No, it's generally recommended to avoid using vitamin C on your skin for about one week before an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment.
Here's why:
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Skin Sensitivity: IPL works by targeting pigment in the skin. Vitamin C, while beneficial for skin health, can sometimes increase the skin's sensitivity to light and heat. This increased sensitivity can elevate the risk of adverse reactions during the IPL procedure, such as burns or hyperpigmentation.
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Irritation: Vitamin C, particularly in higher concentrations or certain formulations, can be irritating to the skin. IPL treatments also cause some level of controlled trauma. Using vitamin C beforehand can potentially exacerbate this irritation and hinder the healing process.
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Interference with IPL Effectiveness: Although less common, some argue that applying active ingredients like vitamin C could affect how the light energy is absorbed by the target areas during the IPL procedure.
Instead of using vitamin C right before your IPL session, focus on gentle skincare:
- Hydration: Keep your skin well-hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment.
- Sun Protection: Strictly avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen daily.
- Avoid Other Irritants: Refrain from using other potentially irritating products, like retinoids, AHAs/BHAs (glycolic/salicylic acid), and benzoyl peroxide, as mentioned in the reference.
It's best to consult with the clinic or dermatologist providing your IPL treatment. They can give you personalized advice based on your skin type, the specific vitamin C product you use, and the settings they plan to use for the IPL. They can also tell you when it's safe to resume using your vitamin C serum after the treatment (usually a few days to a week).
