Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment

IPL Treatment is a non-invasive treatment that uses pulses of light energy to target dark spots, redness and uneven skin tone while boosting collagen production. Revealing clearer, more radiant skin.

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KEY BENEFITS OF IPL TREATMENT:

  1. Fades brown spots from sun damage
  2. Calms redness, rosacea and broken capillaries
  3. Stimulates new collagen productrion
  4. Reduces appearance of acne and acne scarring
  5. Minimizes pore size and improves skin tone and texture

SKIN CONCERNS FOR IPL TREATMENT

Age Spots Sun Spots Freckles Hyperpigmentation Birthmarks
Broken Capillaries Redness & Rosacea Cherry Angiomas Skin Tone Skin Texture

IPL Treatment Areas

Face Neck Décolletage

The Science of Intense Pulsed Light Treatment.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment uses high-intensity pulses of broad-spectrum light to selectively target and improve a variety of skin concerns without damaging the surrounding skin. Unlike traditional lasers, which use a single wavelength of light, IPL delivers multiple wavelengths, allowing it to treat a broader range of skin conditions.

What is an IPL Treatment?

An IPL treatment, often called an IPL Photofacial, is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that improves visible signs of sun damage, redness and uneven skin tone. During this advanced light-based treatment, the pulsed energy gently heats pigmented areas of the skin, causing discoloration to gradually fade while skin clarity improves. An added benefit of IPL is its ability to boost collagen production, enhancing overall skin tone and texture. The result: brighter, smoother, more even-toned skin.
IPL Treatment FAQs
  • Is IPL Treatment safe for all skin tones?

    IPL treatment is most effective when used on fair to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types I-III). At The Skin Center, we will evaluate your skin type and tone carefully and may recommend alternative options with similar results to IPL treatment if we feel it is not a suitable treatment for you.

  • What Should I expect during an IPL treatment?

    At the start of your IPL treatment, you’ll be given protective eyewear to protect your eyes. Using the handpiece, your provider will deliver controlled pulses of light to the skin. Most treatments take between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and location the area being treated. Patients often describe the sensation as feeling like the snap of a rubber band against the skin. The cooling tip of the IPL handpiece helps protect the skin and makes the procedure more comfortable. While IPL is well-tolerated by most, a topical numbing cream may be applied beforehand enhance comfort.

  • What is recovery from an IPL treatment?

    Recovery is generally minimal. Most patients experience mild redness or warmth, similar to a sunburn, for a few hours post-treatment. Pigmented spots may temporarily darken before naturally flaking off within 7 to 14 days. You can return to normal activities immediately, but sun protection is critical to protecting your results.

  • What results can I expect after an IPL Treatment?

    After an Intense Pulsed Light Treatment, it’s normal for pigmented spots to temporarily darken before gradually fading. Over the following days, the tone and texture of the skin will become more radiant. Depending on your skin concerns, your provider may recommend a series of 5 or more sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to see optimal results.

  • How many IPL treatments will I need?

    While you may notice improvement after just one session, a series of 3 to 5 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart is typically recommended for best results. Your provider will customize a treatment plan based on your skin concerns and goals.

  • What does an Intense Pulsed Light treatment feel like?

    Most people describe the sensation as similar to the snap of a rubber band on the skin. While IPL is generally well tolerated, a topical numbing cream may be applied to enhance comfort. The treatment is fairly quick, lasting about 15 to 30 minutes depending on the size of area being treated.

  • What is the difference between Intense Pulsed Light and Broadband Light Treatment?

    Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is an established and effective treatment that addresses common skin concerns like sun spots, redness and uneven skin tone and texture across larger areas of the body. IPL uses a lower intensity energy output than Broadband Light Therapy, so more treatments may be needed to achieve the desired results. With minimal downtime and a tailored treatment plan, IPL offers an effective and gradual path to brighter, clearer skin.

    Broadband Light (BBL) therapy is a more advanced higher intensity form of light therapy than traditional IPL. The higher energy output from BBL, combined with enhanced precision and cooling technology allows for more effective targeting of pigmentation, vascular issues, acne and skin aging compared to IPL, and with less downtime. The desired results from BBL are often achieved in fewer sessions as well. In most cases, the treatments are even shorter than IPL, due to the rapid output of light pulses from the BBL handpiece.

  • Is an IPL Photofacial the same as IPL treatment?

    Yes, IPL Photofacial is a term used interchangeable with the term Intense Pulsed Light Treatment. The word photo is derived from the Greek word light. IPL Photofacial is just another way to describe a light-based energy treatment performed on the face.

Things to Keep In Mind for IPL Treatment

  1. Ideally patients should avoid excessive sun exposure 2-4 weeks prior to treatment for optimal safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
  2. Avoid using skincare products that disrupt the skin barrier, like retinoids or exfoliants, for 7 days prior to your service to prevent skin sensitization.
  3. Inform your clinician if you’ve taken isotretinoin or Accutane in the past six months or have any medical conditions or medications that might cause sensitivity to light or affect wound healing.
Learn More about IPL Treatment Pre Care Instructions
  1. Cleanse your skin twice a day with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, and avoid any scrubbing or exfoliation.
  2. Keep your skin well-moisturized to promote a smooth, healthy skin barrier during the healing process.
  3. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, and avoid direct sunlight for 14 days.
Learn more about IPL Treatment Post Care Instructions