Introduction:
IPL hair removal is very safe when used correctly — but skin preparation and after-care make a massive difference in both results and comfort.
Most side effects like:
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Redness
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Irritation
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Sensitivity
Happen because people skip simple care steps before and after treatment.
This guide will show you:
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What to do before IPL
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What to do after IPL
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What to completely avoid
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How to protect sensitive skin
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How to improve long-term results
👉 Using Philips Lumea? View models here:
Philips Lumea IPL Devices in Pakistan – Lumia London
Why Pre-Care and After-Care Matters with IPL
IPL works by sending light energy into hair follicles.
If skin is:
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Dirty
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Oily
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Tanned
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Irritated
Then light absorption becomes uneven, which can cause:
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Burning sensation
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Pigmentation
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Reduced effectiveness
Proper care keeps treatment:
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Safer
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More comfortable
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More effective
✅ BEFORE IPL: HOW TO PREPARE YOUR SKIN
Let’s start with what you should do before every session.
Step 1: Shave the Area (Do NOT Wax or Thread)
This is the most important rule.
✅ Always Shave
Shaving:
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Keeps root inside skin
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Allows IPL to target follicle
❌ Never Wax or Thread
Waxing removes the root, so IPL has:
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Nothing to target
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No effect on growth cycle
This mistake alone is why many people think IPL doesn’t work.
(We covered all mistakes here:
👉 Why IPL Doesn’t Work – Common Mistakes Guide)
Step 2: Clean and Dry Skin Completely
Before treatment, skin must be:
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Free from lotion
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Free from deodorant
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Free from makeup
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Free from oil
Any product on skin can:
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Increase heat
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Increase irritation
Wash area with gentle soap and dry fully.
Step 3: Avoid Sun Exposure Before IPL
This is extremely important.
Do NOT use IPL on:
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Sunburned skin
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Recently tanned skin
Why?
Tanned skin absorbs more light and increases risk of:
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Burns
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Pigmentation
✅ Safe Rule
Avoid sun exposure:
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At least 48 hours before IPL
If you’ve been in sun, postpone session.
Step 4: Do a Patch Test (Especially First Time)
Before first full session:
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Test small area
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Wait 24 hours
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Check for reaction
This is extra important for:
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Face
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Bikini area
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Sensitive skin
✅ AFTER IPL: HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN
After treatment, your skin needs calm, not chemicals.
Step 5: Expect Mild Redness (That’s Normal)
Right after IPL you may see:
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Slight redness
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Warm feeling
This usually fades within:
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Minutes to a few hours
This is normal follicle reaction, not damage.
Step 6: Moisturize with Gentle Products
After a few hours, apply:
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Fragrance-free moisturizer
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Aloe vera gel if needed
Avoid:
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Strong acids
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Whitening creams
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Retinol products
For at least 24 hours.
Step 7: Avoid Heat and Sweat
For 24 hours after IPL, avoid:
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Hot showers
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Sauna
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Gym workouts
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Tight clothing on treated area
Heat can increase irritation and redness.
Step 8: Avoid Sun After Treatment
After IPL:
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Skin is more sensitive to UV
Always:
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Avoid sun for 48 hours
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Use sunscreen if exposed
Sun + IPL = pigmentation risk.
⚠️ THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER DO WITH IPL
Let’s be very clear here.
❌ Do NOT Use on Broken Skin
Cuts, burns, active acne = wait until healed.
❌ Do NOT Treat Over Tattoos or Dark Moles
Dark pigment absorbs light and may cause burns.
Always avoid:
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Tattoos
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Large dark spots
❌ Do NOT Increase Intensity on Irritated Skin
Higher intensity does not mean faster results if skin is already irritated.
It only increases damage risk.
IPL CARE FOR FACE & SENSITIVE AREAS
Sensitive skin needs extra caution.
For Face (Upper Lip, Chin)
Always:
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Use face attachment
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Use stamp method (not slide)
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Start at lower intensity
We explained facial use fully here:
👉 Philips Lumea for Face & Sensitive Skin – Safety Guide
For Bikini & Underarms
Always:
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Use sensitive area attachment
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Avoid treating same spot twice
These areas are more prone to irritation.
HOW PRE/POST CARE AFFECTS RESULTS
People think IPL success depends only on device.
That’s wrong.
Bad skin prep leads to:
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Missed follicle targeting
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Reduced effectiveness
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More side effects
Good skin care leads to:
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Faster reduction
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Less irritation
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Better long-term results
IPL is not just about light — it’s about how your skin handles that light.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPEAT CARE ROUTINE?
Every session.
IPL is not:
“Do once and forget”
It’s a treatment cycle.
That’s why maintenance is key:
👉 How Long Do Philips Lumea Results Last? Maintenance Guide
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT IPL SKIN CARE
Can I Apply Ice After IPL?
Not usually needed. If skin feels hot, cool compress can help briefly.
Can I Use Makeup After Facial IPL?
Wait at least:
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6–12 hours
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And skin must be calm
Can I Use Whitening Creams After IPL?
Avoid for at least:
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48 hours
These products increase sensitivity and pigmentation risk.
Can I Do IPL in Summer?
Yes, but you must:
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Avoid sun exposure
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Use sunscreen
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Avoid tanning
Summer IPL requires more discipline with sun protection.
FINAL ADVICE: CARE IS PART OF THE TREATMENT
If you want to get full value from your IPL device:
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Don’t skip shaving
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Don’t skip cleaning
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Don’t ignore sun protection
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Don’t overload skin with products
Most IPL problems are not device problems — they’re routine problems.
Where to Buy Original Philips Lumea in Pakistan
Skin safety depends heavily on device quality.
At Lumia London, you get:
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Original Philips devices
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Proper attachments
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Model-wise options
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Reliable support
👉 Browse Philips Lumea IPL Devices in Pakistan:
Buy right. Use right. Get real results.