In the context of post-intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removal care, several products can be used to promote healing, soothe irritation, and hydrate the skin. This article will discuss these different products and the best practices regarding makeup and skincare after an IPL session.
Recommended reading: Best intense pulsed light epilators
Your esthetician’s advice: To optimize your post-IPL hair removal care routine, using a high-quality device is crucial. Learn more about the devices offered by Braun, Philips, and Silk’n.
Biafine
This cream is often recommended after more aggressive skin treatments because it supports skin regeneration. Rich and soothing, it helps reduce redness and any discomfort you may experience after an IPL session.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel is an excellent natural moisturizer that soothes the skin and relieves irritation. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness and itching after hair removal. Apply it generously to the treated area and let it absorb for a refreshing, comforting sensation.
Niacinamide
It’s a form of vitamin B3 with anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm the skin after an IPL session. It’s also known for its benefits to the skin barrier and can help reduce the appearance of pores, which can be especially useful if you used IPL on your face. Niacinamide is found in many skincare products, including serums, creams, and lotions.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps promote skin regeneration and brighten the complexion. After an IPL session, applying a vitamin C serum can help restore your skin’s radiance and reduce any marks left by the treatment.
However, it is important to note that vitamin C can make the skin more sensitive, so we recommend thoroughly hydrating your skin during the first week before using a product containing vitamin C.
Hyaluronic acid
It’s a molecule naturally found in our body that can retain water. Used as a serum or cream, hyaluronic acid can help hydrate and plump the skin after an IPL session. This is particularly useful if your skin tends to be dry or dehydrated, especially after IPL hair removal.
We recommend applying a product containing hyaluronic acid one week after thoroughly hydrating your skin with a repairing cream, rather than an acid. If you use it in the first week, it could irritate your skin.
Makeup
If you’ve undergone an IPL session on your face, you might be wondering if you can wear makeup afterward. Generally, it’s best to avoid makeup immediately after the session so your skin can breathe and recover.
However, if you absolutely need to wear makeup, choose non-comedogenic products and preferably mineral-based formulas to minimize the risk of irritation. Always remove your makeup in the evening so your skin can regenerate overnight.
There is no strict contraindication, but :
- Choose lightweight formulas (BB cream, CC cream…)
- Use sunscreen to protect against UV rays
- Avoid makeup containing fragrance or too many chemical components
- Don’t overdo your makeup
- Make sure to remove makeup and wash your face afterward
Conclusion
Properly caring for your skin after an IPL hair removal session is crucial to support a smooth recovery and maximize results. Products like Biafine or aloe vera gel can help soothe, repair, and hydrate your skin immediately following an IPL session. Some of you use products to help hairs fall out, but before doing so, I recommend reading our article “How to make hairs fall out after IPL?“.
Remember, the most important thing is to respect your skin and give it time to recover after the treatment.
FAQ
Whether you can exercise after IPL hair removal depends on the treatment context. If the session was carried out in a salon—where the light intensity is generally higher—it is not advisable to work out immediately afterwards.
Intense light can make the skin more sensitive and prone to irritation from sweat and friction during physical activity.
Conversely, if you perform IPL hair removal at home, the light is generally less aggressive to the skin. In this case, exercising poses no major problems.
Favour soothing products such as:
Biafine
Aloe‑vera gel
An unscented moisturising cream
Don’t forget your sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun!
