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Skincare / Guides / Skincare after IPL and Clear + Brilliant

Aftercare guide

Skincare after IPL and Clear + Brilliant

The short answerAfter IPL or Clear + Brilliant, use a gentle cleanser, a light moisturizer and a mineral SPF for the first several days. Dark spots often look darker before they flake off, which is normal. Once you have healed, a brightening serum helps keep tone even between sessions.

Shop the routine, $398

The light-laser routine

Gentle for the first days, then a brightening step between sessions.

  1. 1EltaMD Elta Foaming Facial CleanserCleanse

    Elta Foaming Facial Cleanser

    EltaMDEltaMD's gentle foaming cleanser. Clean skin without scrubbing or exfoliating while it heals.$45

  2. 2Alastin Ultra Light Moisturizer w/TriHex TechnologyHydrate

    Ultra Light Moisturizer w/TriHex Technology

    AlastinAlastin's lighter moisturizer, for hydration without heaviness after a treatment that is lighter than resurfacing.$92

  3. 3Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF36Protect

    HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF36

    AlastinA lightweight, tinted mineral SPF 36. The tint also takes the edge off redness while you heal.$79

  4. 4Alastin A-Luminate Brightening SerumBrighten (from week 2)

    A-Luminate Brightening Serum

    AlastinAlastin formulated it to reduce the appearance of surface pigmentation and minimize recurrence. Start once your provider clears actives.$182

The complete routine, 4 products$398Ships freeBuy the routine now

Day by day

General guidance. Your provider's aftercare instructions come first.

Day 0 to 1Mild redness and warmth. Cool compresses if your provider suggests them. No hot showers, saunas or workouts.
Day 1 to 7Spots may look darker, like coffee grounds, then flake. Do not scrub them off. Gentle cleanse, moisturize, mineral SPF.
Week 2 onwardBring in the brightening serum, and other actives, when your provider is happy. Keep the SPF going all series long.

Clear + Brilliant aftercare

Clear + Brilliant is gentle, and many people are back to normal within a day or two. The skin can feel rough or look slightly bronzed while it turns over. Keep to a gentle routine, moisturize well and avoid exfoliating until it has settled.

Why sunscreen matters most after IPL

IPL works by targeting pigment. Going out unprotected afterward gives the sun a head start on making new pigment, which undoes the work. A tinted mineral SPF is the easiest one to wear every single day.

For reapplying during the day

A mineral SPF 40 mist that is easy to reapply over makeup.

UX AOX Mist - SPF 40

EltaMD
UX AOX Mist – SPF 40
$45

Questions people ask

Can I wear makeup after IPL?

Often the next day, if your provider agrees. A tinted mineral SPF may be all you need.

Why do my spots look darker after IPL?

That is the pigment rising to the surface before it flakes away, usually over one to two weeks. Leave it alone.

When can I use vitamin C or retinol after IPL?

Commonly after about a week, when your skin no longer feels sensitive and your provider has cleared you.

Treatment at BHRC

IPL photofacials

Also see our Clear + Brilliant treatment page for how a series is planned.

Read about ipl photofacials

Keep reading

What to put on your face after microneedlingMorpheus8 aftercare: the products to use, day by dayWhat to put on your face after CO2 laserWhat to use after a chemical peelClear + Brilliant treatmentsShop all skincare

Products are dispensed by Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center, an authorized retailer. This guide is general education, not medical advice. Follow the aftercare instructions from your own provider.