SkinFix: IPL

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 1 week prior to treatment Avoid Accutane (or isotretinoin products) for 6 months prior - let your provider know if you have a history of hyperpigmentation If you have a history of fever blisters/cold sores, notify your treatment provider. If you have a current prescription, Valtrex 500mg should be taken by mouth twice daily on the day before, the day of, and the day after your treatment. Please notify the provider if you have had any cosmetic tattooing on or near the area to be treated.

Photosensitizing medications including doxycycline and minocycline should be discontinued 3 days prior to the treatment. Come to your appointment with a clean face/skin. Remove all makeup if the area to be treated is the face.

You may have a mild sunburn (burning) sensation following the treatment that is usually gone within a few hours. Skin redness is normal and may last a few days. There may be a slight amount of swelling. Crusting or blistering is uncommon and not serious. Pigmented areas may begin to flake after a few days. Cold compresses may be useful for the first 24 hours.

Your skin will be fragile for 2-3 days. Use gentle cleansers, do not rub the skin, and avoid hot water during this time.

Do not use a Clarisonic or a loofah on the treated area for at least 1 week.

Do not use any retinoids, tretinoins, or products containing alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, and Vitamin C. Discontinue use of exfoliants or have chemical peels performed on the areas treated for 1 week.

If the skin is not broken, makeup can be applied immediately.

Avoid excessive heat or friction to the treated area.

Sunspots and age spots will darken with the IPL treatments before they begin to respond and resolve. This is expected and a normal part of the IPL process. Do not pick these spots once they become dry. They will lift and fall off on their own.

Anticipate downtime of 2 to 5 days before any redness, swelling and sloughing of the sunspots has subsided.