IPL (Intense Pulse Light)

IPL Treatments

IPL, which stands for Intense Pulsed Light, is a non-invasive skin treatment that uses broad-spectrum light to address various skin concerns. Unlike lasers, which use a single wavelength, IPL emits multiple wavelengths of light, so it can treat a versatile range of skin concerns including:

Pigmentation including sunspots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), age spots, freckles.
Vascular Lesions such as telangiectasia, broken capillaries and redness from rosacea. IPL can also target post inflammatory erythema (PIE), the red scarring left behind from acne.
Skin Rejuvenation by improving overall skin texture and tone through the stimulation of collagen and elastin.
Acne by targeting the acne bacteria and the sebaceous gland to down regulate oil production, both factors which will contribute to reduced acne.

While you will notice great improvements in just 1 session, depending on your individual skin concerns, you may require up to 3 sessions or more for best results.

IPL is not suitable for all skin tones, so a consultation is required to determine if this is the right treatment for you.

Proper skin preparation is essential to ensure the best results and minimise the risk of side effects from an IPL treatment. Follow these important steps:
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Stay out of the sun for at least 2 weeks prior to your treatment. Sunburned or tanned skin can increase the risk of complications and make your skin more sensitive to the IPL light pulses.
- Skincare Prep: Regularly use products like retinoids, vitamin C and vitamin B for at least 4 weeks prior to strengthen your skin. However, you should stop these products approximately 4-5 days immediately before your IPL treatment.
- Stop Using Retinoids and Exfoliating Products: For 4-5 days before your IPL treatment, stop using products containing retinoids (retinol), AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), and other exfoliating ingredients, as these can increase skin sensitivity and cause irritation during the treatment.
- Other Chemical Peels or Laser Treatments: Advise us if you have had any other skin treatments in the past 2 weeks as this may increase your skins sensitivity.
- Use Sunscreen: Apply SPF 30+ or higher daily to protect your skin from UV damage, especially after IPL.
- Avoid Heat and Sweating: For 24-48 hours, avoid hot showers, saunas, and exercise to minimize irritation.
- Moisturise: Keep your skin hydrated with a gentle, hydrating moisturizer.
- Gentle skincare: Stick to gentle serums like hyaluronic acid and gentle moisturisers for 3-4 days before recommencing your actives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About IPL Facial Skin Treatments
1. What is IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Treatment?
- IPL is a non-invasive skin treatment that uses broad-spectrum light to target various skin concerns, such as sun damage, age spots, rosacea, acne, and overall skin tone. The light energy is absorbed by the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture.
2. What skin concerns can IPL treat?
- IPL can effectively treat a variety of skin issues, including:
- Sun damage and age spots (hyperpigmentation)
- Redness and rosacea
- Broken capillaries or spider veins
- Acne and acne scars
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Fine lines and wrinkles (through collagen stimulation)
3. Is IPL painful?
- Most people report minimal discomfort during an IPL treatment, which is often described as a mild snapping or tingling sensation on the skin. A cooling gel may be applied before the treatment to help reduce discomfort.
4. How long does an IPL session take?
- An IPL facial treatment typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. The procedure is relatively quick.
5. How many IPL sessions will I need?
- Depending on your skin condition and goals, most clients require 3-6 sessions, spaced about 3-4 weeks apart, to achieve optimal results. Maintenance treatments may be recommended after your initial series.
6. Are there any side effects or downtime?
- IPL is a non-invasive treatment with minimal downtime. You may experience some mild redness, swelling, or slight sensitivity after the procedure, and darkening of pigmentation spots before they fade away after a week or so. These effects usually subside within a few hours to a day. Avoid direct sun exposure and use sunscreen to protect the treated skin.
8. Can I wear makeup after an IPL facial treatment?
- You can apply non-comedogenic makeup 24 hours after your treatment.
9. How soon will I see results from IPL treatment?
- You may notice some improvement after the first treatment, but optimal results typically appear after 3-6 weeks as collagen production continues. Pigmentation issues may darken before fading away over the following weeks.
10. Is IPL suitable for all skin types?
- IPL is generally suitable for lighter skin tones Type 1-4. It is most effective on fair to medium skin with pigmented spots, redness, or vascular issues. If you have darker skin, discuss other options such as Q-Switch lasers, as IPL may not be suitable for you.
11. Can I get IPL if I have active acne?
- Yes, IPL can help treat acne by targeting bacteria and reducing inflammation. However, if you have severe active acne, it’s essential to consult with a professional to determine if IPL is appropriate for your specific skin condition.
12. Will IPL help with acne scars?
- Yes, IPL can improve the appearance of post-acne scars by stimulating collagen production, reducing redness and promoting skin healing. It is most effective when combined with other treatments for acne scars, such as microneedling.