How Long Does IPL Take to Heal?

Healing after an IPL session differs for each person. Usually, it takes less than a week. Sometimes, it’s as quick as 2 to 3 days. IPL means Intense Pulsed Light. Skin doctors use this gentle treatment to clear up skin marks or flaws. In tough cases, it makes them less obvious. People often call it a “photofacial.” It works on many body parts.

IPL uses light that turns into heat. This heat reaches deep skin layers. It breaks up color spots and blood cells causing skin stains. As the treated spot heals, the skin makes fresh elastin and collagen. This brings back its natural look. It gives a young, healthy glow.

Healing time depends on the person and the skin issue. For example, redness from vein fixes fades in 2 to 5 days. Freckles or age marks may get darker first. Then, they lighten over 3 to 7 days. Some crusting might happen. This can last up to 10 days. The color rises to the skin’s top and peels off.

In rare cases, bruising shows up. It heals in 1 to 2 weeks. Following the skin doctor’s care tips is super important for fast healing.

What Are IPL Treatments Like?

During an IPL session, you go to a special room at the skin doctor’s office. You wear goggles or eye pads to shield your eyes. A cool gel goes on the skin area being treated. The doctor uses an IPL wand. It sends pulsing light to your skin. With eye protection, you won’t see the light. But you might feel it. Some say it’s like a tiny tingle or a mild pinch.

Each session’s length depends on the skin issue. It usually takes 30 to 90 minutes. When done, the gel is wiped off. The skin gets cleaned with a warm cloth. A moisturizer with sunscreen is put on next.

If there’s swelling or soreness after, a cold pack might help. Often, you can put on makeup right after. But check with your skin doctor first.

For lasting results, you need several sessions. Most people get 3 to 5 treatments. These are spaced a month apart. This gives skin cells time to heal between sessions.

Possible Side Effects from IPL Treatment

IPL treatments are mostly safe with trained experts. But there can be some side effects:

• Redness and Swelling: These are common right after. They may last up to a week.
• Crusting: Brown spots or freckles may rise to the skin’s top. They form crusts that peel off over time.
• Blisters or Burns: These are super rare. They happen if wrong settings are used.
• Soreness: The treated spot might feel tender for a few days.

Talk to a skin doctor before starting IPL. They check your skin type and issue. They also explain any risks.

What to Do to Speed Up Healing After IPL Therapy

Good after-care helps healing go faster. It also gives better results:

• Use Mild Cleansers: Wash your skin twice a day with warm water. Use gentle products.
• Moisturize Often: Put on moisturizers every day. This keeps skin hydrated.
• Wear Sunscreen: Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. It protects against UVB and UVA rays.
• Microdermabrasion Facial: Try this facial 2–3 weeks after treatment. It hydrates and clears dead skin cells.
• Stem Cell Serum: Use this serum to boost collagen repair. It makes skin smoother.

There are things to avoid after treatment:

• Skip hot showers or baths for 48 hours.
• Don’t use strong skin products like retinols or glycolic acids for a week.
• Stay out of direct sunlight on treated spots. Always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher if you must go out.
• Avoid chlorinated pools or hot tubs while healing.
• Don’t do activities that make you sweat a lot.
• Never pick at peeling skin or scabs.

Following these tips carefully speeds up healing. It makes the treatment work better. Always ask your skin doctor if you’re worried during recovery.

What Not to Do After IPL Therapy

To get the best healing and results from IPL, follow specific after-care rules. Avoid certain actions. Skipping these steps can slow healing. It can also hurt the treatment’s success.

Don’t take hot showers or baths for 48 hours after IPL. Hot water can bother treated skin. It can make redness or soreness last longer. Also, avoid saunas or hot tubs during this time.

Stay away from strong skin products. Skip retinols, glycolic acids, or anything with Vitamin A for at least a week. These can make skin more sensitive. They can cause irritation. Keep treated spots out of direct sunlight. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or more for 4 to 6 weeks after treatment. Sunlight can cause dark spots or other problems.

Don’t swim in chlorinated pools. Chlorine is harsh on sensitive skin. Also, avoid hard exercise for a few days. Sweating a lot can irritate skin.

Never pick at peeling or crusty skin. This crusting is normal. It will fall off on its own. Picking can cause scars or slow healing.

Avoid electrolysis, facial waxing, or hair removal creams on treated spots for 14 days after IPL. These can mess up healing. They can irritate skin more.

Finally, skip alcohol or blood-thinning medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen for two days after treatment. These can increase bruising or swelling in some people.

Getting the Best IPL Treatment Device: Choose Stylight from Anchorfree

Anchorfree is a China-leading manufacturer of beauty and medical aesthetics equipments based on laser,light-based,radio frequency,vacuum,ultrasound and EMS technologies. For people wanting great hair removal or skin refresh at home, Anchorfree’s Stylight is a top pick. Stylight uses advanced IPL tech. It’s safe, fast, and easy to use.

Stylight works with IPL hair removal. It uses selective light absorption. It has a 650-1200nm wavelength. This is a gold standard for safe home hair removal. The wavelength targets melanin exactly. It keeps nearby skin safe. Stylight also has an Ice Cooling function. This keeps skin cool during treatment. It cuts discomfort.

A special feature is the double lamp design. It gives strong energy with a big 7.5cm² spot size. This covers large areas like legs or back faster. Stylight lasts one year or 300,000 shots. With good use, it can reach 500,000 shots. This makes it a smart buy for long-term use.

Safety is a big part of Stylight’s design. Its narrow 650-1200nm wavelength lowers risks compared to wider-range devices. It gives high energy up to 7.5 J/cm² for great results.

Stylight isn’t just for hair removal. It also helps skin refresh. It boosts collagen and improves skin texture. It works on small areas like lips or big ones like arms and legs. It’s super flexible and fast.

Stylight is small, weighing just 1.6kg. It’s quiet, under 55dB. This makes treatments comfy and easy.

FAQ

How does IPL work?

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It uses light energy that turns into heat. This targets specific skin pigments, like melanin in hair roots. It leaves nearby skin safe. Over time, it destroys unwanted hair roots. It also boosts collagen for better skin texture.

How many sessions are needed for IPL?

Most people need 3 to 5 sessions. These are one month apart for best results. You might need yearly touch-ups based on your needs.

Is IPL painful?

Most feel only a little discomfort. It’s like a tingle. Devices like Stylight have Ice Cooling. This cools skin during pulses. It makes it much comfier.

Can I use makeup after IPL?

Usually, you can apply makeup right after. Do it gently. But ask your skin doctor first. It depends on your skin’s condition.

Are there side effects of IPL?

Common side effects are redness and mild swelling. These last up to a week. Rarely, blisters or burns happen. This is if wrong settings are used.

Why choose Stylight over other devices?

Stylight has cool features like Ice Cooling tech. It gives high energy up to 7.5 J/cm². This makes treatments effective and comfy at home. It lasts up to 500,000 shots. It works for hair removal and skin refresh. It’s a great pick.