How to Care for Your Skin Before and After IPL Hair Removal

Proper skincare before and after IPL hair removal helps minimise irritation, protect the skin barrier and improve treatment results.

IPL works best when great technology meets great skin prep. Whether you’re starting IPL for the first time or maintaining results, follow our guide to caring for your skin before and after IPL hair removal.

Why IPL Before and Aftercare Matters

Pre- and post-care helps maximise comfort, protect results and support long-term skin quality. Following these simple steps will keep your skin looking and feeling smooth. If you’re thinking of starting IPL in the spring ahead of summer, we’ll also cover how to care for your skin in the changing seasons.

How to Prepare Your Skin Before IPL Hair Removal

1.      Shave (Don’t Wax or Epilate)
Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your session. IPL targets pigment in the hair root, so removing hair from the root makes treatment less effective. And on the flip side, if you leave hair above the skin, this can cause discomfort as the hair above the skin will absorb the heat.

2.      Start with Clean, Bare Skin
Avoid moisturisers, oils, gels and deodorant on the area before treatment. These can interfere with your device, preventing it from working and can also cause discomfort.

3.      Skip Actives  
If you use retinoids or actives that increase your skins sensitivity to light it’s recommended avoiding these areas during treatment or stopping at least 7 days ahead of your IPL session.  

4.      Avoid self-tans
Self-tan may contain ingredients that can interfere with your IPL treatments.

5.      Do not use on freshly suntanned skin

Avoid using IPL hair removal 48 hours before and after sun exposure. If sunburnt, wait until the skin has healed before resuming your IPL treatment.

What to Do After IPL Hair Removal

1. Apply a Simple, Fragrance-Free Moisturiser
   Choose lightweight, barrier-supporting formulas with ingredients like ceramides or glycerin. You can also opt for aloe vera gel, known for its cooling and soothing benefits.
2. Clean your IPL device

We recommend using a lint-free cloth to wipe down the treatment window – be sure to leave the device cool down beforehand. Do not use liquid as this can get into the glass window and stop it from working.

Skincare Tips to Keep Your Skin Healthy and Glowing

Protect Skin from Sun Exposure

Spring sunshine can increase skin sensitivity, especially during IPL treatments. Apply broad-spectrum SPF daily on exposed areas and avoid treating recently sun-exposed skin.

Keep Skin Hydrated

Warmer temperatures and increased activity can lead to dehydration. Apply a lightweight moisturiser daily to help support the skin barrier and maintain smooth, healthy-looking skin.

Avoid Over-Exfoliating

With brighter weather, many people increase exfoliation to refresh their skin. Keep exfoliation gentle and infrequent while using IPL to avoid unnecessary irritation.

What to Avoid Between IPL Sessions

To protect your skin and your results:

• Avoid waxing, epilating or plucking
• Avoid chemical peels and strong actives
• Avoid self-tan on treated areas

Consistency with gentle care helps follicles recover calmly and supports smoother-looking skin over time.

IPL hair removal aftercare FAQs

How long after IPL can I exfoliate?

Gentle exfoliating is okay 48 hours after your IPL session. Avoid using any chemical exfoliants as these can increase your skins sensitivity to light.

 How long after IPL can I use retinol?

It’s recommended to avoid using retinol or active ingredients that increase your skins sensitivity to light while completing your IPL treatment regimen.

Can I moisturise after IPL hair removal?

Yes, it’s recommended to moisturise after IPL hair removal with a lightweight, hydrating moisturiser. You can also opt for aloe vera gel for soothing benefits.

Can I shave between IPL sessions?

Yes, you can shave between IPL sessions. Remember to shave before completing your IPL treatment – ensuring there is no visible hair above the surface.

Why should you avoid waxing between IPL treatments?

Waxing pulls the hair out by the root – IPL works by targeting the melanin in your hair follicle beneath the skins surface. If you have waxed, we recommend waiting a couple of weeks before beginning your IPL sessions to ensure hair is growing.

Can you epilate between IPL sessions?

No, we recommend stopping epilating between IPL sessions as epilating removes the hair from the root and it may not grow back in time for your next weekly session.

Is redness normal after IPL hair removal?

Yes, redness can be a side effect of IPL and is expected and normal, it should disappear within a few minutes. You can also apply aloe vera for extra cooling and soothing properties. If redness lasts 24-48 it’s recommended to stop using your device and contact your physician for support.

Enjoy skin-friendly treatments with SmoothSkin IPL

SmoothSkin’s clinically tested at-home IPL hair removal technology is designed to work with your skin - not against it. Intelligent skin tone sensing and controlled light delivery help ensure treatment is both effective and comfortable.

For sensitive skin and treatment areas – our Pure Switch IPL hair removal device has Sapphire Ice Cooling technology, which cools the skin to a comfortable level before each flash, so you won’t feel a thing – even in your most sensitive areas.

Final Takeaway

Spring is the most popular time to begin IPL treatments, by investing time now – you can enjoy hair-free smooth skin all summer (and next). Shop our IPL devices here.