The air is getting warmer, the days are lasting longer and the sun is shining brighter...it can only mean one thing – summer is well and truly on its way!
So, we thought this was a good time to reflect on a crucial part of our IPL training; the importance of making safe decisions when it comes to light based treatments and sun exposure.
Avoid treating sun exposed skin with IPL It is vital that clients follow all 5 SunSmart steps (slip, slop, slap, seek and slide) to protect the treatment area effectively, and be considered for their light-based treatment. Use of sunscreen alone may not be enough to protect the skin from tanning or heat causing inflammation in the skin. The Australian sun is strong – especially in summer. So, for the safety of your customers and for the security of your business as a treatment provider, any unprotected sun exposure on an area being treated with IPL means that treatments must be postponed for at least 4 weeks*, sometimes longer if the customer's tan has not completely faded. *Check with your insurance provider if they have a longer wait time criteria.
Avoid treating artificially tanned skin with IPL We recommend a minimum of 4 weeks between the application of any fake tanning product and IPL treatments to ensure all fake tan has been removed completely from the skin.
Post treatment Communicating home care to clients, including avoiding heat on the treatment area (such as hot baths, exercise and sun exposure for 24 hours) are especially important during this time. A Post Laser Cooling Gel, which can be applied post treatment and provided as a take home retail purchase product will also assist.
Take precaution Be sure to assess the skin for tanning pre-treatment and assess the heat in the client's skin if it’s hot outside. As a precautionary measure, you may wish to treat clients at settings for a higher Fitzpatrick type, lower the joules and use a higher filter throughout the summer months.
Slip, slop, slap, seek, slide By consistently following all 5 SunSmart steps, clients can avoid the effects of sun exposure. The client must be rigorous about their use of sun protective clothing covering the treatment area, applying and re-applying the sunscreen as per the directions on the bottle, wearing a hat, seeking shade and sliding on a pair of sunglasses. It’s vital during summer to gently remind clients of the importance of staying sun-smart year round for the benefit of their IPL treatments, and also for the welfare of their skin long term.
Utilise your resources Be sure to utilise your resources available on Education HUB, including our iPad friendly Treatment Journey Booklet designed to guide your clients through how they can achieve optimal outcomes from their treatment series with safe and effective results. Refer to www.cancer.org.au/save-your-skin for more SunSmart tips and information.
Get advice If you are ever unsure of what to do and how to proceed in an IPL treatment situation, please call us immediately on 03 8555 2246. Our expert Dermal Educators are here to help with your queries and guide you in the right direction.
Here’s to a fun-filled, relaxing and safe summer ahead!
