How to Prepare Your Skin Before and After IPL Hair Removal
Using an IPL hair removal device is one of the most effective and convenient ways to reduce unwanted hair at home. But to get the best results—and avoid skin irritation—it’s essential to prepare your skin correctly before treatment and care for it properly afterward.
Whether you’re using The Lux Skins’ IPL Device for the first time or maintaining a weekly routine, this guide walks you through exactly what to do before and after each session to ensure smooth, safe, and lasting results.
Why Skin Prep Matters for IPL
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) works by targeting pigment in the hair follicle, using light to disable the follicle over time. For this to happen effectively:
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Your skin needs to be clean and hair-free
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Your barrier should be calm and hydrated
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You should avoid ingredients that may trigger sensitivity
Failing to prep properly can lead to:
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Reduced treatment results
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Increased chance of redness, stinging, or burns
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Delayed healing or post-inflammatory pigmentation
What to Do Before IPL Hair Removal
Here’s what your skin needs before you power on your device.
24 Hours Before:
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Shave the treatment area with a clean, sharp razor
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Shaving ensures the light can reach the hair root
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Do not wax, pluck, or use depilatory creams (they remove the root)
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Avoid exfoliating scrubs, retinol, or strong acids
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Do not apply fake tan, oils, or heavy creams to the area
Right Before Treatment:
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Cleanse skin thoroughly
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Use a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser
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Pat skin dry completely
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Do not apply any products
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Skin should be product-free: no serum, no lotion, no SPF
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Use the lowest setting for first-time use
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The Lux Skins IPL Device includes adjustable levels for comfort and safety
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How to Use Your IPL Device Safely
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Choose stamp mode for smaller areas like face or bikini line
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Use glide mode for legs, arms, and underarms
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Start with Level 1, then adjust as needed
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Always wear the provided safety glasses
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Use in a well-lit room to protect your eyes from flash glare
What to Do After IPL Hair Removal
Immediately After Treatment:
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Apply a cooling, soothing serum
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Avoid hot showers, steam, or workouts for 12–24 hours
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Do not apply makeup or deodorant on treated areas right away
Best Post-IPL Serums:
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Aloe Vera Calm Repair Serum
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Niacinamide + Panthenol Serum
For the Next 48 Hours:
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Avoid sun exposure and heat-based skincare (like exfoliants, acids, or retinoids)
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Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 to exposed areas, especially if treating face, arms, or legs
Broad Spectrum Daily SPF 50
Weekly Care Tips:
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Moisturize daily with a ceramide-rich cream to support your barrier
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Track your treatment dates and skin response for best results
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Use once a week for 8–12 weeks, then maintain every 4–6 weeks
IPL Do's and Don'ts Summary
| Do This | Avoid This |
|---|---|
| Shave 24 hours before | Waxing or plucking before session |
| Use on clean, dry, product-free skin | Applying lotion, oil, or SPF before treatment |
| Apply soothing serum post-treatment | Using exfoliants or retinoids within 48 hours |
| Use SPF daily on treated areas | Sunbathing or tanning right after treatment |
| Stick to weekly treatments | Over-flashing the same area multiple times |
Sample Routine Using The Lux Skins IPL Device
| Step | Time | Product Used |
|---|---|---|
| Shave | 24 hours before | Razor (no wax or plucking) |
| Cleanse | Just before | Mild, fragrance-free cleanser |
| Treat | Weekly (1x) | ice cool IPL Device |
| Soothe | After session | Aloe Vera Repair Serum |
| Protect | Daily | Broad Spectrum SPF 50 |
Why Choose The Lux Skins for IPL?
Since 2019, The Lux Skins has helped thousands of women globally—including in Pakistan, Australia, the UK, and the Middle East—achieve salon-quality hair removal from home.
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Developed for all skin tones (excluding very dark or very light hair)
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Features cold flash technology for zero discomfort
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Offers lifetime use with unlimited flashes
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Comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee