Intense Pulsed Light (IPL Laser)
An IPL treatment delivers a broad spectrum of light, which may be adjusted to particular wavelengths, into the layers of the skin. The Intense pulsed light is absorbed by chromophores, or areas of concentrated pigment, where it creates a thermal injury, either breaking up the deposited pigment or cauterizing capillaries. Delivered to the deeper layers of the skin, this thermal heat causes the contraction of collagen fibers and stimulates new collagen growth that may persist for up to 6 months after an IPL treatment.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL Laser) Facials
Full Face IPL
Full Face IPL is a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment that harnesses intense pulsed light technology to effectively target various skin concerns, including pigmentation, redness, and fine lines. This procedure delivers precise light energy to the skin, promoting a more uniform skin tone and enhancing texture for a smoother, healthier complexion.
45 Minutes
Acne Full Face IPL
Acne IPL Full Face treatment harnesses the power of intense pulsed light technology to significantly diminish acne and enhance overall skin texture. This advanced, non-invasive procedure penetrates deep into the skin to address the root causes of acne, resulting in visibly clearer and healthier skin. With minimal downtime required, clients can easily integrate this effective solution into their busy lifestyles, achieving radiant skin without the hassle.
45 Minutes
Half-Face IPL
Half Face IPL is a targeted skin treatment that utilizes intense pulsed light to reduce pigmentation, redness, and fine lines on one side of the face. This procedure promotes a more even skin tone and enhances overall complexion while minimizing downtime.
30 Minutes
Full Face + Neck IPL
Full Face + Neck IPL treatment employs advanced intense pulsed light technology to diminish visible signs of aging, sun damage, and uneven skin tone.
This non-invasive procedure specifically targets pigmentation irregularities while stimulating collagen production, leading to a visibly smoother and more youthful complexion. Experience the benefits of a refreshed appearance with consistent treatments that enhance your skin's overall health and radiance.
60 Minutes
Spot Treatment IPL
Spot Treatment IPL effectively targets localized skin issues such as pigmentation, sunspots, and broken capillaries using intense pulsed light technology.
This non-invasive procedure promotes a clearer and more even skin tone with minimal downtime.
15+ Minutes
What to Know About Intense Pulsed Light
Intense pulsed light is quite effective in improving a broad range of conditions in the skin, including unwanted discoloration. However, some visible spots on the skin could be signs of abnormal cell growth under the skin. It is extremely important to choose the right practitioner when considering an IPL treatment, because, while intense pulsed light can mask the important visible signs of this health risk, it does not affect abnormal cell growth occurring under the skin, and could put the patient at increased risk for more advanced stages of possible cancerous or precancerous lesions.
Helps Address:
- Sun damage
- Hyperpigmentation
- Age spots
- Broken capillaries
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Enlarged pore size
- Rosacea/redness
- Freckles
- Birthmarks
- Skin texture
- Acne
- Stretch marks
Average Downtime:
No downtime, but patients should avoid sun exposure and heat environments (sauna, intense workouts, etc) for 48 hours.
Results
Initial Improvements:
You may notice some improvement in redness and blotchiness within a week or two after the first session.
Visible dark spots and sunspots may start to lighten after a single treatment, but a series of treatments is usually needed for optimal results.
Some people also see a reduction in the appearance of broken capillaries and rosacea after a single treatment.
Longer-Term Results:
For best results, a series of 3-6 IPL treatments, spaced 4 weeks apart, is typically recommended.
After a series of treatments, you can expect to see a reduction in redness, a more even skin tone, and improved skin texture. IPL can also help to stimulate collagen production, which can lead to plumper, firmer skin.
Fine lines and wrinkles may also appear less prominent.
Things to Note:
Individual results can vary depending on skin type, the condition being treated, and the number of treatments received.
It's important to follow your provider's recommendations for aftercare, including sun protection.
Some mild side effects, such as temporary redness, swelling, or bruising, are possible but usually subside quickly.
Contraindications
- Active Skin Infections: IPL should not be performed on areas with active skin infections, such as cold sores or boils.
- Skin Disorders: Certain skin conditions, like eczema or psoriasis, may make IPL treatments unsuitable.
- Tanned Skin: Tanned skin is more prone to complications from IPL, so treatments are often avoided until the tan fades.
- Darker Skin Tones: People with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick Skin Type 4-6) may be at higher risk of complications and may not be good candidates for IPL.
- History of Keloid Scarring: Individuals with a history of keloid scarring (raised, thickened scars) should avoid IPL, as it can worsen scarring.
- Deep Wrinkles, Scars, or Severe Acne: IPL may not be the most effective treatment for deep wrinkles, scars, or severe acne, and other treatments like laser treatments might be better suited.
Medical Conditions and Medications:
- Pregnancy: IPL treatments are generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.
- Photosensitizing Medications: Certain medications, like Roaccutane, antibiotics, or St. John's Wort, can increase skin sensitivity to light and should be avoided before and during IPL treatments.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Certain autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, may increase the risk of complications from IPL.
- Thyroid Disease: Individuals with thyroid disease may require a doctor's letter to confirm suitability for IPL.
- Heart Disease or Hypertension: Individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure may require a doctor's letter to confirm suitability for IPL.
- Cancer: IPL should not be used directly over cancer or tumors.
Potential Side Effects
Common and Mild:
Redness or Flushing: This is one of the most frequently reported side effects, lasting for a few hours to a couple of days.
Sensation of Sunburn: Some people describe a mild, temporary feeling similar to a sunburn.
Mild Swelling: Swelling is rare, but if it occurs, it usually subsides within a day or two.
Mild Bruising: Bruising is also uncommon, but if it happens, it will likely resolve quickly.
Less Common:
Blistering: While rare, blistering can occur, especially with higher intensity settings.
Changes in Skin Color: Temporary changes in skin color, like darkening or lightening of spots, are possible, but usually resolve.
Crusting: In some cases, mild crusting may occur.
Hyperpigmentation: Darkening of skin patches can occur as IPL targets melanin.
Hypopigmentation: Lightening of skin patches can occur if melanocytes are damaged.
Infections: Although rare, infections can occur if the treated area is not properly cared for.
Pain: While IPL treatments are generally not considered painful, some people describe the sensation as being snapped with a rubber band.
Hair Loss: In rare cases, IPL treatment can cause temporary hair loss, but it usually grows back within a few weeks.
Pre + Post Treatment
Pre-Treatment
Sun Exposure:
Avoid direct sunlight: Do not expose your skin to direct sunlight for at least 4-6 weeks before your IPL treatment.
No tanning beds or self-tanners: Refrain from using tanning beds or self-tanning products for 4-6 weeks before your treatment.
Apply sunscreen daily: Use a broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen daily, even if you are just going outside for a short time.
Skin Care Products:
Avoid retinoids: Stop using any products containing retinol or tretinoin (Retin-A) for at least a week before your treatment, as they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Avoid exfoliants: Stop using exfoliating products (like scrubs, chemical peels, or AHAs/BHAs) for about a week before your treatment.
Hair Removal:
No waxing or plucking: Avoid waxing, plucking, or using depilatory creams for at least 2 weeks before your treatment as IPL targets hair follicles. Shaving is okay.
Other Considerations:
Avoid makeup: Arrive at your appointment without makeup, especially if you are getting IPL for the face.
Medications: Discuss any medications you are taking with your provider, especially if you are taking Accutane (isotretinoin) or any medications that can cause excess bleeding.
Smoking: If you are a smoker, try to avoid smoking for at least six weeks before your IPL treatment.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
Avoid irritants: Stay away from products that can irritate your skin such as products containing benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents or Vitamin C for 2 weeks before your treatment.
Post-Treatment
Post Treatment
Avoid Heat:
- Hot Showers/Baths: Your skin will be sensitive to heat, so avoid hot showers, baths, saunas, and steam rooms for at least 24-48 hours.
- Warm Water: Only wash the treated areas with cool or lukewarm water for the first few days.
Sun Protection is Crucial:
- Sun Exposure: Minimize sun exposure and wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on the treated area daily.
- Avoid Tanning: Refrain from tanning beds and self-tanners.
Gentle Skincare:
- Avoid Harsh Products: For the first few days, avoid harsh skincare products like exfoliants, scrubs, retinol, and products with fragrance or alcohol.
- Gentle Cleansing: Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to wash the treated area.
- Moisturize: Keep the skin well-hydrated with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer.
- Avoid Makeup: Avoid applying makeup to the treated area for a few days.
Other Important Considerations:
Chlorine: Avoid swimming pools, spas, and saunas for 48 hours, as chlorine can irritate the skin.
Picking/Scratching: Avoid picking or scratching the treated area, as this can lead to scarring or infection.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to support skin hydration and recovery.
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: These can negatively impact skin health and healing.
Follow-up: If you experience any unusual or concerning side effects, consult with your healthcare provider.
FAQs
Multiple factors, such as genetics, sun exposure and age, affect the results and longevity of an IPL photofacial. However, a patient that maintains a healthy lifestyle and practices sun safety may expect the results of intense pulsed light to be apparent for six months to a year.
Intense pulsed light works on deeper layers of the skin to activate the natural repair process of the body. For this reason, it may take a week or more for visible changes on the skin. Although a single IPL treatment may be capable of substantial improvement, the general recommendation is a series of 4 to 6 treatments spaced at an interval that allows for recovery of the skin (typically 4 weeks). Some clinicians prefer working with intense pulsed light precisely because more treatments are required, affording the practitioner the opportunity to build upon previous treatments and make adjustments to augment the final results.
Any further treatments needed to maintain results of an IPL treatment will depend in large part on the lifestyle and skincare habits of the patient. Patients with a skin-friendly lifestyle and who practice safe sun exposure may only need two IPL treatments a year. Any IPL treatment decisions, including the number of intense pulsed light treatments needed, should be made in consultation with a trusted professional.
An individual’s response to an IPL treatment will differ based on a patient’s age, unique biology, medical history and lifestyle. Correctly performed, intense pulsed light requires very little downtime and most patients may resume their normal lifestyle (excluding strenuous workouts and sun exposure) immediately after treatment.
Immediately following intense pulsed light therapy the patient may experience a sunburn sensation that persists a few hours. Redness and swelling of the skin may last up to a week post-treatment. Pigmented areas of the face will get darker and naturally slough off in 7-10 days as will any “crusting” or scabbing that develops. These are all signs of natural skin repair after IPL treatment and are not troublesome unless they persist. The use of cold packs and gels and/or balms may be recommended to soothe discomfort and speed up recovery.
Although very rare, more severe side effects such as blistering or any sign of infection, should be reported to the clinician for monitoring and treatment recommendations.
An IPL treatment produces a controlled thermal injury in the skin. While that may sound like a negative thing, the heat causes collagen fibers to contract, creating the “tightening” effect reported after an IPL photofacial. Delivering this heat deep into the skin also stimulates the natural wound response, resulting in the production of new collagen. In addition, areas of concentrated pigment in the skin, whether brown spots or areas of dilated capillaries, are broken up by the intense pulsed light and naturally eliminated from the skin. These combined effects of intense pulsed light address many of the issues associated with aging, making an IPL treatment a popular anti-aging modality for aging in the skin.
An IPL treatment is often erroneously labeled a laser. IPL is simply an acronym for what it is; an intense pulsed light, which is quite different from a fractional laser. A laser delivers a monochromatic energy source, meaning it produces a single, concentrated beam of one specific wavelength. In the case of a fractional laser, this beam of light energy will be divided into thousands of smaller beams or columns of light. Intense pulsed light, on the other hand, employs a broad spectrum of light energy of varying wavelengths. Laser has the benefit of being much more powerful and can accomplish improvements that an IPL treatment cannot, such as tattoo removal. However, the broad spectrum used for intense pulsed light allows for greater customization and versatility. In addition, many intense pulsed light machines employ the use of filters to block certain wavelengths to reach specific targets. The difference in potential power between the two modalities also explains why a laser is generally more painful than an IPL treatment.
An IPL treatment is generally administered with the help of a conducting gel, making intense pulsed light a tolerable treatment for nearly anyone, but not generally recommended for Fitzpatrick scales 5 + 6. However, pain is subjective, and some patients may find an IPL treatment to be painless where others may find it more uncomfortable. The sensation of an IPL treatment has been described as a popping sensation on the skin somewhat akin to a rubber band snapping on the skin surface. And while such a sensation may be uncomfortable it should not be painful or intolerable. If a patient experiences that level of pain it should be discussed with the provider and the appropriate measures taken, such as reducing the energy output of the intense pulsed light, to ensure efficacy of the IPL treatment without sacrificing patient comfort.
*Always consult your physician before undergoing this procedure*