If you’ve just had your first IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) photofacial treatment—whether you’re targeting sun damage, age spots, broken capillaries, or rosacea—you’re on your way to clearer, more even-toned skin. But what happens now? Understanding the IPL Photofacial Recovery process is key to maximizing your results and ensuring your skin heals safely and effectively.

The First 24 Hours: What’s Normal?

Immediately after your IPL treatment, your skin may feel mildly warm or tingly, similar to a very mild sunburn. This sensation typically fades within a few hours at most and should not worsen or last any longer than this. You might also notice some redness, which is your skin’s natural response to the light energy. Some people experience very slight swelling, particularly under the eyes if that area was treated.

Don’t be alarmed if your skin feels a little tight or dry—this is completely normal and temporary. Think of it as your skin’s way of telling you it’s beginning the renewal process.

What many first-timers don’t realize is that your skin will look worse before it looks better. This isn’t a sign that something went wrong; it’s a sign that the treatment is working. Those dark spots you wanted to fade might temporarily appear darker—almost like coffee grounds or dirt on your skin. They will slowly flake away and you can VERY GENTLY exfoliate after a few days.

Recovery Timeline: The Path to Renewed Skin

Unlike more aggressive treatments, IPL recovery is relatively quick and manageable for most people. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Days 1-2: Redness and darker sun damage spots are common. Your skin might feel slightly sensitive, similar to a mild sunburn.

Days 2-5: This is when you might notice the “coffee ground” effect as pigmented spots darken. These spots will begin to rise to the surface of your skin. Resist the urge to pick or aggressively scrub them off!

Days 5-7: The darkened spots will begin to naturally flake away, revealing fresher, clearer skin underneath. This process should happen naturally—don’t force it.

Days 7-14: Your skin tone should appear more even and glowing, with visible improvements in pigmentation.

Rosacea vs. Pigmentation Recovery: Know the Difference

Here’s something important that many blogs don’t mention: your specific skin concern affects your recovery timeline. If you’re treating rosacea, your recovery experience might differ from someone targeting age spots or sun damage.

People with rosacea typically experience more pronounced redness after an IPL treatment, and this redness might last longer—sometimes up to a week or even longer for some individuals. This happens because the IPL specifically targets the blood vessels that cause persistent redness in rosacea. When these vessels are treated, they initially become inflamed before they die and they’re absorbed by the body.

In contrast, those primarily treating pigmentation issues (like sunspots) or mild broken capillaries often see redness subside more quickly, usually within 2-3 days. Their main recovery sign will be the darkening and flaking of pigmented areas.

If you have rosacea, don’t be discouraged by prolonged redness. This is part of the treatment process, as the IPL works to reduce the abnormal blood vessels causing your chronic redness. With each treatment, the post-procedure redness should become less intense and shorter in duration as your skin health improves.

The Sunscreen Question: Why Mineral is BY FAR SUPERIOR

Post-IPL, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun, making proper sun protection crucial. But not all sunscreens are created equal, and mineral sunscreens are far superior to chemical versions, especially for post-treatment care.

Mineral sunscreens (also called physical sunscreens) contain active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These work by sitting on top of your skin and physically blocking UV rays by reflecting them away from your skin—like tiny mirrors on your face. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb into your skin and convert UV rays into heat, which is then released from the skin. They wear themselves down over time and this is why they must be reapplied every few hours. Mineral sunscreen does not need to be reapplied unless it has been washed off your skin by water or excessive sweating.

There are several reasons why mineral sunscreens are the better choice after IPL treatments:

First, they’re much less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. After IPL, your skin barrier is temporarily compromised, making it more susceptible to irritation from the chemical filters found in chemical sunscreens. These chemicals—like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate—can sometimes cause stinging, burning, or even breakouts on sensitized skin.

Second, mineral sunscreens start working immediately upon application. There’s no 15-30 minute waiting period like with chemical sunscreens, which need time to bind to your skin. When your skin is vulnerable after IPL, those extra minutes of protection matter.

Third, and perhaps most importantly for IPL patients, mineral sunscreens are better at protecting against visible light—not just UV rays. Recent research has shown that visible light (the kind we can see) can worsen hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones. Since you just had IPL to address pigmentation issues, the last thing you want is to undo your results because your sunscreen isn’t fully protecting you.

Hydration: Your Skin’s Best Friend

After IPL, your skin craves moisture. The treatment temporarily disrupts your skin barrier, which can lead to increased water loss and that tight, dry feeling many people experience. Proper hydration helps speed healing and enhances your comfort during recovery.

Choose gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. These help to restore your skin barrier and lock in moisture. Apply your moisturizer to slightly damp skin to maximize hydration.

A lesser-known tip is to consider using a humidifier in your bedroom for the first few nights after treatment. This adds moisture to the air, which can help prevent your skin from drying out while you sleep.

Don’t forget about internal hydration too. Drinking plenty of water supports overall skin health and can help your body process and eliminate damaged pigment cells more efficiently. Adding sugar free electrolytes is also beneficial for your skin.

What to Avoid During Recovery

To ensure optimal healing and results, there are certain things you should temporarily avoid after your IPL treatment:

• ALCOHOL. After IPL treatment, alcohol should be avoided for at least 24 hours as it causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) that increases blood flow and heat in the skin. Since IPL works by delivering controlled thermal damage to target pigment and vessels, drinking alcohol can essentially “reactivate” that heat and potentially cause actual burns or hyperpigmentation, even when consumed 8-12 hours after treatment. This heightened blood flow can worsen inflammation, prolong redness, and undermine the skin’s healing process. Additionally, alcohol’s dehydrating effects counteract the increased hydration your skin needs during recovery, further compromising results and comfort.
• HEAT sources should be avoided for at least 48 hours. This includes hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and strenuous exercise. Heat can increase inflammation and potentially worsen side effects like redness and swelling.

• EXFOLIATING AGRESSIVELY for at least several days after treatment. Your skin is already going through an accelerated renewal process, and physical or chemical exfoliants can irritate it further and potentially cause scarring. Those darkened spots will fall off naturally—no scrubbing required.
• LIQUID MAKEUP should be avoided for the first 24 hours if possible. If you must wear it, stick to mineral-based products, which are less likely to irritate freshly treated skin.
• PICKING OR SCRATCHING. Let your skin shed naturally to avoid potential scarring or infection.
• IRRITATING SKINCARE INGREDIENTS like retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, any other acids (except for Hyaluronic acid) and non-medical grade vitamin C for about a week. Medical grade vitamin C is usually safe. These can increase irritation and sensitivity.

When to Call Your Provider

Most IPL recovery symptoms are mild and expected. However, there are some signs that warrant contacting your treatment provider:

Severe pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain relievers may indicate a problem. Some discomfort is normal, but intense pain is not.

Blistering or unusual scabbing isn’t typically expected after IPL and should be evaluated.

Significant swelling that doesn’t improve within 48 hours or seems to be getting worse could indicate an adverse reaction.

Signs of infection like increasing pain, warmth, oozing, or fever require prompt medical attention.

Any unusual symptoms that concern you are worth a call to your provider. It’s always better to check than to worry.

Maximizing Your Long-Term Results

IPL isn’t typically a one-and-done treatment. Most people need a series of 2-3 sessions, spaced about a month apart, to achieve optimal results. Each treatment builds on the previous one, gradually reducing pigmentation, vessels, or redness.

Between treatments, following proper skincare (medical grade retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C and sun protection practices (daily mineral sunscreen) is crucial for maintaining and enhancing your results. Think of it as a partnership between you and your treatment provider—they deliver the IPL, but your daily habits determine how well and how long your results last.

The Bottom Line

IPL recovery is generally straightforward and manageable for most people. Understanding what to expect—including how your specific concerns might affect your recovery timeline—can help you navigate the process with confidence.

Remember that proper aftercare, particularly diligent sun protection with mineral sunscreen, plays a crucial role in your results. By following these guidelines and staying in communication with your treatment provider, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the clearer, more even complexion that IPL can deliver.