Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is one of the most widely used treatments in aesthetic dermatology. It is commonly used to improve pigmentation, redness, rosacea, enlarged pores, and signs of skin ageing. This is a safe and effective technology when correctly indicated and performed by qualified professionals.
However, following a session, it is normal for the skin to undergo changes such as redness, a sensation of heat, inflammation, or increased sensitivity.
One of the questions patients ask most frequently in the clinic is: what can I do after an IPL session in order to improve my recovery?
What happens to your skin immediately after IPL?
IPL works by using light energy to generate a controlled amount of heat within the skin. This heat is part of the therapeutic mechanism, but it also triggers a transient inflammatory response that may produce:
- Redness and mild
- A burning or warm
- Increased skin
- Temporary impairment of the skin barrier (increased tendency to lose water).
These changes are normal and entirely reversible. However, how they are managed in the following hours and days can make a significant difference to the speed of recovery.
How long does redness last after IPL?
In most patients, redness resolves within 24–72 hours. The sensation of heat usually subsides within a few hours, and in more intensive treatments, mild flaking may appear, lasting a few days.
The 5 essential aftercare steps following an IPL session:
- Active and intensive hydration of the skin barrier. Not all creams are the In this case, the ideal option is to use a cream with formulations designed to repair the skin barrier, rather than simply providing superficial hydration.
- Strict photoprotection. Broad-spectrum sun protection should be used from the very first day. After an IPL session, the skin is particularly vulnerable to UV radiation and the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Avoid additional sources of heat. During this period, it is advisable to avoid saunas, very hot baths, or high-intensity exercise.
- Temporarily discontinue irritating topical active ingredients. Retinoids, glycolic acid, and high-concentration vitamin C should be paused for several days.
- Do not rub or apply friction to the skin. Mechanical friction and exfoliation are contraindicated in the days immediately following treatment.
Is a conventional moisturiser sufficient?
This is where science offers a clear answer: not always.
A study published in 2026 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology compared, in 30 patients, the use of a standard hydrating toner versus a cream formulated with specific soothing active ingredients following an IPL session. The results were clear:
- The cream with specific active ingredients significantly increased the degree of hydration within the first 30 minutes, whilst the conventional moisturiser produced barely any
- At 28 days, redness was considerably more reduced in the group using the soothing formulation.
- Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) also normalised sooner in the group of patients who used the cream with specific active ingredients.
- 100% of participants reported satisfaction with the product, and no adverse effects were
The key to this formulation is that, in addition to hydrating (as conventional creams do), it contains an ingredient that acts directly on the TRPV1 receptor (responsible for the burning sensation and part of the inflammatory response triggered by the heat of IPL). By modulating this receptor, redness and discomfort are considerably reduced in a more effective manner than with conventional hydration alone.
Conclusion
IPL is an effective and safe treatment, but its outcome does not depend solely on the session itself. Post-treatment care forms part of a correct therapeutic protocol.
Scientific evidence indicates that results are more satisfactory when specific formulations are used that go beyond basic hydration: products capable of restoring the skin barrier, calming inflammation, and reducing sensitivity.
If you are considering undergoing IPL treatment or would like to know which protocol is most suitable for your skin type, an individualised dermatological
