Here’s what you need to know before your IPL therapy treatment.
Are you considering IPL therapy to improve your skin? IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, a versatile skin treatment that uses light energy to reduce the appearance of sun damage, freckles, sunspots, broken blood vessels, redness and other pigmentation irregularities.
Unlike traditional lasers, which use a single wavelength of light, IPL delivers multiple wavelengths, allowing it to treat a variety of skin concerns at once. Before booking your appointment, here’s everything you need to know about this treatment.
What is IPL therapy?
IPL therapy is a treatment that uses flashes of light to improve the appearance of your skin. These flashes are called broad-spectrum light pulses and they penetrate deep into the skin, targeting concerns like dark spots, redness, acne scars, and sun damage. Many patients choose IPL treatments to rejuvenate their skin, enhance their complexion, and even out skin tone for a smoother, more youthful appearance.
How does IPL skin rejuvenation work?
IPL therapy delivers broad-spectrum light pulses to penetrate deep into the skin. This light is absorbed by unwanted pigmented cells and damaged blood vessels, helping to break them down so your body can naturally remove them. This process helps promote collagen production, resulting in a more even complexion over time.
The IPL device is adjusted to the appropriate settings based on your specific skin concerns. The device is then placed against your skin, and short bursts of broad-spectrum light are emitted.
What to expect during and after IPL treatment?
An IPL session typically lasts 30–45 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. During the treatment, you may feel a mild snapping sensation as the broad-spectrum light pulses target the skin’s deeper layers. After your IPL therapy session, the treated area may appear slightly red or darkened. This is a normal reaction and usually fades within a few days as the skin naturally renews itself. For optimal results, it's important to follow the aftercare instructions provided, such as avoiding direct sun exposure and applying sunscreen regularly.
How is IPL therapy different from laser treatments?
IPL therapy differs from laser treatments because it uses heat and a broad wavelength of light, which allows it to address a wider range of skin concerns, including improving skin texture, tone, and elasticity. IPL is less likely to cause surface skin damage, meaning there is typically minimal downtime and it has the ability to rejuvenate the skin in a number of different ways. This makes IPL an ideal choice for treating common issues like pigmentation and redness, whereas lasers are often used for deeper concerns like deep scars and wrinkles.
Who is IPL suitable for?
IPL therapy is ideal for individuals looking to improve skin tone, texture, and overall complexion without invasive procedures. It effectively targets uneven pigmentation, dark spots, and redness by breaking down excess melanin and addressing visible blood vessels. This leads to a smoother, brighter, and more even complexion over time. IPL treatments are best suited for individuals with lighter to medium skin tones, as the technology works by targeting melanin and blood vessels. It can help reduce redness, age spots, and broken capillaries, restoring a clearer, more balanced appearance.
To determine if IPL skin rejuvenation is right for your skin type and concerns, come in for a consultation with our skilled practitioners today.