After undergoing IPL treatment, proper aftercare is essential to ensure your skin heals effectively and you achieve the full benefits of the procedure. By following the right steps during recovery, you can enhance your results and restore your skin’s natural radiance.

At Celebrity Laser, we provide personalized support and expert guidance throughout your IPL journey, using IPL Limelight—a specific brand of IPL from Cutera.

This non-invasive treatment targets aging, sun damage, pigmentation, and redness, improving skin tone and texture on the face and neck.

Our goal is to make sure you receive the best care, helping you achieve smoother, clearer skin every step of the way.

Keep Reading: Does IPL stimulate collagen?

Understanding the IPL Healing Process

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-intensity pulses of light to target various skin concerns, such as pigmentation, vascular lesions, and overall texture. By emitting light that is absorbed by melanin (pigment) and hemoglobin (in blood vessels), IPL helps break down these particles, leading to a more even skin tone and smoother texture.

However, the best results from IPL are not just about the procedure itself. Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure optimal healing and long-lasting improvements in your skin’s appearance. Immediately after treatment, your skin may go through redness, swelling, and sometimes slight crusting, which is a regular part of the healing process as your skin repairs itself.

By understanding the healing process and following the right aftercare steps, you can improve the results of your IPL treatment, maintain healthy skin, and enjoy clearer, more radiant skin in the weeks to come.

Keep Reading: IPL vs Laser Genesis

Woman undergoing LimeLight IPL at Celebrity Laser & Skin Care

Redness After IPL: How Long Does It Last and What’s Normal

Redness is a common reaction following IPL treatment and usually lasts 2 to 48 hours. The duration and intensity can vary depending on factors like skin type, treatment area, and settings used during the procedure.

This redness is typically a sign that your skin is adjusting to the light energy from the IPL. Light redness may appear immediately after the treatment, and it generally subsides within a few days. 1

IPL Aftercare: Tips for Healing

While some redness is normal, proper aftercare is essential to help your skin heal effectively and reduce discomfort. Here are some important tips to follow:

  • Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild cleanser, avoiding harsh soaps or exfoliants that may irritate your skin.
  • Hydration: Continue moisturizing with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to maintain hydration and calm irritation.
  • Sun Protection: Apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin, especially in areas treated with IPL.
  • Avoid Hot Water: Steer clear of hot showers or baths, as hot water can dehydrate and irritate healing skin.
  • Patience: Healing may take several days to a week. Avoid picking at any scabs or crusting to ensure a smooth recovery.

These aftercare steps will help reduce redness, promote faster healing, and improve the overall results of your IPL treatment.

Essential Dos and Don’ts After an IPL Treatment

Follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery:

Can you drink alcohol after IPL treatment?

Avoid consuming alcohol for at least two days after IPL. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, increasing swelling and redness while hindering your skin’s healing. Additionally, alcohol can dehydrate your skin, which slows down the recovery process.

When can I wear makeup again after IPL?

Patience is key when it comes to applying makeup after IPL. Wait at least 24 hours before using cosmetics, as your skin needs time to heal and reduce the risk of irritation or infection.

After 24 hours, apply makeup sparingly to avoid disrupting the healing process. Avoid heavy foundation or powders that can clog pores and interfere with the skin’s recovery.

What activities should be avoided?

Avoid intense exercise, saunas, and sun exposure for at least five days after IPL. Sweating, heat, and UV damage can worsen redness, irritation, and swelling, hindering healing and recovery. Always protect your skin to support the healing process.

Beautiful clearskinned woman pointing to her cheek in a soft and elegant pose

Skin Care After IPL: Best Products & Ingredients to Use

Proper skincare is crucial to ensure your IPL treatment delivers the best results. Here are some key product recommendations:

Best Moisturizer After IPL Treatment

Look for moisturizers that provide hydration and reduce inflammation, such as those containing aloe vera or ceramides. Choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products to minimize irritation.

What Lotion to Use After IPL

Lotion can help maintain skin hydration, but ensure it contains barrier-restoring agents like panthenol. Avoid lotions with strong fragrances or irritants.

Ingredients to Avoid After IPL

Stay away from products with retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), or strong exfoliants immediately after treatment, as these can irritate sensitive, healing skin.

These can increase redness, sensitivity, or peeling. Always consult your provider if you are taking prescription skincare or oral medications before resuming use.

Medication Awareness Post-Treatment

After your IPL treatment, it’s important to avoid certain medications to prevent complications during the recovery process:

What medications should be avoided after IPL?

➤ OTC Painkillers: Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bruising and irritation.2

➤ Blood Thinners: Medications such as aspirin or anticoagulants can interfere with the healing process and increase the likelihood of bruising or bleeding.

➤ Photosensitizing Medications: Some medications, like certain antibiotics and acne treatments, can make your skin more sensitive to light and increase the risk of burns or pigmentation issues post-treatment.

Avoiding these medications will help ensure a smoother recovery and better results from your IPL treatment.

IPL Recovery Day-by-Day Timeline

To summarize the recovery timeline:

Infographic showing IPL recovery day-by-day timeline

Day 1–2: Expect some redness, swelling, and warmth in the treated area. This is a normal reaction as the skin starts to heal. The skin may feel sensitive, similar to mild sunburn, but this will subside over time.

Day 3–5: During this phase, pigmentation in the treated area will likely darken. This is a sign that the IPL treatment is working. Your skin may begin to crust or flake as the treated areas heal and shed. It’s important not to pick or scratch at the skin to prevent scarring.

Day 6–7: Flaking will begin to subside, and your skin’s tone will start to normalize. Redness will reduce, and the treated area will feel less sensitive. However, the healing process is still ongoing, and you should continue following aftercare instructions to support recovery.

Week 2 and beyond: Continued improvement in skin texture and tone will be noticeable. Pigmentation gradually fades, and your skin will look clearer and more even. Full results may take a few weeks to become visible as your skin continues to regenerate and heal.

Staff at Celebrity Laser & Skin Care pose with advanced skincare equipment in a modern clinic

Why Choose IPL at Celebrity Laser & Skin Care?

At Celebrity Laser & Skin Care, we specialize in advanced skin rejuvenation, and our LimeLight IPL treatments are among the most trusted options for restoring youthful, radiant skin.

Personalized Treatment Plans

We understand that each person’s skin is unique. Our LimeLight IPL sessions are personalized to your skin tone, concerns, and goals. Whether treating sun damage, fine lines, redness, or uneven texture, we customize each treatment for optimal results with minimal downtime.

Advanced LimeLight IPL Technology

We use Cutera LimeLight IPL, a precise, non-invasive system that corrects pigmentation and treats vascular lesions, addressing multiple skin concerns, even in delicate areas like the face and neck.

Convenient North Vancouver Location

Located in the heart of North Vancouver, our clinic is easily accessible and attracts many clients from all over Canada. We offer a luxurious, welcoming environment for all your skincare needs.

Expertly Trained Aestheticians

Our skilled team of licensed skin professionals in North Vancouver is trained in energy-based technologies. Every LimeLight IPL treatment is performed by experts committed to delivering safe and effective results tailored to your needs.

Visible, Long-Term Results

LimeLight IPL stimulates your body’s natural collagen production, leading to gradual, long-lasting improvements. With just a few sessions, you’ll experience firmer skin, reduced lines, and a brighter, more even complexion.

Flexible Financing Options

We believe that everyone deserves beautiful, healthy skin without the stress of upfront costs. That’s why we offer convenient 0% interest financing, allowing you to start your skin transformation today and pay over time.

Conclusion

Following proper aftercare is essential to getting the most out of your LimeLight IPL treatment and ensuring a smooth recovery process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can maximize your results while supporting your skin’s healing.

At Celebrity Laser, we provide comprehensive LimeLight IPL treatments and dedicated aftercare to guide you through every step of the recovery process.

Ready to transform your skin with IPL Limelight? Book a free consultation today and take the first step toward smoother, more precise, and more youthful-looking skin, customized just for you.