PRECARE GUIDELINES
1. Discontinue accutane 6 months prior to service.
2. Discontinue use of retinoic acid products 2 weeks prior to service.
3. Avoid sun exposure or the use of tanning beds and self-tanners for at least 4 to 8 weeks, prior and/or between IPL services (depending on skin type).
4. Report all skin diseases, viruses, infections, cold sores, eczema or allergies.
5. Do not exfoliate, use salicylic acid, benzyl peroxide, and hydroxy acids or any other skin irritants for 1 week prior to service.
6. Avoid microdermabrasion or peels for 2 weeks prior to service.
7. Avoid depilating for at least 6 weeks prior to your first service. Do not depilate with: waxing, sugaring, plucking, threading or hair removal creams before and/or in between IPL services. Shaving is permitted and recommended.
8. Discontinue using bleaching creams for 2 weeks prior to service and perfumed products (e.g. Aromatherapy oils/essential oils) for 48 hours before service.
9. Do not use sun blocking creams within 12 hours of scheduled services. Consider wearing protective clothing, cotton gloves for driving, or a hat to protect facial areas.
10. Avoid swimming in strong chlorinated water immediately before an IPL session.
aftercare guidelines (first 4 weeks)
1. Avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds or self-tanners for at least 2-3 weeks after a service. Apply sun protective cream of SPF 50+, 15 minutes prior to sun exposure and keep reapplying as needed throughout the day.
2. Consider using protective cotton gloves for driving, a hat to protect facial areas.
3. If there are scabs or blisters, make-up should not be used for 3-4 days.
4. Avoid touching, rubbing, peeling or picking of the skin, in service area, as this may cause hyper/hypo-pigmentation, scaring or infection.
5. Gently apply pure aloe vera gel or antibiotic ointment, to the treated area, twice daily until healed and dry.
6. A “cold pack” may be placed over the treated area to reduce swelling and/or discomfort for the first 2-3 days. Discomfort is usually minimal but pain medication can also be taken for pain and swelling if required.
7. For 1 week, avoid hot baths, showers, hot tubs and saunas. When showering and washing, gently pat dry and do not rub.
8. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours following clinical service.
9. Avoid swimming in strong chlorinated water for 24 hours after an IPL session.