What is a contraindication for light therapy treatments, including IPL and laser hair removal?

The most accurate contraindication for light therapy treatments, including intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser hair removal, is recent sunburn. When the skin is sunburned, it is already inflamed and vulnerable. Light therapy can exacerbate the sensitivity and inflammation, potentially leading to further skin damage, discomfort, or adverse reactions. Therefore, it's essential to avoid these treatments on sunburned skin to ensure client safety and optimal results.

Allergies to anesthesia, taking antibiotics, and pregnancy are considerations that might require caution but are not absolute contraindications to light therapy. For instance, some clients can still undergo light therapy even when taking certain antibiotics, depending on the specifics of their health and the medication involved. While pregnant clients often avoid many treatments due to unknown effects on the fetus, it’s not universally banned; it requires careful consideration and often a consultation with a physician.