Does IPL increase photo-sensitivity post-treatment? (photos)

IPL can increase photosensitivity immediately after treatment, but not four months later. We always advise avoiding the sun and being diligent about applying broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing following treatment. Perhaps your sunscreen only provided UVB protection, as the SFP number only refers to UVB protection. For best coverage, the sunscreen label should state both UVA and UVB coverage. I doubt the IPL had much to do with your increase in brown spots, though. Brown spots can appear after sun exposure whether you’ve had an IPL treatment or not. Perhaps there is another reason, for example, certain medications can cause photosensitivity like tetracycline or sulfur antibiotics. While it may be unrealistic to avoid the sun entirely, being very diligent about reapplying sunscreen every few hours, making sure your sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays, making sure not to stay in the sun for too long, and wearing hats and protective clothing when you know you’ll be in the sun for a while will all help to reduce the occurrences of brown spots. With good protection, those spots may fade completely. If not, I suggest you visit your dermatologist for evaluation.

yes IPL can make you more photosensitive.  I suggest you speak to your treating physician.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Although IPL can certainly make you photo-sensivity, given that you are describing vacation 4 months later, the most likely explanation is your overall sun exposure. You don't need to completely avoid the sun - rather you have to be more pro-active and use sunblock that has broad UVB and UVA protection (make sure that you reapply it on a regular basis). Even patients who have beautiful response to laser when it comes to removal of their brown spots can develop recurrences or new brown spots upon sun exposure.