Intense Pulse Light Therapy

Though not its main indication, an IPL photofacial treatment can also stimulate collagen production and improve signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles.  While it can be used to reduce unwanted hair, this treatment option is not as effective as laser hair removal.  An IPL device works by delivering an arc of light energy that penetrates all levels of the skin, without harming the surface (the epidermis), so there’s little to no downtime afterward.  This light treatment can be performed on the face, hands, neck, chest, and legs. The size of the head of the IPL device is usually larger than most laser spot sizes, which allows for rapid treatment of large body areas.

Most people need a series of IPL photofacial treatments to see optimal results. They’re typically performed three to four weeks apart.

What are the pros and cons of IPL therapy?

Pros

IPL photofacials are best used to treat excess or uneven pigmentation, helping to reduce age spots, sunspots, freckles, and melasma (aka hyperpigmentation).

The treatment is also effective at reducing redness caused by broken capillaries, rosacea, and general facial flushing—something only a few other light-based modalities can do.

IPL can also be helpful at reducing discoloration from acne and acne scars.

It can also improve skin texture, including fine lines and wrinkles. In one study, nearly 60% of patients experienced at least moderate improvement in skin around the eyes after three monthly IPL sessions.

This skin treatment is often less expensive than laser treatments that address the same concerns. However, multiple sessions are usually required for the best results.

IPL treatments bypasses the skin’s surface, so recovery time is minimal. You usually can return to your routine immediately after your treatment.

The risks of IPL are lower than those of some other light-based procedures.

Cons

It works best on fair to medium skin tones, Fitzpatrick skin types I–III. Because the melanin (pigment) in skin absorbs light energy, deep skin tones are more likely to burn and, potentially, scar. Treating more pigmented (Fitzpatrick IV-V) or tanned skin, even from self-tanning lotion, can cause burns, which can cause permanent hypo- or hyperpigmentaton.

The treatment can hurt, with a sharp prickling, snapping, or stinging sensation. Most providers apply an anesthetic cream beforehand can numb the skin, which should make it tolerable.

IPL is much less effective at hair removal than laser treatments.

How much does IPL cost?

Average Cost:

$625 ($50-1500)

The price you pay will depend on the size of the treatment area, number of treatments you have, and a few other key factors.

What happens during an IPL photofacial?

During your initial visit, your provider will make sure you’re a good candidate for intense pulsed light therapy. They may even perform a spot test beforehand, and they’ll give you instructions on what items to avoid for up to two weeks before your first IPL appointment. These could include waxing, tanning or sun exposure, peels, and topical creams that contain retinol or glycolic acid.

When it’s time for your treatment, your skin will be cleansed and an ultrasound gel applied. This cool gel serves several purposes: it helps protect the skin, allows the laser to smoothly glide over the skin, and reduces reflection of the IPL waves from the skin, making the treatment more efficient. Both you and your provider will wear protective eyewear.

The handpiece of the IPL device will be held and moved against your skin, and the light pulses will be emitted with the trigger of a button.

Some people describe the sensation as the snapping of rubber bands and that is why a topical anesthetic is used to minimize pain.

The length of treatment depends on the size of the area, but it typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. After the treatment area has been covered, the gel is removed and sunscreen may be applied.

Moisturizer and makeup can be applied immediately after the treatment.

How long does it take to heal after an IPL treatment?

Although there is little to no downtime after an IPL photofacial, your skin will still go through a healing process that takes about a week. Your skin may be red and swollen for a few hours or the rest of the day, but you should be able to go back to your regular activities or work, using ice packs or a cool washcloth on the treated area if you need to ease the discomfort.

Consider skipping exercise for a couple of days to prevent swelling, which can slow healing.

Within a week post-treatment, pigmented spots will appear to rise to the surface of your skin before falling off a few days to a week later. The brown, freckled areas can look like little coffee grounds or pepper flakes.

Your skin may feel sunburned and hypersensitive for a couple days following, so treat it gently until completely healed.  Use mild skincare products: Steer clear of scrubs and other abrasive products and instead use gentle cleansers and moisturizers. Skin will be more vulnerable to sun damage after an IPL treatment, so avoid sun exposure and use a broad spectrum sunscreen.

How soon will you see IPL facial results?

An IPL treatment plan is typically slow and steady, using a series of up to 6 treatment sessions to achieve full results. Patients often see some improvement in redness within two weeks of their first session, but it may take three to four treatments to see significant results, particularly for more severe hyperpigmentation.

Are IPL results permanent?

An IPL facial can make your skin look better, but it can’t stop future aging.  The results of IPL are not permanent but can achieve significant improvement in hyperpigmentation and anti-aging.

To maintain the benefits, you’ll likely need follow-up sessions on a regular basis every 8 weeks.

Every person and skin type is different, so consult with a provider with extensive experience in IPL, who can determine how you will tolerate IPL treatment and can ensure the most successful results.

What IPL side effects and risks should you consider?

In general, when performed by an experienced provider on the right candidate, IPL is extremely safe and well tolerated.  However, complications that can occur include bruising, blistering, a change in skin color, increased melasma, or even infection. IPL is typically not indicated for patients with darker skin tones due to the risk of hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation.

How do IPL and laser treatments differ?

While most laser treatments deliver one intensified wavelength of light in a focused, localized beam, IPL delivers broad-spectrum visible light at multiple wavelengths, painting the area in broad strokes.

Consequently, IPL can address several different skin problems at the same time, such as brown spots and red areas, while lasers focusing on a specific wavelength attack only one problem more intensely like erythema or hyperpigmentation.  Light from IPL is also more scattered, so it’s able to treat your skin without damaging the top layer, resulting in quicker healing.

What are the benefits of IPL?

IPL is, first and foremost, an effective way to treat uneven skin discoloration—to reduce unwanted brown pigmentation and minimize redness.  Because it boosts collagen production, it may also help improve skin texture. But everyone responds differently to IPL, which doing a test spot treatment is recommended.  Most people will need multiple rounds of the treatment before they see it working so it is important to document with before and after photos to see the results.