WHAT TO DO

ipl

I have undergone 2 total IPL treatments. The treatments (1 and 2 )were 7 weeks apart.
I have a 3rd one scheduled for this week. That will make it 4 weeks from my most recent treatment. They say to make each IPL tx 4-6 weeks apart. I have not had any issues thus far...fingers crossed. I did have a reaction after my 2nd treatment...this was not r/t the IPL tho. My doctor said I could resume my ziana (helps acne) and that was a big mistake. I developed red,raised, itchy areas all over my r side of my face. My dermatologist said this was because Ziana is a retinoid and it causes sun sensitivity. I should have waited at least 1 week to start using it again. Presently the reaction has diminished. I do feel really dry though. Not sure if this is IPL related or just residual from the ZIANA.BTW...I am receiving IPL for a brown birthmark on my cheek. Curious to know, those of you who have had negative responses to IPL...did you go to a doctor certified or a spa???? Did you space out the IPL treatments as directed??? Also, it seems that a lot of those with negative responses have darker skin. I have read that IPL is not rec for those with darker skin. My heart aches when I read these horror stories. I wish the best to you all. Any feed back would be appreciated. Thanks!