Achieving radiant, even-toned skin involves more than just the treatment itself – how you prepare for and care for your skin afterward, also matters. At East Bay Med Spa; BlossomMD, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and Laser Genesis are two powerful skin rejuvenation treatments designed to target pigmentation, redness, fine lines, and overall skin texture. For best results, proper pre-care and post-care are essential for ensuring a smooth recovery and maximizing the benefits.

Whether you’re looking to reduce sun damage, improve skin clarity, or enhance your natural glow, following the right IPL and Laser Genesis pre-care and post-care steps can make all the difference. Here’s what you need to know before and after your treatment at BlossomMD, in San Ramon.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Brighten & Even Out Skin Tone

What It Is and What It Does

IPL therapy uses light energy to target pigmentation, sun damage, and redness. By delivering precise pulses of light to the skin, IPL breaks down dark spots, reduces redness from rosacea, and improves overall skin tone for a more youthful, radiant complexion.

How to Prepare:

  • Avoid Sun Exposure: Stay out of the sun and discontinue tanning (including self-tanners) for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
  • Discontinue Retinoids & Exfoliants: Stop using retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C serums 5 days before your session.
  • Skip Blood Thinners: Refrain from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or drinking alcohol for 24–48 hours before your appointment.
  • No Waxing or Chemical Peels: Avoid hair removal treatments (waxing, threading, or depilatory creams) and chemical peels for at least 1 week before IPL.
  • Arrive with Clean Skin: No makeup, lotions, or skincare products on the treatment area.
  • Avoid or let us know if you are taking photosensitivity medication. Certain medications can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, leading to photosensitivity reactions like sunburn, rashes, and blisters. Examples include some antibiotics, NSAIDs, diuretics, and certain diabetes or acne medications
  • Do not use Accutane (or products containing isotretinoin) for at least 6 months prior to treatment.
  • The treatment area must be free of any open sores, lesions or skin infections.

 

Post-care Essentials:

  • Expect Darkening of Pigmentation: Sunspots and freckles may temporarily darken before naturally flaking off within 7–10 days. This is completely normal. Read more about it in our blog: Why Can Pigmentation Get Temporarily Darker After IPL?
  • Use Gentle Skincare: Stick to a mild cleanser and hydrating products for at least 5 days post-treatment.
  • Avoid Heat & Sweat: No intense workouts, hot showers, steam rooms, or saunas for 48 hours.
  • No Harsh Skincare Products: Avoid retinoids, exfoliants, and harsh ingredients for one week.
  • Apply SPF 30+ Daily: Sun protection is critical to maintain results and prevent new pigmentation from forming.

 

What to Expect Post-Treatment:

  • Redness and mild swelling for a few hours to a day.
  • Dark spots flaking off naturally within a week.
  • A clearer, more even skin tone developing over several weeks.

 

When Will You See Results?

Initial improvements, from IPL treatments, can be seen within a week, but full results develop over 3–4 weeks. For best and continued results, 3–5 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart are recommended.

Laser Genesis: Gentle Rejuvenation & Collagen Boost

What It Is and What It Does

Laser Genesis is a non-invasive laser treatment that gently heats the skin to stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines, minimize redness, and improve overall skin texture. This treatment is ideal for you, if you’re looking for a subtle, natural glow with minimal downtime.

Learn more about Laser Genesis at BlossomMD here in our blog – Laser Genesis: Inner Beauty Reflected on the Outside.

How to Prepare:

  • Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
  • Hydrate Your Skin: Drink plenty of water and use a gentle moisturizer leading up to your session.
  • Stop Active Skincare Ingredients: Discontinue retinoids, exfoliants, and vitamin C serums 3–5 days before treatment.
  • No Botox or Fillers Before Treatment: If you’ve had injectables, wait at least 2 weeks before getting Laser Genesis.
  • Arrive Makeup-Free: Clean, product-free skin allows the laser to work more effectively.
  • Do not use any medication that causes photosensitivity for at least 72 hours prior to treatment.
  • Do not use Accutane (or products containing isotretinoin) for at least 6 months prior to treatment.
  • We recommend that you avoid the use of aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory or blood thinning medications at least three days prior to treatment, as they can increase the likelihood of bruising.
  • The treatment area must be free of any open sores, lesions or skin infections.

 

Post-care Essentials:

  • Minimal Downtime: Skin may appear slightly flushed for a few hours post-treatment.
  • Use Gentle Skincare: Stick to a hydrating, non-irritating skincare routine for a few days.
  • Avoid Excessive Heat: No hot showers, steam rooms, or strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink water and apply a soothing moisturizer to maintain hydration.
  • Wear SPF 30+ Daily: Protect your refreshed skin from sun exposure to prolong results.

 

What to Expect Post-Treatment:

  • A subtle glow within days, with ongoing increased collagen production over the next several weeks.
  • Reduction in redness and fine lines over time.
  • No downtime – most clients return to normal activities immediately! (this is the perfect lunch-time pick-me-up!)

 

When Will You See Results?

You may notice an improvement in skin tone and texture within a week, but collagen-building effects continue over several months. For optimal results, 4–6 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart are recommended.

Why Pre-Care and Post-Care Matter

Taking the time to properly prepare for IPL and Laser Genesis and following the right aftercare routine fosters faster healing, better results, and long-term skin health. Whether you’re targeting sunspots, redness, or skin texture, these treatments can transform your skin – especially when paired with the right skincare regimen.

Ready to experience the skin-rejuvenating benefits of IPL or Laser Genesis? Book your consultation at BlossomMD today and let’s create your personalized skincare journey.

Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll cover pre-care and post-care tips for Permanent Makeup and Lashes treatments!

🔎 Read the rest of the pre-care, post-care med spa treatment advice – from BlossomMD, series here.

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