Most importantly, before you undergo laser treatment, you must not be exposed to the sun, tanning beds or self-tanners for 3-4 weeks. A sunscreen of SPF30, or preferably a total sun block of SPF50, should be applied whenever exposure to the sun is unavoidable. Patients using Retin-A/Tretinoin, Retinols, glycolic acid, and/or AHA’s/BHA’s should discontinue use 4-5 days prior to treatment if they are treating the face, neck and/or chest. Patients that have a history of cold sores will need to take Valtrex/Acyclovir one to two days prior to IPL and continue to take for 5 days after. Extra sun protection is necessary for the month following treatment as the skin is more susceptible to sun exposure while healing.