There are a few things you can do ahead of your IPL treatment in Ottawa that can help make it a success. Here are some of the recommendations from our cosmetic specialists: Avoid Direct Exposure to Sunlight IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment utilizes high-intensity light waves to treat the skin. Because of this, you should take precautions to ensure that you limit the amount of UV exposure your skin has prior to your visit.  If you need to go outside in the time leading up to your IPL photofacial we recommend using SPF 30+ sunscreen at all times as well as a hat and appropriate clothing when possible. Stop Exfoliating a Week Before Your Treatment The high-energy light used in IPL treatments creates controlled injuries to the areas of concern. In order for the treatment to remain as gentle as possible we need the skin to be in a healthy, uninjured state. When preparing for your IPL photofacial in Ottawa, our cosmetic specialists recommend that you stop exfoliating at least 1 week before your visit. This will help prevent excessive injury during treatment and potentially reduce downtime afterward. Do Not Use Any Tanning Products on Your Skin We know that a healthy glow is often desired by our clients. In some cases, we may need to ask that you hold off on using any type of tanning product until after your treatment is complete and you have recovered. Our cosmetic specialists ask that you refrain from using self-tanning products for at least a month before your IPL treatment to ensure optimal targeting of your skin concerns.  Avoid Makeup on the Day of the Treatment IPL treatments will need to access your skin directly in order to provide the desired effect. We would like to ask that you arrive at your appointment with a clean, makeup and product-free face. Prior to beginning treatment, your practitioner will also perform a gentle cleansing of your face.