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If you have heard about IPL and wondered what type of skin issues IPL could help with, this article is for you. Learn how it works, what type of skin issues it helps with, and how to know if IPL is right for you.
Discoloration, redness, texture issues… if you’ve noticed these issues and wondered if there was something you could do about it, we have great news for you. IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is an advanced skincare treatment that can greatly benefit and improve how your skin looks. It’s popular because it comes with none of the downtime associated with other more intensive skincare procedures. It’s also non-invasive, safe, and provides amazing results. Let’s learn more about how it works.
What Is IPL Treatment?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment, also known as the photofacial due to how similar it is to getting your photo taken, is a non-invasive, light-based procedure. It can help with a range of skin conditions. IPL is actually one of the most common skincare treatments and is great for targeting uneven skin tone, redness, hyperpigmentation, and can even help improve skin texture.
IPL is non-ablative, meaning that this multiple light-wavelength procedure works without damaging the sensitive tissues of your skin. This is why it’s low-risk while still being effective. When in the hands of a trained provider, it’s quick, helps reduce surface blemishes, and takes anywhere between seven to ten days to recover from (and see results!)
IPL vs. Laser Treatments: What’s the Difference?
Now you may be wondering, is IPL the same as other light-based treatments like laser resurfacing? While both types of treatments use light, there are key differences in methods, targeted areas, and outcomes.
IPL uses multiple wavelengths to penetrate your skin and target the melanin and to encourage collagen production, while lasers use a single focused wavelength. As we mentioned before, IPL is non-ablative and thus is gentler in comparison to laser treatments, which are more intense, focused, and require longer recovery time.
IPL can also treat multiple concerns at once – such as uneven skin tone and redness – while laser treatments are a lot more focused and work on one concern at a time.
Because the two types of procedures vary in targeted areas and have different paths to recovery, it’s important to talk with a professional about what’s the best fit for you.
5 Common Skin Issues IPL Can Help Improve
While IPL is helpful for a range of skin concerns, it’s especially effective for improving uneven tone, discoloration and overall skin texture, all without invasive procedures or extended downtime. Let’s explore the range of conditions IPL covers.
1. Does IPL Treat Sun Damage?
IPL treatment is effective in reducing the visible effects of photoaging (or sun damage caused by UV exposure.) Sunspots, blotchiness, and uneven pigmentation all fall into this category. IPL will help improve the appearance of these spots by targeting the melanin in your skin with broad spectrum light. This will encourage your body to remove those damaged cells. The end result is a brighter, more even complexion and reduced (or entirely removed) sun-made blemishes.
2. Age Spots
IPL is also effective in dealing with age spots, which are a form of localized hyperpigmentation that comes with age. These spots can be on the face, chest, and hands, and IPL treats these highly pigmented areas by breaking down the pigment clusters. This lets the body remove them and the result is a gradual reduction of visible spots that will fade over a few treatment sessions.
3. Rosacea and Facial Redness
Rosacea, a chronic skin condition that causes redness and flushing, is a common condition that millions of people live with world wide. Though there’s no cure, thankfully there are solutions, such as IPL. This is one of the more effective treatment options that helps reduce inflammation and flushing. IPL also targets visible blood vessels under the skin which also results in reduced redness and improved overall skin tone.
4. Acne Scars and Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation
IPL can help with acne-related skin issues such as scars and post-inflammatory pigmentation, or the lingering discoloration that happens after a breakout resolves. While it can’t remove deep, pitted scars left over from a breakout, it can help with discoloration-related scars and the dark marks that remain even when the acne is no longer active. Over time, it can even stimulate collagen and improve overall clarity and smoothness of your skin.
5. Fine Lines and Early Signs of Aging
Early signs of aging like fine lines and a change in skin texture can be smoothed out with the help of the photofacial. IPL light stimulates collagen and elastin, leading to improved texture and a bump in skin firmness. Increased collagen can soften fine lines over time by helping to fill them. It’s important to note that IPL is best used for early signs of aging and can’t target deep set wrinkles.
Why is IPL Considered Such a Great Option?
IPL is a highly effective, safe skin-treatment option when it comes to tackling skin problems and is backed with over thirty years of research and clinical use. It’s non-surgical, quick, and can treat multiple concerns in one session without you having to deal with extended recovery time associated with other procedures. With the help of your provider you can customize your treatment to meet your specific skin goals, with results that are gradual, natural, and enhance the beauty you’re already in possession of.
What to Expect During and After an IPL Treatment
It’s important to know what your IPL journey will look like, starting with the procedure. When receiving an IPL treatment, your skin will feel warm. That means it’s working its magic! This warmth can be accompanied by small sensations often reported to feel like small rubber bands snapping. Those with more sensitive skin report feeling a sharper sensation. However, all of this will pass by quickly, as most sessions last anywhere between thirty minutes to one hour.
Afterwards, your skin can be pink or red, warm, and sometimes mildly swollen. These symptoms will reduce over the following seven to ten days, where you might experience light skin flaking as your skin sheds old skin cells, leaving behind results that will gradually improve over time. A series of treatments is often recommended to get best results, with at least three weeks between sessions, or as instructed by your provider.
Is IPL Right for You?
There are a few factors to consider before deciding whether you want to try an IPL treatment. IPL may be for you if:
- You have lighter-pigmented skin
- You experience redness, hyperpigmentation, photoaging, or have Rosacea
- You are looking to have more even-toned skin
- You are looking to reduce the discoloration from acne scarring and breakouts
However, IPL does have its limitations. Some of these include:
- If you have very sensitive skin, IPL can irritate it
- If you have darker-complexion skin, the lightwaves may change your pigmentation in an undesired way
- If you have an active sunburn or use a tanning bed, IPL treatment might result in complications
- If you are pregnant, it’s advised to wait until after delivery to have IPL
- If you are taking Acutane, it’s recommended to wait a minimum of six months before receiving IPL treatment
As always, it’s most important to schedule a professional consultation with a trained provider to see what will work best for you.
H2: Frequently Asked Questions About IPL
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about IPL treatment.
How many IPL treatments do I need?
Treatment sessions vary depending on what’s being treated. For sun-related issues, three sessions is the average, while other more targeted issues can range from three to six sessions. Together with your provider you will be able to find a plan that works for you.
Does IPL hurt?
Nope! IPL can feel warm, prickly, like a rubber band snap, and sometimes a little bit sharp if your skin is on the more sensitive side. Few people experience pain. Afterwards, you may feel as though you have a mild sunburn. With a trained professional, you’ll only experience mild discomforts during the process.
Is there downtime after IPL?
There is, but it’s minimal. After an IPL treatment, you will generally be fully healed after seven to ten days.
How long do IPL results last?
Durations vary based on treatment sessions and what’s being targeted, with results that generally last anywhere between six months to a year.
Can IPL be combined with other treatments?
Yes! IPL can be used alongside microneedling, chemical peels, and some injectables. Speak with your provider to learn the full extent of combined treatments.
Is IPL safe for all skin types?
IPL treatments are most safe for those with lighter complexions, as it can cause unwanted discoloration with darker skin tones. Speak with your provider to see if IPL will work for your unique skin.
