What Is IPL Skin Treatment?
IPL is an abbreviation of Intense Pulsed Light — a cosmetic skin treatment which is utilized to treat uneven skin tone, sun spots, redness, and ageing signs. As opposed to laser treatments that have one wavelength of light, IPL has various wavelengths, which enables it to address multiple areas of skin concern on larger skin surfaces.
It achieves this by transmitting pulses of light into the skin, where it is soaked up by pigment or blood vessels, depending on what is being treated. The light converts to heat, which destroys the cells that are targeted without destroying surrounding skin. The body naturally removes the infected cells, leaving the skin clearer and more uniform.
What Can IPL Be Used For
IPL is also widely used to correct pigmentation issues like sun spots, freckles, or age spots. IPL is also useful in eliminating redness associated with rosacea, broken capillaries, or overall blotchiness. IPL is also popular as a non-surgical method to enhance skin texture, erase fine lines, or even minimize pores.
It’s also used to treat acne and scarring from acne. IPL treats the bacteria that lead to acne breakouts and reduces inflammation. It’s also used in some clinics for hair removal — although laser hair removal would typically be more effective on coarse hair.
It’s applied most frequently to the face, neck, chest, and hands — areas of the body that first exhibit signs of sun damage. It can be applied nearly anywhere on the body if the skin is appropriate.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
A session of IPL usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the region of the body treated. The skin is cleaned and a cooling gel is placed over it to minimize any discomfort. The practitioner then glides the IPL device over the skin, discharging rapid bursts of light. The sensation has been described by most as a warm snap or stinging, comparable to an elastic band snapping the skin.
Skin might be a little red or warm to the touch for a few hours after IPL treatments, similar to a mild sunburn. Dark spots can darken temporarily before flaking off within a week naturally. It may require 3 to 6 treatments spaced several weeks apart for optimal results.
You will need to stay out of the sun before and after treatment, as skin is more sensitive to UV. Daily use of SPF is a must to keep results and avoid further damage.
Is IPL Suitable for Everybody?
IPL is most effective on lighter skin colors, as the light attacks pigment and can’t always tell dark skin from dark spots. Individuals with tanned or darker skin types risk being burned or having uneven outcomes. It’s also not ideal for women who are pregnant or on certain medications that heighten sensitivity to light.
A consultation is essential before treatment. A trained practitioner will assess your skin type, medical history, and treatment goals to see if IPL is appropriate. Some people may benefit more from chemical peels, microneedling, or laser resurfacing, depending on their concerns.
When performed correctly, IPL is safe, non-surgical, and does not involve any time out of one’s schedule. Results, however, rely considerably on machine quality as well as the operator’s experience, so it is important to select a good clinic.