Once you complete your regimen, your results should last about 1 year. However, this can vary based on individual health, genetics, and lifestyle factors. For example, excess sun exposure and dehydration can cut short your results. But good skin care and healthy habits can prolong your results.
Even though IPL is gentler, it still does cause some strain to the skin. However, patients tend to find the recovery period to be mild, brief, and well tolerated. You may have some redness, and your skin may feel similar to having a mild sunburn. While this should not require full downtime, we recommend taking extra care of your skin until it recovers. This includes avoiding irritants, such as certain skin care products (e.g., retinoids, scrubs), and staying out of direct sunlight. Also, avoid strenuous physical activity until any redness or swelling fades. Mild activity, like walking, can help promote blood flow and facilitate recovery.
IPL is generally considered very safe when performed by an experienced, qualified specialist. We take extra care for patients with darker skin tones to avoid the risk of causing pigmentation issues. In some cases, we may recommend an alternative system that is safer for all skin types.