IPL Laser Pre- and Post-Care

Before Your Treatment (Pre‑Care)

• Sun & Tanning: Avoid sunbathing/tanning beds for 2 weeks prior; do not arrive tanned or sunburned. Use SPF 30+ daily.
  
  
• Self‑tanner: Avoid spray/self‑tanner on treatment areas for 2 weeks prior.
  
  
• Actives: Hold retinoids/retinol, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, strong vitamin C, scrubs/brushes for 3–5 days before (longer if sensitive).
  
  
• Procedures: Avoid waxing, threading, depilatories, strong peels, microderm for 1–2 weeks prior on the treatment area.
  
  
• Medications: Inform SOKO if using photosensitizers (e.g., doxycycline/minocycline, St. John’s wort); we may adjust timing. Oral isotretinoin: wait 6 months after completion.
  
  
• Health: No open sores, rashes, or infections in the area. If you have HSV around the mouth/nose, ask about antiviral prophylaxis.
  
  
• Arrival: Come with clean, makeup‑free skin; remove lotions/oils/deodorant from treated zones. Men may be asked to clean shave (per area).
  
  
• Test spot: Your provider may perform a test spot for safety, especially on higher Fitz types or sensitive areas.
  
  

Post‑Care

Day 0 (0–24 hours)

• Normal: redness/warmth; mild swelling. For pigment, spots may darken immediately.
• Soothe: apply cool compresses in short intervals as needed.
• Heat/Sweat: avoid strenuous exercise, hot tubs, saunas/steam for 24–48 hours.
• Products: gentle cleanse; use a bland moisturizer. Skip actives (retinoids/acids/BPO) today.
• Makeup: usually OK same day once skin is calm/dry and intact.
• Sun: strict protection—hat/shade + SPF 30+.
• Pigmentation (sun spots) can granulate and look like pepper or coffee grounds on the skin. If you get “peppering”, exclude exfoliating products and treatments until they slough off. The face can take up to 14 days, and the body 21 days.
  
  

Day 1–7

• Continue gentle cleanser + bland moisturizer.
• SPF 30+ daily; reapply if outdoors.
• Hold actives for 3–5 days on the face and 5–10 days on body areas (or until cleared by SOKO). Hydrating / nurturing ingredients are encouraged including hyaluronic acids, peptides, and growth factors. 
• If any crusting/blistering occurs, do not pick; keep moist with a thin layer of petrolatum and contact SOKO for care instructions.
  
  

Indication‑Specific Notes

Pigment (sunspots/lentigines, selected PIH)

• Spots often darken to a coffee‑ground look and flake off in 7–14 days on the face and 2–3 weeks on the body.
  
  
• Do not pick; allow natural shedding.
  
  
• Be extra strict with UV avoidance for 2–3 weeks to reduce post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk.
  
  

Vascular / Diffuse Redness / Rosacea

• Expect transient redness/swelling; sometimes temporary purpura (purple bruising) or graying/mottling of vessels for 3–14 days.
  
  
• Keep treated areas cool; avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and very hot drinks for 24–48 hours. Be careful with hot water and excessive sweating.
  
  
• For patients that are more vascular, swelling under the eyes and through the cheeks can happen. It typically is more noticeable in the morning, and gets better during the day. Sleeping elevated and icing the area frequently also helps. If you know you are prone to swelling, you can pre treat before your next appointment with 40mg Pepcid AC and an antihistamine.
  
  

Acne / Post‑Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)

• You may see gradual improvement in redness over a series; occasional dryness or mild flares can occur.
  
  
• Hold retinoids and benzoyl peroxide 3–5 days before and after unless directed otherwise.
  
  
• Favor non‑comedogenic hydration; resume your acne regimen when cleared by SOKO.
  
  

Scheduling & Expectations

• Series: Most concerns need 3–5 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
  
  
• Maintenance: Periodic touch‑ups may be recommended to sustain results.
  
  
• Injectables (clinic policy): For the same area, allow ≥48h–1 week around neuromodulators and ≥1–2 weeks around fillers, unless your provider advises otherwise.
  
  

Optional Topical Add‑Ins (If Purchased)

• Ariessence™ Pure PDGF+ (topical) or Plated™ (exosome‑derived) serums may be applied immediately after Lumecca if skin is calm; continue Days 1–7 as directed and avoid actives during use.
  
  

When to Contact SOKO

Call/text 913‑232‑2224 if you notice increasing pain, spreading redness/warmth, blistering, drainage/pus, fever, or swelling that worsens after 48–72 hours, or any unexpected reaction. For emergencies, dial 911.