Do IPL photofacials cause dry flaky skin around nose and cheeks?

Question

I recently had three ipl photofacials with great results. I no longer flush from rosacea and my skin only has a mild redness at times. However, after my procedure I have severely dry skin. It flakes around my nose and cheeks and I do not know how to treat it. Is this caused by the IPL or is this just random? I react to almost all products so I have just been washing my face with cetaphil. I can not tolerate moisturizers, so that is not helping the situation.

Ava T. Shamban, MD · Answer

It's possible your dryness around the nose and cheeks after IPL is actually a mild reaction to the numbing cream or the gel used during the procedure. Some patients experience this, and it should resolve within a week.

Michael Kulick, MD, DDS · Answer

IPL treatments do not create dry skin if performed correctly. I'm assuming that you mean..after my procedure, you are referring to a series of treatments. If you have dry skin after a single treatment, you should let your doctor know ASAP! There are many causes of dry flaky skin that can be temporally related. Even Cetaphil can case such symptoms.  You should seek consultation for your treating doctor. The good news is that you rosacea is better.

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

The
main thing to consider before you start your treatments is to have a consult
with a reputable dermatologist/facial/plastic surgeon. My practice has been
considered by Lumenis lasers to be a Lumenis laser center of excellence and I
have been a "Luminary" (Lumenis physician teacher) for the last 10
years. Not many physicians have these recognitions. I also help develop and
teach my own Rosacea protocols for the Lumenis IPL systems to other
physicians and technicians.Many patients will have sensitive and flaky skin after IPL rosacea treatments. You need to find a skin regimen that is helpful and that moisturizes your skin. Avene and ZO medicals are good options. Consult your dermatologist.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Some people do experience dryness after IPL. It is imperative with rosacea that you find a moisturizer and sunscreen that you can tolerate. Washing your skin and not applying a moisturizer after is a recipe for disaster with sensitive skin. It will dry out the skin completely. Find something you can use and apply it every time you wash your face. "This
answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be
held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment
with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Do IPL photofacials cause dry flaky skin around nose and cheeks?

Answers (4)