Is IPL Safe if You Have a Sun Tan?

asked 2 years ago by linda 32 in ny
Latest answer by Pamela Carr, MD
Question viewed 1,457 times
Tags: skin, tanning

I had 2 IPL treatment and now have a sun tan and I am scheduled for a my 3rd treatment. Should I postpone it?

5 answers to Is IPL Safe if You Have a Sun Tan?

Avoid IPL on tanned skin

The purpose of IPL treatment is to improve brown spot and blood vessels. The target for this light treatment is color. If you are tan the device may target the tan skin and not the desired target. A burn could result. Please remember a tan damages the skin. Protect with sun screen and practice sun avoidance.

Pamela Carr, MD
Sugar Land Dermatologist

Avoid IPL after recent sun exposure

Save yourself potential complications and wait a few weeks before proceeding with your IPL treatment. Of course, if you are investing in IPL treatments to improve your skin, you will maximize results by always protecting your skin from the sun.

Allison J. Stocker, MD
San Antonio Dermatologist

Wait on IPL

If you proceed with your third IPL treatment with while tanned, you are likely to have more problems than with your first two treatments. The reaction from IPL is pigment dependent and you will have a more severe reaction if you proceed at this time. Definitely wait a few weeks

Stephen Prendiville, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

You should postpone your IPL treatment till your sun-tan fades.

If your skin is tanned, you would have an increased likelihood of complications like hyperpigmentation or burn after your IPL treatment. There is no downside to waiting 2 weeks. I hope this is helpful for you.

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

IPL is not safe if you have a tan

I would reschedule the treatment. The machine detecting the brown spots that you are trying to eiminate cannot tell the difference between tanned ski and unwanted bon pigmentation. Best to wait until the tan fades.

Julia Carroll, MD
Toronto Dermatologist

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