Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a way to improve the color and texture of your skin without surgery. It can undo some of the visible damage caused by sun exposure -- called photoaging. You may notice it mostly on your face, neck, hands, or chest. IPL may help if you have red, brown, or splotchy skin because of a health condition.
Use IPL to minimize &/or remove:
Avoid sun exposure (apply sunscreen daily and do not tan at all – including self-tanner) for 4 to 6 weeks before and after treatments. Do not use any retinol products (or products containing tretinoin) or exfoliants on the area to be treated for one week.
Skin should not be exposed to UV (sun exposure or tanning beds) for at least 4 weeks following treatment. Use of an SPF 50 plus is advised for when you are outside and in the sun for very short periods (i.e. necessary for daily life) however, sunbathing/sitting in the sun/tanning beds/prolonged sun exposure should be avoided altogether no matter what sunblock you are using for at least 4 weeks following treatment.
