Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
  • This information was developed by GMR Web Team.
  • This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice.
  • It is important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Are you suffering from wrinkles, fine lines, or dull, dry, and sagging skin? Is unwanted hair and a tanned skin tone bothering you? Then you are at the right place! This informative article will explore the possibility of overcoming skin-related concerns through cosmetology. This is one of the most trending branches of medicine since it helps enhance your natural beauty, which may have faded due to several physiological or environmental factors. We will discuss a common cosmetic procedure called “Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy”! 

Intense pulsed light, or IPL therapy, is a noninvasive phototherapy popular among millions worldwide. This helps reduce signs of aging and unwanted hair and improves darker patches (hyperpigmentation) on your skin. Keep reading to learn more about this revolutionary cosmetic enhancement procedure. 

What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?

Intense pulsed light, IPL, or photo facial is a popular, noninvasive cosmetic procedure that addresses a wide range of skin-related issues. The main goal of this procedure is to give your skin a clearer and more even, youthful look. IPL therapy helps treat many skin issues in areas such as your face, hands, neck, or chest. 

IPL therapy uses a special handheld device or tool that emits multiple wavelengths of light into the skin. The light energy is converted into heat energy to heat the cells in the skin and break them down. The damaged and dissolved tissues are then naturally removed from the body.  

When is Intense Pulsed Light Treatment Used?

IPL treatment can be chosen to address a wide range of skin concerns, such as:

  • Acne scars
  • Wrinkles
  • Fine lines 
  • Birthmarks 
  • Hyperpigmentation (including age spots and freckles)
  • Rosacea (a type of skin condition causing redness of the face)
  • Melasma (a kind of skin condition causing brown or gray skin patches)
  • Spider veins (bluish-green veins in the lower legs that branch out, resembling a spider web)
  • Dark spots from hormonal changes
  • Discolored skin 
  • Stretch marks 
  • Sun damaged skin 
  • Excess and unwanted hair
  • Tattoo removal  

IPL vs. Laser Treatment 

IPL and laser therapies are the same, but they have a few differences. These include the following:  

IPLLaser 
This is gentler on the skinLaser treatment is more intense 
Usually requires more sessions Can offer noticeable results in just a single session 
IPL releases light of different wavelengthsThe laser focuses just one wavelength of light on your skin
Less powerful More powerful and effective 
May not be effective for all treatments such as tattoo removalOften recommended since it is versatile 
Not recommended for darker skin tonesRecommended for all skin tones 

Who Should Not Get IPL Treatment?

IPL is a safe and effective noninvasive cosmetic procedure, but it is contraindicated in the following conditions:

  • Pregnancy 
  • Having a skin condition
  • Having a sunburn 
  • Taking medications such as blood thinners 
  • Being very dark-skinned 
  • Got your skin recently tanned using tanning beds or tanning creams
  • Active acne treatment
  • Are extremely sensitive to light 
  • Possibility of having skin cancer 
  • Using retinoid creams
  • Having severe skin scarring 
  • Having a keloid scar tissue

How to Prepare for an IPL Treatment?

Before an IPL skin treatment, your dermatologist (a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails) will examine your skin and determine if IPL treatment is the right choice for your skin needs.  

You must avoid the following things at least a week before the procedure:

  • Direct sunlight
  • Tanning beds
  • Chemical peels 
  • Waxing
  • Retinoid creams
  • Perfumes and harmful deodorants
  • Collagen-boosting injections 
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs 
  • Aspirin
  • Herbal supplements 

What to Expect During an IPL Treatment?

IPL treatment is an in-office procedure where one session lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The procedure is as follows:

  • You will be given protective eyewear before beginning the procedure
  • The concerned area of skin will be cleaned using an appropriate disinfectant
  • Your doctor will apply a cold gel to the handheld device
  • Precise pulses of light will be directed to the treatment area
  • You may feel a slight pinching sensation during the procedure, similar to an elastic band being “snapped” on the skin 

The number of sessions needed usually depends on your individual skin needs. For the desired results, you may require 4 to 6 sessions every 3 to 6 weeks. 

What to Expect After an IPL Treatment?

The treated area may appear red or pink immediately after the procedure. This may tend to last around 4 to 7 hours. You may also notice a stinging sensation while your skin heals. Ice packs or a cold washcloth should be used to ease discomfort. 

While your skin heals: 

  • Avoid makeup or moisturizing lotion for at least the first 24 hours post-procedure 
  • Protect your skin using a high-SPF sunscreen
  • Wash your face with a mild cleanser 

You may notice results and gradual improvement within the first week or two after your IPL treatment session. 

What Are the Benefits of IPL Treatment?

IPL treatment is a popular cosmetic procedure since it offers the following benefits:

  • Noninvasive procedure: there are no cuts, bleeding, or suturing required
  • It is an outpatient procedure, which means you do not need hospitalization
  • There is minimal pain and discomfort involved during the procedure
  • It is a less time-consuming procedure
  • Recovery is quick, with long-lasting results
  • You can see noticeable results within a week or two
  • The procedure involves minimal side effects  

Are There Any Side Effects of IPL Treatment?

Like any cosmetic procedure, IPL treatment also involves a few side effects, which are mild and short-lived. These include:

  • Mild discomfort and stinging sensation
  • Mild scarring 
  • Swelling 
  • Mild skin discoloration
  • A feeling a sunburn with skin redness, peeling, and swelling 
  • Infection and blisters in rare cases  

Are There Any Alternatives to IPL Treatment?

If you are not an ideal candidate for IPL treatment, then there are other alternatives, such as: 

Laser Therapy 

  • Here, a single, focused wavelength of light is used to treat your skin concerns.

Fraxel Laser Treatment 

  • This is a non-ablative procedure where only a fraction of the skin is treated. 

Microdermabrasion

  • This procedure uses an abrasive tool to sand off your skin's top layer gently.

IPL treatment is a safe, non-surgical, effective method to treat a variety of skin concerns such as age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and unwanted hair. You are likely to get good results with minimal side effects. Consult your dermatologist to determine if IPL treatment is a good option.