Patients about to undergo an IPL laser treatment are usually asked to avoid self-tanners and excessive sun for 2 – 4 weeks prior to the procedure. You should discontinue the use of minocycline, tetracycline, doxycycline or Retin-A/Renova several days before each treatment and may be asked to take aspirin or ibuprofen a week before the procedure to help prevent bruising. You should also protect the treated areas with sunscreen between sessions.