IPL | Treatment aftercare
Supporting your skin following IPL treatment
Your skin continues to respond following your IPL appointment. The way you care for it during this period is an important part of your treatment journey.
Whether your treatment has focused on pigmentation, redness, visible thread veins or overall skin rejuvenation, please follow the guidance below alongside the individual instructions provided during your appointment.
What to expect following treatment
Your skin's response will vary depending on the concern treated, the treatment settings and your individual skin characteristics.
You may experience:
Temporary redness, warmth or mild swelling
A sunburn-like sensation or increased sensitivity
Temporary darkening of treated pigmentation
Changes in the appearance of treated superficial vessels
These responses can be part of the normal treatment process, although not every client will experience them.
Your skin should gradually settle. Please contact Seven Skin if symptoms are significant, unexpected or worsening.
Caring for your skin
Keep your skin cool
Avoid excessive heat, hot baths, saunas, steam rooms and strenuous exercise during the initial recovery period advised by the clinic.
If your skin feels warm, a clean, cool compress may help provide comfort.
Do not apply ice directly to the treated area.
Prioritise sun protection
Your skin may be more sensitive to UV exposure following IPL treatment.
Avoid deliberate sun exposure, sunbeds and tanning while your skin recovers.
Use broad-spectrum SPF 50 on exposed, intact skin, alongside protective clothing and sensible sun avoidance.
Consistent sun protection is particularly important following pigmentation treatment, as UV exposure can contribute to further pigmentation changes.
Keep skincare gentle
Use a mild cleanser and suitable moisturiser while your skin settles.
Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs and other potentially irritating products until your skin has recovered and you've been advised that they can be reintroduced.
Avoid rubbing, scratching or picking the treated area.
Avoid additional skin treatments
Do not undergo chemical peels, waxing, professional exfoliation or other potentially irritating procedures on the treated area until the appropriate recovery period has passed.
If you're planning another treatment, please contact Seven Skin for guidance.
Understanding your skin's response
Pigmentation
Treated pigmentation may temporarily appear darker before gradually fading as the skin responds.
Some areas may develop a darker, speckled appearance or superficial crusting.
Do not pick, scratch or exfoliate these areas. Allow the skin to recover naturally.
Improvement develops progressively and may require a planned course of treatments.
Redness & visible thread veins
You may notice temporary redness or swelling following treatment.
The appearance of treated superficial vessels may change gradually as the skin responds. Some vessels may initially look darker or more noticeable.
Results are not always immediate, and further sessions may be recommended depending on the concern being treated.
Skin rejuvenation
Temporary warmth, redness or sensitivity may occur following treatment.
Changes in skin appearance generally develop progressively rather than immediately.
Your individual treatment plan and expected response will be discussed during your appointments.
When to contact Seven Skin
Please contact the clinic promptly if you experience:
Increasing or severe discomfort
Blistering or suspected burns
Significant or worsening swelling
Unexpected pigmentation changes
Broken skin, spreading redness or signs of infection
Any reaction that concerns you or does not appear to be settling
Please do not wait until your next appointment to report a concerning reaction.
Where appropriate, you may be asked to provide a clear photograph to help assess your skin's response.
For severe pain, extensive blistering, rapidly worsening symptoms or suspected infection, seek prompt medical advice. NHS 111 can advise on urgent care, and 999 should be used for medical emergencies.
Your ongoing treatment journey
IPL results develop differently depending on the concern being treated, your skin's response and the treatment plan recommended during your consultation.
Some concerns require multiple sessions, and maintenance may be appropriate over time.
At your next appointment, we'll review your progress, assess your skin's response and make any necessary adjustments.
Please inform Seven Skin of any changes to your medication, health, skincare routine or sun exposure before further treatment.
Questions following your treatment?
If you're unsure whether your skin's response is expected or have any questions about your aftercare, please get in touch.
WhatsApp: 07311 365599
Email: hello@sevenskinclinic.com
Chlöe
Seven Skin
This guidance supports the individual aftercare instructions provided during your appointment. Recovery periods and treatment responses vary depending on the concern treated, your skin and the IPL equipment used. Always follow the specific instructions given by Seven Skin.