IPL aftercare: A 5-step guide to post-hair removal body skincare

We all know the importance of skincare. Hair removal, cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturising can all be important steps to maintain skin health, enhance appearance, and boost self-esteem. Just as general body skincare is key to our overall health, after-hair removal care is important for maintaining the health of your skin.

If you are new to or interested in learning about intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments or want to know how to take care of your skin after treatment, we have all the information you need. In this article, we will explore facts about IPL and top tips and tricks for IPL aftercare, including:

• An introduction to IPL as a method of efficient and long-lasting hair removal.
  
• Tips and tricks for aftercare for IPL treatment.
  
• Things to avoid as part of your after-hair removal care.
  
• What to expect by following our recommendations for after-IPL skin care.

So, let’s get started. Read on to discover everything you need to know about IPL and the importance of aftercare for IPL treatment.

An introduction to IPL

So, what is IPL? Intense pulsed light, or IPL, is a form of hair removal that uses light to heat the hair follicle to prevent regrowth over time.¹ If you’re considering IPL as an at-home treatment option, you need to know how to ensure the best results before we explore aftercare for IPL:

• IPL works best on fair skin types.
  
• IPL works best on dark hair as it targets the melanin in the hair.
  
• IPL is unsuitable for darker skin types as the rich melanin content could result in discolouration when using IPL.
  
• IPL will have poor results on blonde, red, or white hair.

Now that you know what IPL is, and whether it will work for your skin type, you probably want to know why IPL is the right choice for you. There are several benefits of using IPL for hair removal as part of your routine for body skincare:

• Long-lasting results. By maintaining a consistent routine, you'll notice significant changes and achieve your desired results in no time, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of long-term hair growth reduction.
  
  Did you know...? The Philips Lumea IPL offers up to 92% hair reduction in just three treatments* and six months of hair-free smooth skin after 12 treatments.**
  
  
• A more comfortable hair removal method. IPL directly targets the hair follicle with light pulses, resulting in pain-free and efficient hair removal without cuts and less irritation.
  
  
• Smoother results. If you're looking for a hair removal method that guarantees a smooth and bump-free outcome, IPL is the way to go. Unlike shaving or waxing, IPL offers flawless results every time.
  
  
• Suitable for different areas of the body. IPL is a safe and effective method for removing unwanted hair from body parts, including sensitive areas like the face and bikini area and larger areas like the back.
  
  Did you know…? The Philips Lumea IPL has four unique smart attachments that perfectly fit every curve of the body and adjust the treatment program for each area.
  
  
• Works well for different skin types. IPL is the ultimate hair removal solution for all skin types, regardless of whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin.
  
  
• Quick and convenient. When it comes to hair removal, IPL is a quick and easy method that can save you time compared to other options. However, the speed of treatment may vary depending on the amount and location of hair.

If you're unsure whether IPL is suitable for your hair removal needs, read real women's reviews to have your questions answered.

Tips and tricks for aftercare for IPL treatment

Now you understand what IPL is and how it could benefit you as part of your body skincare, let’s talk about IPL aftercare:²

• Cool your skin. Great products for this include aloe vera or an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth.
• Keep it clean. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser daily to keep your skin clean after your IPL treatment.
• Use SPF. We recommend a minimum of SPF30 but SPF50 is best. Don’t forget to reapply throughout the day, not just first thing in the morning
• Moisturise. Use a gentle, perfume-free moisturiser several times a day to keep your skin moisturised as part of your aftercare for IPL.
• Stay hydrated. Just as moisturising outside is key to hair removal aftercare, so is moisturising inside. Staying hydrated will help maintain your skin’s natural oils after your IPL treatment.
  

Things to avoid as part of your after-hair removal care

It's important to know what to avoid when caring for your skin after IPL hair removal, in addition to understanding proper post-treatment care. So, let’s talk bonus skin care after IPL hair removal:

• Avoid heat for at least 24 hours. This includes long, hot baths, steam rooms, and saunas.
• Avoid exposing your skin to UV for 2 weeks. This includes exposure to the sun and tanning beds.
• Avoid chlorine for 48 hours. This means no swimming while your skin recovers. 
• Avoid perfumed products for 48 hours. This includes soaps, creams, and perfumes.