Proper skin preparation is one of the most overlooked aspects of at-home IPL treatment, yet it can dramatically impact both your results and comfort level. Taking the time to prepare correctly before each session ensures that the light energy is effectively absorbed by hair follicles while minimising potential side effects.
The Week Before Treatment
Great preparation starts well before your actual treatment session. In the week leading up to your IPL treatment, several important steps will set the stage for success.
Avoid Sun Exposure
This is perhaps the most critical preparation step. Sun-exposed or tanned skin contains more melanin at the surface, which can:
- Absorb light energy that should be targeting hair follicles
- Increase the risk of burns and hyperpigmentation
- Cause your device's skin tone sensor to select incorrect settings
- Lead to more discomfort during treatment
Avoid sunbathing, tanning beds, and prolonged sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before treatment. If you must be outdoors, use SPF 30+ sunscreen and cover the treatment areas when possible.
Self-tanning products, spray tans, and bronzing lotions deposit colour that mimics melanin in the skin. Stop using these products at least 2 weeks before treatment and ensure all residue has faded completely.
Stop Waxing, Plucking, and Epilating
For IPL to work, there must be hair in the follicle to absorb the light energy. If you've been waxing, plucking, threading, or using an epilator, you've removed the hair from its root, making treatment ineffective.
Stop these hair removal methods at least 4-6 weeks before your first IPL session. This gives hair time to regrow to the follicle so it can be properly targeted. You may shave during this time—shaving only cuts hair at the surface, leaving the root intact.
Discontinue Certain Skincare Products
Some skincare ingredients can increase skin sensitivity or interfere with treatment. Avoid these products on treatment areas for 5-7 days before your session:
- Retinoids and retinol: These increase skin sensitivity and can cause irritation
- AHAs and BHAs: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and similar exfoliants thin the skin
- Vitamin C serums: High concentrations can increase photosensitivity
- Benzoyl peroxide: Can cause dryness and irritation
The Day Before Treatment
The 24 hours before your treatment session require specific preparation to ensure optimal results.
Shave the Treatment Area
Shaving 12-24 hours before treatment is ideal. This timing allows:
- Any minor razor irritation to subside
- Hair to be at or just below skin level, which is optimal for IPL
- Maximum light absorption by the follicle rather than the hair shaft above the skin
Use a clean, sharp razor and shaving gel or cream. Shave in the direction of hair growth to minimise irritation. Avoid shaving immediately before treatment, as freshly shaved skin is more sensitive.
If hair is visible above the skin surface during treatment, the light energy is absorbed by the hair shaft rather than the follicle. This reduces treatment effectiveness and can cause the hair to singe, creating an unpleasant smell and potentially causing skin surface burns.
Avoid Irritating Activities
In the 24 hours before treatment, avoid activities that could irritate or sensitise your skin:
- Hot baths, saunas, or steam rooms
- Vigorous exercise that causes excessive sweating
- Swimming in chlorinated pools
- Applying fragranced products to treatment areas
Immediately Before Treatment
In the minutes before you begin your IPL session, complete these final preparation steps:
Cleanse Thoroughly
Wash the treatment area with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. This removes:
- Natural skin oils that can interfere with light transmission
- Deodorant and antiperspirant residue (for underarm treatment)
- Makeup and skincare products
- Sweat and environmental debris
Pat the skin completely dry with a clean towel. Moisture on the skin can scatter light and reduce treatment effectiveness.
Inspect the Treatment Area
Before beginning, examine the area for:
- Cuts or abrasions: Wait for complete healing before treating
- Moles or birthmarks: Mark these to avoid or cover them during treatment
- Signs of irritation: Redness, bumps, or inflammation indicate you should postpone
- Visible hair: If stubble is visible, consider shaving again
Prepare Your Device
While not technically skin preparation, having your device ready contributes to a smooth session:
- Ensure the device is fully charged or plugged in
- Clean the treatment window with a soft, dry cloth
- Attach any required precision heads for your treatment area
- Have protective eyewear nearby if treating near your face
Creating an Optimal Treatment Environment
Where and how you treat matters for both comfort and effectiveness:
Lighting
Choose a well-lit area so you can clearly see the treatment zone. However, avoid direct sunlight on your skin during treatment, as this can affect your device's skin tone sensor.
Temperature
A comfortable room temperature is ideal. Extreme cold can cause goosebumps, which may interfere with proper skin contact, while excessive heat can increase skin sensitivity.
Position
Position yourself comfortably so you can reach all areas of the treatment zone without straining. For legs, sitting with your leg extended on a surface works well. For underarms, use a mirror if needed to see what you're doing.
Pre-Treatment Checklist
- No sun exposure or self-tanners for 2+ weeks
- No waxing, plucking, or epilating for 4-6 weeks
- Stop retinoids, acids, and active skincare 5-7 days before
- Shave treatment area 12-24 hours before
- Cleanse skin and pat completely dry
- Remove all products, deodorant, and makeup
- Check for cuts, moles, and irritation
- Ensure device is charged and treatment window is clean
Special Preparation Considerations
Sensitive Skin
If you have naturally sensitive skin, take extra precautions:
- Extend the time off active skincare products to 10-14 days
- Consider using a gentle, hydrating product in the days before treatment
- Plan to start with lower intensity settings
- Have soothing products like aloe vera gel ready for after treatment
First-Time Users
If this is your first IPL treatment:
- Schedule your session when you don't have important events in the following 48 hours
- Prepare a small test area for your patch test
- Allow extra time to read through your device manual
- Have your device's customer support contact information handy
What NOT to Do Before Treatment
Avoid these common preparation mistakes:
- Don't apply numbing cream unless specifically recommended by your device manufacturer
- Don't exfoliate immediately before treatment
- Don't use any products containing alcohol on treatment areas
- Don't treat if you've had a sunburn in the past 2 weeks, even if it appears healed
- Don't rush the preparation process—proper prep takes 15-20 minutes
Taking the time to properly prepare for each IPL session is an investment in your results. While it may seem like extra effort initially, good preparation habits become second nature and significantly improve both the effectiveness and comfort of your treatments.