IPL | Pre-appointment guidance
Preparing for your consultation & patch test
Your safety and treatment suitability are central to every appointment at Seven Skin.
Before attending your IPL consultation and patch test, please take a few moments to review the guidance below. Certain medications, skincare products and recent sun exposure can affect how your skin responds to light-based treatment.
Following these precautions helps ensure your skin can be assessed appropriately and reduces the risk of avoidable complications.
Before your appointment
Preparation timelines
Some IPL treatments require additional preparation depending on your skin concerns, current skincare routine and recent sun exposure.
The following timeframes are general guidance. Your individual requirements will be confirmed during your consultation and may differ depending on the treatment area and equipment used.
4 weeks before | Sun exposure & tanning
As a precaution, avoid deliberate tanning, sunbeds and significant UV exposure for at least four weeks before your appointment. This is particularly important when assessing pigmentation, as recently tanned skin can increase the risk of burns and unwanted pigmentation changes.
If you've recently returned from a sunny holiday or developed a tan, please contact the clinic before attending.
2 weeks before | Professional skin treatments
If you're considering IPL for pigmentation, redness or skin rejuvenation, please let me know about any recent chemical peels, professional exfoliation or other resurfacing treatments.
Some procedures require a longer recovery period before IPL can safely be considered.
1 week before | Active skincare
Products containing retinoids, exfoliating acids or other potentially irritating ingredients may need to be paused before patch testing.
For some clients, this may be approximately 5–7 days, although prescription products and stronger formulations can require different precautions.
Please contact Seven Skin for individual guidance before stopping any prescribed skincare.
Before attending | Fake tan & skin condition
The treatment area must be free from fake tan, sunburn, active irritation and broken skin.
If your skin has changed since booking, please contact the clinic so we can confirm whether your appointment can proceed safely.
Please note: These are precautionary preparation guidelines rather than guaranteed clearance periods. Your skin must still be assessed before patch testing, and the final preparation requirements will follow the IPL manufacturer's protocols and your individual suitability.
Sun exposure & tanning
Avoid deliberate tanning, sunbeds and excessive sun exposure before your appointment, in accordance with the preparation period advised by the clinic.
IPL should not be performed on recently tanned or sunburnt skin. Recent UV exposure can increase the risk of burns, blistering and changes in pigmentation.
Please inform Seven Skin if you have recently been on holiday, developed a tan or experienced sunburn.
Use appropriate broad-spectrum sun protection and avoid unnecessary UV exposure.
Fake tan
The area being assessed must be free from fake tan and gradual tanning products.
Please discontinue these products sufficiently in advance to allow the colour to fade completely. Residual tanning products may interfere with light absorption and affect treatment safety.
If fake tan remains on the area, your patch test may need to be postponed.
Skincare & active ingredients
Some skincare ingredients can increase irritation or sensitivity around light-based treatments.
Depending on the products used and the area being assessed, you may need to temporarily discontinue:
Retinoids and vitamin A products
Exfoliating acids such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid
Benzoyl peroxide
Exfoliating scrubs and other potentially irritating treatments
Please follow the product-specific preparation instructions provided by Seven Skin. Do not discontinue prescribed medication or prescribed skincare without advice from the relevant healthcare professional.
Let us know if you are using prescription creams or have recently undergone a chemical peel, resurfacing procedure or other professional skin treatment.
Medication & medical history
Certain medications and medical conditions can affect suitability for IPL.
Before your appointment, please disclose any relevant health conditions, current or recently discontinued medication, and changes to your medical history.
This includes antibiotics, medication that may increase sensitivity to light, recent isotretinoin use and prescription treatments applied to the skin.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and certain medical conditions may also affect whether treatment can proceed under the clinic's protocols.
Please do not stop or change prescribed medication to prepare for IPL without consulting your prescriber.
If you are unsure whether a medication or condition is relevant, contact Seven Skin before attending.
Skin condition on the day
Please contact the clinic before your appointment if the treatment area has:
Sunburn or recent tanning
Active infection or cold sores
Broken or irritated skin
An unexplained rash or inflammation
A recent adverse reaction to a skincare product or treatment
IPL patch testing may need to be postponed until the area has recovered or your suitability has been reassessed.
On the day of your consultation
Please attend with the area being assessed clean and free from makeup, fake tan, perfume and other products where practical.
During your appointment, we'll discuss your skin concerns, medical history, current skincare and treatment goals.
I'll assess your skin and the concern you would like to address, whether that's pigmentation, redness, visible thread veins or general skin rejuvenation.
Where appropriate, a patch test will be performed using settings selected following your assessment.
A consultation does not guarantee that IPL treatment or patch testing will be suitable. If another approach is more appropriate, we'll discuss your options.
There is no obligation to proceed with treatment following your consultation.
Following your patch test
If a patch test is performed, you'll be given instructions on how to care for the area and what to monitor during the observation period.
Temporary redness, warmth or mild sensitivity may occur. However, unexpected or worsening reactions must be reported promptly.
Your skin's response will need to be reviewed before proceeding with treatment. A satisfactory patch test does not eliminate the possibility of adverse reactions during future sessions.
Written monitoring and aftercare guidance will also be available for you to refer to following your appointment.
When to contact Seven Skin
Please contact the clinic before your appointment if:
You have recently experienced significant sun exposure or tanning.
You have started or changed medication.
Your skin has become irritated or developed an active condition.
You have undergone a recent skin procedure.
You are unsure whether you have followed the preparation requirements.
It is always preferable to clarify a concern in advance rather than risk attending an appointment where patch testing cannot safely proceed.
Questions before your appointment?
If you have any questions about your preparation or treatment suitability, please get in touch before attending.
WhatsApp: 07311 365599
Email: hello@sevenskinclinic.com
I look forward to welcoming you to Seven Skin.
Chlöe
Seven Skin
This guidance supports your consultation and does not replace an individual medical assessment or the treatment-specific instructions provided by Seven Skin. Preparation requirements and suitability decisions may vary depending on your skin, medical history, treatment area and the equipment being used.