It is essential that all patients/clients are aware of the importance of following pre and post care advice. This can ensure that an adverse reaction is avoided. A written ‘take-home’ sheet is given during consultation followed by verbal advice at the time of the treatment. The patient who does not understand the importance of following this advice may not be considered suitable for treatment.
PRE-TREATMENT
- Do not expose skin to UV (sun exposure or the use of tanning beds) or self-tan for at least 4 weeks before and/or between IPL treatments. Use appropriate SPF protection but not 24 hours before treatment
- For permanent hair reduction, do not depilate with waxing, plucking or threading (shaving is acceptable) before and/or between laser/IPL treatments,
- Avoid swimming in strong chlorinated water immediately before a Laser/IPL treatment session
- Avoid exfoliating, microdermabrasion or peels for 1 week before treatment sessions (always check with the manufacturer’s guidelines)
- Avoid wearing tight clothing in the treatment area if appropriate
- Keep the treatment area clean and dry.
- Hydrate the body by drinking plenty of water and avoid any heat related treatments such as exercising, saunas etc., immediately prior to treatment.
Hot and humid weather conditions can aggravate skin in the period immediately before treatment – DO NOT EXPOSE THE SKIN TO UV.
POST CARE ADVICE
- Do not expose skin to UV (sun exposure or the use of tanning beds) or self-tan for at least FOUR weeks,
- For Permanent hair reduction, do not shave for at least 48 – 72 hrs after treatment (or if any irritation or reaction occurs)
- Do not depilate between IPL treatments (with waxing, plucking, threading or creams) – shaving is always advised to ensure balanced regrowth
- For Permanent hair reduction, do not use deodorants or perfumed products in the treatment area for 24 – 48 hours post treatments
- Avoid very hot baths / showers / steam baths / saunas for 1 week or longer if irritation or reaction occurs
- Avoid swimming in strong chlorinated water or very exertive exercise for 1 week – depending on the skin’s reaction
- Avoid rough sports for at least 24 – 48 hours depending on the skin’s reaction,
- Avoid professional exfoliating, microdermabrasion or peels during treatment sessions (always check with the manufacturer’s guidelines)
- Do not pick or scratch the treated area, any prolonged redness or irritation should subside with continued post cooling at home
- Keep the treatment area clean and dry.
- Hydrate the body by drinking plenty of water and avoid any heat related treatments such as exercising, saunas etc., immediately after the treatment.
- Use of sun block min SPF 30+ and consider using protective cotton clothing for exposed treated areas.
- Advise the clinic/salon within 24-48 hours if an adverse reaction occurs. If returning to the clinic/salon is not immediately possible, a photograph of the reaction should be submitted immediately.
Hot and humid weather conditions can aggravate skin in the period immediately following treatment. Immediately post-hair reduction treatments, effective skin cooling can be helpful. The use of ice or cooling gel packs, a chilled sterilised cloth, Aloe Vera gel etc., can improve skin comfort and reduce any swelling or post-treatment redness or oedema. Do not use ice directly on skin.
DO NOT EXPOSE THE TREATED AREA/SKIN TO UV SUNLIGHT / SUNBEDS