How to prepare for laser or IPL treatment

Laser and IPL work by targeting pigmented structures in the skin. For best results, unwanted structures (freckles, blood vessels, melasma) need to stand out against a background of clear, unpigmented skin. This means your skin must be as pale as possible before treatment. Because laser and IPL treatments can heat and cause irritation (usually very mild), you should stop using any products that might contribute to further irritation.

Laser and IPL work by targeting pigmented structures in the skin. For best results, unwanted structures (freckles, blood vessels, melasma) need to stand out against a background of clear, unpigmented skin. This means your skin needs to be as pale as possible before your treatment.

Because laser and IPL treatments can heat and cause irritation (usually very mild), you should stop using any products that might contribute to further irritation.

Preparing for laser and IPL

Get better result and reduce downtime by following these steps.

For 2 weeks before your procedure

• Avoid unprotected sun exposure on the area to be treated. Wear sunscreen and a hat if your face will be treated.
• Don’t apply fake tan or take supplements that promote tanning.

For 2-3 days before your procedure

Don’t apply any of the following to your face (or other treatment area):

• Tinted make-up, moisturiser or sunscreen.
• Topical products containing retinoids, tretinoin, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs.
• Perfume or essential oils.

Stop taking medications that increase your skin’s sensitivity to light (more information below).

On the day of your procedure

• In the morning, wash your skin using a gentle, non-soap cleanser.
• Don’t apply any skin products to the area other than low-irritant sunscreen with no pigment.
• Please don’t apply make-up on the day of treatment.

Cold sore prevention

If you get cold sores, take famciclovir (Famvir), one 500mg tablet twice daily for 3 days before your procedure. You can buy two packets of 3 tablets without a prescription.

Photosensitising medications

It’s important to avoid medications that can make your skin sensitive to light before you have a laser or IPL/BBL procedure.

If you are taking medication, check the list at Dermnet and if you are taking any of these medications, ask your prescribing doctor if it’s safe to stop taking it for 2-3 days before your laser procedure. If not, contact us, and our doctor or registered nurse will provide advice.