IPL hair removal in the summer: do’s and don’ts for safe treatments

When summer rolls around, many people pause on their IPL hair removal routines, unsure if it's safe to continue. But does the heat and sun really mean you have to stop smooth skin in its tracks?

The short answer: No. You can continue IPL during summer if you follow a few smart guidelines. In this blog, we’re breaking down the do’s and don’ts of using your SmoothSkin IPL device safely during the sunniest time of the year.

✅ DO: Continue IPL Treatments Consistently

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is most effective when used regularly, especially in the early stages of your treatment plan. Stopping for months at a time can slow your results or cause hair to regrow.

SmoothSkin Tip: Make sure to stick to your weekly schedule. SmoothSkin’s Pure Adapt even has a speed mode to use in a pinch.

❌ DON’T: Treat Recently Tanned or Sunburned Skin

IPL works by targeting pigment in your hair follicles. If your skin is freshly tanned or sunburned, there’s more melanin in the skin, which can increase the risk of irritation, burns, or discoloration.

SmoothSkin Tip: Wait at least 48 hours  after sun exposure before using your device and avoid sun for 48 hours after treatment. If sunburnt, wait until the skin has healed before treatment. For peace of mind, SmoothSkin devices have a patented auto skin tone sensor that will detect if your skin tone is unsuitable for IPL and will not flash.

✅ DO: Use SPF—Every Single Day

Whether you’re using IPL or not, daily sun protection is non-negotiable. But if you’re actively treating with IPL, it’s even more essential. Your skin can be more sensitive to UV after treatments, so applying sunscreen helps prevent hyperpigmentation or sensitivity.

SmoothSkin Tip: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on treated areas and reapply as needed. 

❌ DON’T: Treat Skin with Self-Tanner or Tinted Products

While self-tanner isn’t the same as a real tan, it still increases the amount of pigment on your skin’s surface which can interfere with IPL’s light-based technology and lead to patchy results or sensitivity.

Using self-tanner before an IPL session can confuse the device’s skin tone sensors and increase the risk of side effects like skin irritation or burns. IPL technology relies on a clear contrast between your natural skin tone and the hair pigment, so any added color from self-tanners or bronzing products can interfere with this detection.

SmoothSkin Tip: Skip self-tanner on areas you plan to treat or wait until it fades before resuming IPL.

✅ DO: Plan your treatments around self-tanner use

If you love a bronzed glow, schedule your IPL sessions around your tanning routine—consider doing your hair removal on a Friday and applying your self-tanner Sunday evening. That way, you stay smooth and sun-kissed, safely.

Final thoughts: SmoothSkin is a summer thing – with the right routine

You don’t have to give up your hair removal goals when the sun comes out. By following a few simple precautions, you can continue using your SmoothSkin IPL device safely and effectively all summer long.

Stay consistent, protect your skin, and enjoy smooth, hair-free results that last well beyond the season.