IPL Skin Rejuvenation | Aftercare
Your guide to caring for your skin following IPL skin rejuvenation at Seven Skin.
IPL skin rejuvenation uses controlled pulses of light to address suitable concerns relating to skin tone, overall appearance and visible signs of sun damage.
Following treatment, your skin may feel temporarily more sensitive as it responds to the light energy. Appropriate aftercare is important to support recovery, reduce the risk of complications and protect your treatment results.
Please follow the guidance below alongside the individual instructions provided during your appointment.
What to expect following treatment
Your skin's response will depend on the treatment settings, area treated and your individual skin sensitivity.
You may experience:
Redness and warmth: The skin may appear flushed or feel warm, similar to mild sunburn, immediately following treatment.
Temporary swelling: Mild puffiness may occur, particularly around the cheeks or other sensitive facial areas.
Sensitivity or tightness: Your skin may feel temporarily sensitive, dry or tight.
Changes in pigmentation: Existing superficial pigmentation may temporarily darken before fading or naturally shedding.
Changes in visible vessels: Some superficial vessels may appear more noticeable or darker before gradually becoming less visible.
Mild redness and warmth often improve within 24–48 hours, although individual responses vary and some changes may take longer to settle.
Not every client will experience these reactions.
If you experience significant pain, blistering, worsening redness or any unexpected skin changes, please contact Seven Skin promptly.
The first 24–48 hours
Following IPL treatment, your skin may be more sensitive to heat, friction and certain skincare products.
During the initial recovery period:
Cleanse gently using lukewarm water and a mild, non-exfoliating cleanser.
Avoid hot baths, hot showers directly over the treated area, saunas, steam rooms and other sources of excessive heat.
Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that cause significant overheating or flushing.
Do not rub, scratch, massage or exfoliate the treated skin.
Avoid fragranced products or anything that causes stinging or irritation.
Use a gentle moisturiser recommended during your appointment.
If cooling is required, apply a clean, cool compress briefly and gently. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
If redness, warmth or sensitivity persists beyond this period, continue to avoid aggravating activities until the skin has recovered and contact the clinic for advice.
Skincare and active ingredients
Your skin may be temporarily more reactive following IPL rejuvenation.
During recovery:
Keep your skincare routine simple, using gentle cleansing and moisturising products.
Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs, strong vitamin C formulations and other potentially irritating active ingredients until the skin has recovered and you've been advised they can be resumed.
Avoid chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, microneedling and other exfoliating or resurfacing treatments until the area has fully recovered and you've received appropriate advice.
Avoid introducing new skincare products while the skin remains sensitive.
Do not pick, scratch or exfoliate any areas of temporary darkening, flaking or crusting.
Avoid applying fake tan until the treated area has fully recovered and you've followed your practitioner's advice.
If you use prescribed skincare or medication, follow the individual guidance provided during your consultation. Do not discontinue prescribed medication without advice from the prescribing clinician.
Makeup following treatment
Makeup may be resumed once the skin is intact, comfortable and free from significant irritation, in accordance with the instructions provided during your appointment.
Avoid applying makeup over blistered, broken or significantly irritated skin.
When removing makeup, cleanse gently without rubbing or exfoliating the treated area.
If you're unsure whether your skin is ready for makeup, please contact Seven Skin.
Sun protection — essential following IPL
Daily sun protection is one of the most important parts of your aftercare.
IPL-treated skin may be more vulnerable to UV-related irritation and pigmentation changes during recovery.
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen daily to intact treated skin, reapplying as directed, particularly when outdoors.
Avoid direct sun exposure during recovery and for the specific period advised during your appointment.
Use additional protection such as a wide-brimmed hat, protective clothing and shade.
Avoid sunbeds and deliberate tanning throughout your treatment course.
Maintain consistent sun protection between appointments and as part of your long-term skincare routine.
If the skin becomes blistered or broken, do not apply sunscreen directly to the affected area unless advised by an appropriate healthcare professional. Protect the area from sunlight using shade or suitable physical covering and seek advice.
UV exposure can contribute to further pigmentation changes and may affect the longevity of your results.
Temporary changes in skin appearance
Depending on the concerns addressed during your treatment, you may notice temporary changes in the appearance of your skin.
Pigmentation
Some superficial pigmentation may become darker or more noticeable before gradually fading or shedding.
Do not attempt to remove darkened areas through exfoliation, picking or scrubbing.
Redness and visible vessels
Areas of redness or suitable superficial vessels may initially appear more noticeable before gradually improving.
Avoid excessive heat and other activities that trigger significant flushing while the skin is recovering.
Skin texture and overall appearance
Improvements in skin appearance may develop gradually over a course of treatments. Changes in collagen-related skin characteristics are not immediate, and results vary between individuals.
If your treatment primarily targeted pigmentation or vascular concerns, please follow the dedicated aftercare instructions provided for those concerns.
When to contact Seven Skin
Please contact the clinic promptly if you experience:
Redness, swelling or discomfort that becomes progressively worse rather than improving.
Persistent or significant burning, heat or pain.
Blistering, broken skin, unexpected crusting or suspected burns.
Unexpected darkening or lightening of the skin.
Significant swelling, particularly around the eyes.
Signs of infection, including spreading redness, increasing pain, discharge or fever.
Any reaction that differs from what was discussed during your appointment.
If blistering or broken skin develops, do not pick the area or apply active skincare products. Contact Seven Skin promptly for advice and appropriate assessment.
Seek urgent medical assessment for severe or rapidly worsening pain, extensive blistering, significant swelling or suspected infection accompanied by systemic symptoms.
If you experience eye pain, visual disturbance or any change in vision following treatment, seek urgent medical assessment.
Call 999 for breathing difficulties, swelling affecting the airway or other life-threatening symptoms.
Do not wait until your next appointment to report a concerning reaction.
Your results and ongoing treatment plan
IPL skin rejuvenation is generally a progressive treatment process.
Improvements in skin tone and appearance may develop over several weeks, while some concerns may require a course of treatments.
The number of sessions recommended will depend on your individual skin concerns, treatment response and long-term goals.
Results vary, cannot be guaranteed and may require ongoing maintenance.
Your skin will be reassessed before further treatment, and additional sessions will only proceed where clinically appropriate.
Consistent skincare and daily sun protection can help support your results over time.
Questions about your recovery?
If you're unsure whether your skin is responding as expected, please contact me.
WhatsApp: 07311 365599
Email: hello@sevenskinclinic.com
Chlöe
Seven Skin
Important: This page provides general aftercare information and does not replace the individual instructions provided during your appointment or medical assessment where required. Recommendations may vary depending on your skin, treatment area, device settings, medical history and the specific IPL protocol used. Please contact Seven Skin if you have concerns about your recovery.