Can you start IPL hair removal in summer? (Yes, but read this first!)

Summer is here, beach season is in full swing, and the last thing you want to waste time on is constant shaving or painful waxing. Smooth skin is a summer dream, and you've probably been eyeing your new Foreo IPL device from the corner of your eye, which promises long-term hair-free results.

But here comes a burning question: Can you even start using an IPL device in the summer? The short answer is: Yes, but you need to be much more careful than usual. Since IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and the summer sun aren't exactly best friends, we've put together your ultimate checklist on how to start using your Foreo IPL device safely and effectively this summer.

Why does using an IPL device in summer require extra attention?

To understand why you need to be careful in the summer, we have to look at how IPL works. The device targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair to put the hair follicle "to sleep."

When your skin gets sun exposure, it also produces melanin (meaning you start to tan). If the skin has been exposed to solar radiation right before or after the procedure, it is more sensitive, and the device might start "confusing" the pigment of the hair and the skin. This could result in skin irritation or, in worse cases, a mild burn.

5 Golden Rules: What to keep in mind when starting with Foreo IPL in summer

1. Forget direct tanning (before and after)

This is the most important rule. If you plan to do an IPL treatment, avoid active tanning for at least 2 weeks before and 48 hours after using the device. If you have a sunburn, using IPL is strictly prohibited until the skin has completely healed.

2. Your new best friend: SPF 50

Since the Foreo IPL device temporarily makes the skin more photosensitive, a broad-spectrum sunscreen (with UVA/UVB protection) is a must in summer. Use at least SPF 30 or SPF 50 daily on the areas you treat (e.g., legs, underarms, bikini area).

3. Use Foreo's smart sensors

One reason why Foreo IPL devices (like the Foreo Peach) are great for summer use is their built-in skin tone sensors. The device automatically adjusts the light intensity according to your skin tone. Since skin can unnoticedly become a shade darker during the summer, this smart feature prevents flashes that are too intense.

4. Schedule treatments for the evening

A great tip is to do your IPL routine late in the evening. This way, your skin can recover in the cool and dark all night long after the procedure, without having to step directly into sunlight right away.

5. Avoid self-tanners

Self-tanning mousses and creams darken the skin surface. Since IPL targets dark pigment, using a self-tanner can cause skin irritation or reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Take a break from them while undergoing your IPL course.

How to get started? A step-by-step guide for summer

Summary: Is it worth starting?Yes, absolutely!

If you follow the safety rules, avoid direct tanning, and protect your skin with SPF, summer is a great time to start. Consistent use of a Foreo IPL device during the summer months means you can forget about razors entirely by autumn and winter.Be sun-smart, listen to your skin, and enjoy a carefree, smooth summer!