Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive, light-based treatment that improves various skin concerns. Unlike lasers that use a single wavelength, IPL delivers broad-spectrum pulsed light to target multiple skin issues simultaneously.
How Does IPL Work?
IPL penetrates the skin to:
✔ Break down pigmentation (sun spots, age spots, freckles)
✔ Stimulate collagen for firmer skin
✔ Reduce redness (rosacea, broken capillaries)
✔ Minimize pore size and acne breakouts
The light energy is absorbed by melanin (pigment) or hemoglobin (blood vessels), leaving surrounding tissue unharmed.
Common IPL Treatments
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a versatile treatment that addresses a range of common skin concerns by using broad-spectrum light to target specific pigments and issues in the skin. For those struggling with sun damage, IPL effectively lightens and fades dark spots and sun spots, with most patients seeing significant improvement after 3 to 5 sessions. If facial redness or rosacea is the primary concern, the treatment works to reduce the appearance of visible blood vessels and overall redness, typically requiring a shorter course of 2 to 4 sessions. For smoothing the pitted texture left by acne scars, IPL promotes collagen production to even out the skin’s surface over a series of 4 to 6 treatments. Finally, as a popular method for long-term hair removal, IPL disables the hair follicles to inhibit future growth, a process that generally takes 6 to 8 sessions for optimal, lasting results.
What to Expect During Treatment
Consultation: Skin assessment & patch test
Procedure:
Cooling gel applied
Light pulses delivered (feels like rubber band snaps)
20-30 minute session
Aftercare:
Redness/swelling (fades in 24-48 hrs)
Strict SPF 50+ use
Benefits vs. Other Treatments
✅ Versatile – Treats multiple issues in one session
✅ Minimal downtime – Resume activities immediately
✅ Safe for most skin types (Fitzpatrick I-IV)
FAQs
Q: Does IPL hurt?
A: Mild discomfort; numbing cream available.
Q: How long do results last?
A: 6-12 months; maintenance sessions recommended.
Q: Who shouldn’t get IPL?
A: Pregnant women, very dark skin tones (V-VI), or recent sun exposure.
Why Choose IPL?
✨ Proven results for pigmentation/vascular issues
✨ FDA-approved technology
✨ More affordable than fractional lasers
