clearer, more even skin.
