IPL Recovery: Has Skin Picking Caused Damage?

Question

I have light olive Asian skin and just got my IPL treatment 1.5 days ago. No serious reactions yet, just slight flaking. My brown spots and freckles are lightening. However, I also have some acne and since i'm off the medicine during recovery, I picked at several pustules yesterday.

	Today, those areas are red and will scab. My question: Given I just had IPL and then picked/hurt my skin, does that put me at greater hyperpigmentation risk? If not, do u foresee any other serious consequences?

Anshul Gambhir, MD · Answer

Thank you for your message! We highly recommend that you do not pick at anything on your skin! Even without IPL this can cause hyperpigmentation or textured scarring. IPL will increase this risk as your skin is likely still healing and a bit irritated from the procedure. Try to avoid picking anything on your skin and if you have any concerns, follow up with your provider!

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

Skin picking can result in permanent scars, not only pigmentation change but actual texture change.  It really doesn't depend on whether you had IPL or not. 

	Picking is one of the most difficult habits to get rid of.  Ask your dermatologist for a mild acne medication and see if you can it its application as a substitution behavior every time you feel like picking.  It will improve your acne and help prevent picking as well.

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