The Complete Guide to IPL Treatments: What to Expect Before, During & After

Thinking about IPL? Here’s exactly what the experience looks like from start to finish.

What to Expect with IPL Treatments

If you’ve been considering IPL to target pigmentation, redness, or unwanted hair, the next thing you might be wondering is: what’s the treatment actually like?

This guide walks you through what to expect before, during, and after an IPL treatment—so you can feel confident, prepared, and ready to get the most out of every session. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, knowing the process helps you plan with realistic expectations.

If you’re exploring an IPL treatment service in Hornsby, this guide covers it all.

Before Your IPL Session

What to Do in the Days Leading Up:

• Avoid active ingredients: Stop using retinol, AHAs, BHAs or exfoliants 3–5 days prior.
• Stay out of the sun: No tanning, sunburn, or recent sun exposure on the area.
• No waxing or plucking: Hair follicles need to be intact if you’re treating hair.
• Shave the area (if hair reduction): Do this the day before, not on the day.

During your consultation, we’ll assess your skin type, discuss your goals, and make sure IPL is suitable for your concerns and skin tone.

During the Treatment

The session itself is quick and relatively painless for most clients.

• A cooling gel is applied to the treatment area.
• You’ll wear protective eyewear.
• The IPL device is passed over the skin, emitting short flashes of light.
• You might feel a mild snapping or warmth—similar to a rubber band flick.

Most sessions take 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the area being treated. You may experience slight redness or warmth immediately after, but this usually subsides quickly.

After Your IPL Session: What to Expect

Day 1–2: Mild Redness or Warmth

After treatment, your skin may feel a little sunburnt—especially on sensitive areas like the face. You can apply a cool compress and a gentle moisturiser to soothe the area. Avoid hot showers, exercise, or any harsh skincare during this period.

Days 3–7: Flaking, Darkening or Shedding (if treating pigmentation)

Pigmented spots may darken before they flake away naturally—this is normal. If treating redness or capillaries, the area may look slightly flushed before evening out. Hair (if treated) may appear to grow, but will shed after a few days.

Week 2 Onwards: Visible Improvements Begin

Skin tone becomes more even, and the treated area continues to brighten. Pigmentation fades gradually with each session. For hair removal, you’ll notice reduced regrowth after each treatment.

Most clients require 4–6 sessions spaced a few weeks apart for best results. We’ll guide you through the ideal treatment plan during your consult.

Supporting Your Results

Here at For the Love of Beauty in Hornsby, we provide clear aftercare and ongoing advice to ensure you get the most from your IPL treatments.

We tailor every session to your skin tone, condition, and goals—whether it’s reducing redness, softening pigmentation, or long-term hair reduction.

Is IPL Right for You?

IPL works best for people with lighter skin tones and targeted pigmentation or hair concerns. If you’re unsure whether you’re a good candidate, we’ll walk you through your options.

For a quick refresher on the technology itself, you can also check out our comparison guide: IPL vs Laser: What’s the Difference?

Book an IPL Session at Our Hornsby Clinic

Once you know what to expect, the next step is easy. Book a free consult and let’s talk through how IPL can work for your skin.

Book Now or learn more about our IPL treatment service.