In the ever-evolving field of aesthetics, combination treatments are increasing in popularity. Clients want to maximize their time, want dramatic outcomes, and minimal downtime. Skincare professionals are looking for ways to maximize results, giving clients that ‘wow’ factor but also ensuring safety. One treatment pairing that works well is intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy combined with a chemical peel in the same appointment. When done correctly, this dual approach can provide transformative benefits by addressing multiple skin concerns at once.
October 2025 L+A Report
How Long-Term Treatment Plans Produce Advanced Skincare Correction
It’s no longer about booking a single facial or even committing to a series of treatments. Clients and patients are partnering with skincare professionals for lifetime skin health strategies. Professionals aren’t just service providers; they’re trusted guides who help their clients navigate the biological changes, environmental stressors, and lifestyle shifts that impact skin health across decades.
Think of it as a shift from one-off fixes to skincare mentorship. The role of the esthetician or medical skincare professional now extends beyond the treatment room, providing holistic planning, seasonal adjustments, and support through hormonal and life stage changes.
Understanding the Treatments
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL is a non-invasive light-based therapy that targets pigmented lesions, vascular irregularities, and uneven skin tone. Depending on the wavelength of the IPL handpiece, it will penetrate the skin, breaking up pigment or coagulating superficial blood vessels, or address p.acnes bacteria. IPL also stimulates collagen production, improving overall skin quality over time.
A series of treatments is recommended for the best results.
Not all states permit licensed estheticians to operate IPL devices. Some require advanced licensure or certifications and the presence of a medical professional, such as an MD or nurse practitioner. Know your state regulations!
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels involve applying a solution of exfoliating agents, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or trichloroacetic acid (TCA), to the skin. The peel accelerates cell turnover, removes damaged skin cells, and promotes smoother, brighter, and healthier skin. Depending on the depth of the peel, results can range from refreshed radiance to significant resurfacing.
Again, a series of treatments is recommended for best results.
Not all chemical peel solutions are within the scope of practice of a licensed esthetician, so having knowledge of your state board regulations is essential.
But by combining these two modalities, skincare professionals can address both superficial and deeper dermal concerns in a single session.
Contribution by Mary Neilsen
A technician, educator, mentor, and business owner, Mary Nielsen has been at the forefront of medical esthetics since its infancy in the early 1990s. She is a Certified Advanced Esthetician in the State of Oregon. She is a licensed esthetics instructor. She was also a licensed nurse. She is the author of A Compendium for Advanced Aesthetics, a Guide for the Master Esthetician, and Fearless Beauties, Treating Skin of Color with Confidence. She has also authored four chapters in the Milady Standard Esthetics textbook released in May 2019. She is a diplomate with the American Board of Laser Surgery in Cosmetic Laser Procedures.
She is the founder of Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics and the OG of Fearless Beauties. She serves on the Oregon Private Career School Board as Vice Chair.
Benefits of Combining IPL and Chemical Peels
- Enhanced Outcomes:
IPL improves underlying pigmentation and vascular issues, while chemical peels enhance surface texture and tone. Together, they create a comprehensive rejuvenation strategy. - Synergistic Effects:
The IPL treatment primes the skin by targeting deeper irregularities, and the subsequent peel helps remove surface debris and damaged cells, amplifying the overall glow. - Time Efficiency:
Many clients prefer fewer appointments. Offering both treatments in one session saves time and makes it easier to maintain consistent care. - Customizable Protocols:
Estheticians can adjust IPL intensity and peel strength based on the client’s skin type, tolerance, and goals. This flexibility ensures tailored results. - Boosted Confidence:
Clearer, smoother, and more radiant skin can significantly improve a client’s self-image and confidence.
Precautions
While the benefits are clear, this combination requires careful implementation. As a practitioner, you should be very familiar with your client’s skin reactions. The client’s skin MUST be preconditioned with home skincare prior to the treatment for at least 6-8 weeks. This is a more aggressive treatment, and not all skin types will respond positively. Higher Fitzpatrick skin types have a much higher chance of long-lasting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Practitioners must take several precautions to protect skin health and achieve the best results.
- Treatment Order:
Perform any combination treatment from deepest targeted layers of the skin to shallow layers. That means IPL should be performed before the peel. IPL penetrates into deeper layers of the skin. Performing IPL first avoids interference with the chemical solution. The peel then refines the surface of the skin. - Peel Selection:
Mild to medium-depth peels (such as glycolic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid, or low-strength TCA) are typically best paired with IPL. Strong, deep peels should be performed by a medical professional. You risk lasting negative outcomes with a stronger peel. - Skin Preparation:
Clients should discontinue exfoliants, retinoids, and any other skincare that is photosensitizing at least one week prior. They should not be on photosensitizing medication, including herbal supplements, either for at least two weeks. Sunscreen application after treatment is non-negotiable. - Spacing Treatments if Needed:
For sensitive skin or higher-risk clients, a staged approach may be more appropriate. For example, performing IPL first and scheduling the peel 1–2 weeks later. - Monitoring Reaction:
After IPL, skin may already show redness and sensitivity. Allow the skin to cool down with the use of a cool compress or ice roller. Careful observation before applying the peel is essential to ensure the skin can tolerate additional heat from the acids. - Post-Care Instructions:
Emphasize hydration, gentle skincare, and strict sun protection. Written post-care instructions and a post-care kit, including gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF, should be included in the package price of your treatment. Harsh products such as retinols or additional exfoliation and direct sun exposure should be avoided during healing. - This treatment will cause ‘social downtime’, so ensure your client understands that the surface of the skin may darken and crust and then begin to peel. Remind your client to allow the exfoliation to happen naturally and not to pick at their skin.
Contraindications
Not all clients are suitable candidates for this combination treatment. Contraindications include:
- Active Skin Infections: Bacterial, viral (including herpes simplex), or fungal infections can worsen with treatment.
- Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Active eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea flares may be aggravated.
- Recent Sunburn or Tanning: Heightened risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
- Photosensitizing Medications: Certain antibiotics, isotretinoin (Accutane) (within 6–12 months), or herbal supplements (St.John’s Wort is a big one) increase sensitivity to light and peeling agents.
- Pregnancy or Nursing: Not recommended due to lack of safety data.
- History of Poor Healing or Keloids: Risk of scarring or unwanted textural changes.
- Skin Type Considerations: Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI may have a higher risk of hyperpigmentation and require conservative settings and peel selection. Often an IPL treatment is a contraindication from the manufacturer for Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI.
- Tattoo in the Treatment Area: Do not treat over tattoos.
- Neuromodulators and Dermal Fillers: Not recommended for at least two weeks after injections.
Client Communication
Before performing this combination, thorough consultation is critical. Discuss client expectations, possible downtime, risks, and aftercare. Document informed consent with emphasis on potential for temporary redness, peeling, and pigment changes. Setting realistic goals ensures client satisfaction and builds trust. This should not be performed on a new client with whom you do not have knowledge of their skin reactions.
Be conservative. Remind your client that a series of treatments in a progressive fashion will provide the best outcome as opposed to a more aggressive approach.
Conclusion
Combining IPL and chemical peels in a single session is a powerful strategy for facial rejuvenation. When carefully planned and customized, the treatment can yield smoother texture, even tone, and a glow that surpasses the results of either treatment alone. However, safety must remain the top priority. Proper client selection, cautious treatment protocols, and diligent post-care support are essential to avoid complications.
As a licensed esthetician, you must have professional training in both the IPL device and the chemical peel solution.
As with all aesthetic practices, success lies in balance: leveraging the synergy of advanced technologies while respecting the uniqueness of each client’s skin. With the right training, precautions, and communication, IPL and chemical peels together can offer clients a transformative experience, long-lasting confidence, loyalty, and trust in you as their skincare provider.
Step-by-Step Protocol: IPL + Chemical Peel Combination Treatment
1. Pre-Care & Consultation (1–2 weeks before treatment)
- Conduct a full skin and medical history intake.
- Identify contraindications (photosensitizing medications, isotretinoin use, pregnancy, active infections, allergies etc.). Clients with an aspirin allergy should not receive a salicylic acid peel. Clients with an almond allergy should not receive a mandelic acid peel, for example.
- Determine client’s Fitzpatrick skin type and discuss risk of PIH for types IV–VI.
- Advise discontinuing:
- Retinoids (7 days prior)
- Exfoliating agents (AHAs, BHAs, scrubs – 5-7 days prior)
- Photosensitizing medications/supplements as medically appropriate
- Require strict sunscreen use (SPF 30+ broad spectrum).
- Perform a patch test if using a medium-depth peel.
- Perform a test pulse if you are unsure about IPL settings.
- Take baseline photos for documentation.
2. Day of Treatment – Preparation
- Double cleanse the skin thoroughly with a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser.
- Take baseline photos for documentation if you did not take them during the consultation.
- Shave the area being treated if dark hair is present and could potentially become a target for the IPL window.
- Apply eye shields or laser goggles appropriate for the wavelength you are using.
3. Step One: IPL Treatment
- Settings: Select parameters based on skin type, concern, and device guidelines (use conservative settings for first-time clients).
- Apply ultrasound gel to an inconspicuous spot, with similar skin appearance (pigmentation level, sun damage, and lentigines) to the intended treatment area.
- Apply ultrasound gel to the test pulse area.
- Cool the area before triggering a pulse.
- Apply initial 1-2 pulses with 5-10 sec intervals to monitor the skin response
- Remove the handpiece, wipe off the ultrasound gel and wait 2 minutes to examine the area for any changes in color
- If skin response is positive, move applying ultrasound gel to the treatment area.
- Deliver pulses systematically, overlapping no more than 10% for even coverage.
- Wipe off gel after completion.
- Assess skin reaction (erythema and mild edema are expected).
- Apply cold compress and then ensure the skin is dry before moving on to chemical peel.
4. Step Two: Chemical Peel Application
- Peel Choice: Mild to medium peel according to your state regulations.
- Apply peel according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Application may include use of a brush or gauze.
- Observe for frosting or erythema closely—do not exceed recommended contact time.
- Neutralize if required (depending on peel type).
- Remove thoroughly with cool water or neutralizer pads. Water may reactivate the heat sensation with some chemical peels so make your client aware.
5. Post-Treatment Care (In-office)
- Apply a soothing serum with hyaluronic acid or manufacturer’s post-care kit recommendations.
- Apply cool compresses if needed for comfort.
- Finish with a broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30–50.
- Review post-care instructions verbally and provide written handout.
6. Home Care Instructions
- Do:
- Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser.
- Apply inactive moisturizer
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily.
- Avoid (for 5–7 days):
- Direct sun exposure
- Retinoids, exfoliants, or scrubs
- Heat exposure (hot yoga, saunas, steam rooms)
- Picking or peeling flaking skin
- Expected Responses:
- Redness for 24–48 hours
- Mild swelling
- Flaking/peeling for 3–5 days
7. Follow-Up
- Call or text the client the next day to ensure any questions are answered and offer reassurance.
- A series of 3–6 combination treatments may be recommended for optimal outcomes, spaced 6-8 weeks apart.
- Between sessions, encourage ongoing use of SPF and maintaining professionally recommended skincare regimen, which may include antioxidants, tyrosinase inhibitors, or acne products, depending on skin condition being treated.
Safety Reminders
- Always perform IPL before the peel.
- For sensitive or high-risk clients, consider separating treatments (IPL first, peel 1–2 weeks later).
- Document client’s skin response after each visit both with photos and in treatment record.
- When in doubt, choose more conservative settings and milder peels—results can be built over time.