Sun Exposure After IPL Treatment: How Long Should You Stay Away From the Sun?

So, you've just had your IPL treatment, or you're planning to purchase your IPL hair removal device, but summer is coming, and you're wondering: How long after IPL can I go in the sun? And what steps to take to protect your skin? We've got you covered. Today, we're walking about IPL and sun exposure, along with essential post-treatment care tips. Plus, we'll introduce you to a small but mighty PEACH™ 2 go IPL hair removal device, the one-way, no-return ticket for those much-unwanted hairs.

IPL and Sun Exposure

IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a popular, user-friendly, and effective method for long-term hair removal. However, one common concern among IPL users is sun exposure post-treatment. Why the worry? 

First, we need to explain how IPL works by targeting the pigment in hair follicles. In more detail, the pigment being referred to here is melanin, which gives hair and skin their color. When the intense pulses of light hit the skin, the melanin in the hair follicles absorbs this light energy. This absorption generates heat, which damages the cells responsible for hair growth. By damaging the hair follicles, IPL disrupts their ability to produce new hair. Over time, this leads to a reduction in hair growth, resulting in smoother, hair-free skin. 

This all means IPL can also interact with melanin in the skin, making it more sensitive to sunlight, and increasing the risk of sunburn and hyperpigmentation.

How Long After IPL Can You Safely Go in the Sun?

 It's recommended to avoid direct sun exposure for at least 48 hours post-treatment. During this time, your skin needs to recover, and exposing it to sunlight too soon can lead to unwanted reactions such as sunburn, hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), and potential damage to the treated area as the skin becomes more sensitive to UV radiation due to the IPL procedure.

Tips for Sun Exposure After IPL

Wearing Sunscreen 

Sunscreen is your skin's best friend every day, especially after IPL treatment. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours, especially if you're spending extended periods outdoors.

Seeking Shade

Stay in the shade during peak sun hours, when UV rays are at their strongest (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). This reduces direct UV exposure and minimizes the risk of sun damage.

Hydration

Keeping your skin hydrated post-treatment is crucial for its recovery and health. A straightforward way to do this is by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Hydrating from the inside out not only supports your skin but also overall well-being. Additionally, applying a moisturizer with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid can provide your skin with the moisture it needs. These ingredients help to replenish lost hydration, soothe any potential irritation, and help to build a healthy skin barrier. 

We recommend PEACH™ Cooling Prep Gel, formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera (among 17 plant extracts) that hydrate, soothe, and relieve the skin. These ingredients also help to calm and cool the skin and alleviate sensitivity-induced redness post-treatment. Additionally, the repairing benefits of Panthenol and Vitamin E leave skin soft and smooth to the touch.

How to Take Care of Your Skin After IPL Treatment

After your IPL session, it's essential to take proper care of your skin to ensure proper healing as well as the best results. Here are a few tips that will help you take care of your skin post-treatment:

Avoid Hot Showers

If you're the type of person who loves to shower in temperatures as close as possible to those of a geyser, don't do it for at least the first 24 hours after the treatment, as heat can increase skin sensitivity.

Use Gentle Products

When it comes to skincare after IPL treatment, choosing products that treat your skin with care is essential. Instead of reaching for harsh exfoliants or scrubs, which could potentially irritate your sensitive skin, consider using more gentle products. Look for cleansers, moisturizers, and serums specifically formulated for sensitive skin or labeled as gentle. These products are designed to cleanse and nourish your skin without causing any irritation or discomfort. 

Avoid Sun Exposure

We've already mentioned the importance of sun protection, but it's worth mentioning again. Sun exposure after IPL can lead to unwanted side effects, so be patient - give your skin enough time to recover before exposing it to the sun.

Choosing Your IPL Device

 IPL is not a new technology, and with so many devices out there, it can be pretty overwhelming to figure out which one to choose. Naturally, you want what's best for your skin, so let's talk about the fastest, simplest, and most effective way to remove unwanted hair long-term.

PEACH™ 2 go

 We believe it's time to kiss the hassle of shaving and waxing goodbye, and with FOREO’s PEACH™ 2 go, a travel-friendly IPL hair removal device, that’s possible. 

More Power

First of all, one of the main features of PEACH™ 2 go is that it utilizes advanced IPL technology with unrivaled power and a high-speed flash of 0.5 seconds (delivering 120 flashes per minute) that targets hair follicles, putting them into a resting phase and preventing regrowth.

Extra-large Treatment Window

Secondly, PEACH™ 2 go has a treatment window that is three times larger than competitors, which ensures it covers a bigger skin area in less time. When combined with the ultra-fast flash speed, it makes full-body treatments a quick and easy process.

360° Skin Cooling System

Comfort is something we particularly look for when we think about any at-home or professional beauty treatments. For that reason, FOREO created a built-in skin cooling system, which blows cool air onto your skin as you treat it, ensuring a comfortable and painless experience. 

T-Sonic™ Massage

The "T" in T-Sonic™ stands for transdermal, which means that these gentle pulsations travel through the outer layers of your skin. This has a couple of beneficial effects: firstly, it temporarily opens up your pores, making it easier for the light pulses to reach your hair follicles without any roadblocks. Secondly, these pulsations also promote healthy blood flow, giving your skin a natural glow. 

To sum it all up, taking proper care of your skin is a must no matter the treatment; however, after the IPL treatment, your skin will need extra care. The first crucial thing is to protect your skin from the sun! Remember to avoid direct sun exposure, wear sunscreen, seek shade during peak hours, stay hydrated, and use gentle skincare products to give your skin the best possible care.