IPL Safety and Guidelines

Safety Information

IPL Safety & Skin Guidelines

Please read this page in full before using DolphinSkin Pro. Understanding who IPL is suitable for — and how to use it safely — protects you and ensures you get the best results.

Last updated: May 2025 · Applies to DolphinSkin Pro IceTouch™ Device

This page does not replace professional medical advice. If you have a skin condition, are on photosensitising medication, or are unsure whether IPL is appropriate for you, please consult your GP or a registered dermatologist before use.

Who can use DolphinSkin Pro

Fitzpatrick skin types I–V — device is FDA-cleared for five of six skin tone classifications
Dark to medium-brown hair — black, dark brown, and medium brown hair respond best
Adults aged 18 and over — not suitable for use on minors
Intact, healthy skin — free of open wounds, active infections, or active flare-ups in the treatment area
PCOS and hormonal hair — the 15J fluence is effective on deep, hormonally-driven follicles
Sensory-sensitive users — IceTouch™ cooling makes the device tolerable for most sensory profiles

Who should not use DolphinSkin Pro

Do not use this device if any of the following apply to you. If you are unsure, consult your GP before use.

Fitzpatrick skin type VI — very deep skin tones are not suitable for IPL. Nd:YAG laser is the recommended alternative.
White, grey, light blonde, or red hair — insufficient melanin contrast for IPL to target the follicle
Pregnancy — IPL has not been tested on pregnant women and is not recommended during pregnancy
Active skin conditions in treatment area — eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or dermatitis flares. Wait until the flare has fully resolved.
Photosensitising medications — including certain antibiotics, retinoids, and acne medications. Consult your prescribing doctor.
History of skin cancer or pre-cancerous lesions — in or near the treatment area
Epilepsy triggered by flashing lights — the device emits repeated light pulses
Pacemaker or implanted electronic device — consult your cardiologist before use
Active tanned skin or fake tan — wait at least two weeks after sun exposure and remove all self-tan before treating
Directly over tattoos, raised moles, or skin tags — treat around these areas with a 1cm clearance margin

Fitzpatrick skin tone guide

The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin tones I–VI based on how skin responds to UV exposure. The device's built-in sensor reads your tone before each pulse. Use the guide below to understand your classification and suitability.

Type Colour Description Suitability
I Very pale, always burns, never tans ✓ Suitable
II Fair, usually burns, tans minimally ✓ Suitable
III Medium, sometimes burns, tans gradually ✓ Suitable
IV Olive/light brown, rarely burns, tans easily ⚠ Use with care
V Brown, very rarely burns, tans very easily ⚠ Lower intensity recommended
VI Deep brown to black, never burns ✕ Not suitable

Treatment areas — what's safe

Legs — full leg including shin, thigh, and knee area
Underarms — use at intensity level 3–4 for this sensitive area
Bikini line — outer bikini area only. Avoid mucous membranes.
Arms — full arm including forearm and upper arm
Face (lower) — upper lip, chin, jawline, and cheeks using the precision facial attachment
Stomach and back — use the standard head at your usual intensity level
Above the cheekbones — do not treat eyebrows, forehead, or anywhere near the eyes
Genitals or anus — not suitable for treatment with this device
Nipples or areola — avoid this area entirely
Directly over tattoos, moles, or lesions — maintain a 1cm clearance margin around these areas

How to use safely — step by step

1
Shave the treatment area 24 hours before

Do not wax, thread, epilate, or use depilatory creams. Shaving only. This removes surface hair while leaving the follicle intact for IPL to target.

2
Ensure skin is clean, dry, and product-free

Remove all moisturisers, oils, fake tan, and perfume from the treatment area. Product residue on the skin surface can interfere with the sensor reading and light penetration.

3
Do a patch test on first use

On your first session, treat a small 2x2cm area and wait 24 hours before treating a larger area. Check for any unusual redness, blistering, or irritation. If skin reacts normally, proceed with your full session.

4
Start at a lower intensity level and work up

Begin at intensity level 3 for body and level 2 for face. Increase by one level per session if comfortable. Never exceed level 5. Sensitive areas (underarms, bikini, face) may require a lower level permanently.

5
Never use on the same area more than once per session

Treat each area once per session only. Repeat passes over the same skin in a single session significantly increases the risk of burns, even if no discomfort is felt during treatment.

6
Apply SPF 30+ to treated areas after each session

Treated skin is temporarily more photosensitive for 24–48 hours following IPL. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to any treated area that will be exposed to sunlight, including through a car window.

7
Avoid heat immediately after treatment

Skip hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, and intense exercise for 24 hours following a session. Heat increases inflammation in treated follicles and can exacerbate post-treatment redness.

Expected side effects & what's not normal

Normal and expected after treatment:

Mild redness in the treatment area lasting up to 24 hours
Temporary warmth or tingling sensation during and after treatment
Hair shedding from treated follicles over the following 1–3 weeks
A faint smoky or singed hair smell during treatment — this is normal

Stop use immediately and contact us or your GP if you experience:

Blistering, crusting, or open skin in the treatment area
Redness or swelling lasting more than 72 hours
Significant colour change (darkening or lightening) of the skin
Severe pain during or after treatment at any intensity level

Legal disclaimer

Results disclaimer: Individual results vary. IPL produces long-term hair reduction, not permanent hair removal. The FDA classifies IPL as a "long-term stable hair reduction" device. Results depend on hair colour, skin tone, hormonal factors, treatment consistency, and individual biology. Statements made on this website regarding reduction percentages and timeframes represent average outcomes and are not guaranteed for every user.

Medical disclaimer: The information provided on this page and throughout this website does not constitute medical advice. DolphinSkin Pro is a consumer cosmetic device and is not a medical treatment. If you have any medical conditions, skin conditions, or concerns about whether IPL is appropriate for you, consult a qualified medical professional before use.

Regulatory status: DolphinSkin Pro is FDA-cleared as a general wellness device for cosmetic hair reduction. It is not a medical device under New Zealand's Therapeutic Products Act. Use of this device is at your own risk and subject to following the safety instructions provided in this guide and in the product manual.

Consumer Guarantees Act (NZ): Nothing in these disclaimers limits your rights under the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or the Fair Trading Act 1986. Our 90-day money-back guarantee is in addition to, and does not replace, your statutory consumer rights.

Last updated: May 2025. DolphinSkin Pro, New Zealand. For questions: socialwisebusiness@gmail.com

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