What Is IPL Treatment?
IPL stands for Intense pulsed light (IPL). Also known as photo facial it is used for: brown spots, acne inflammation, Rosacea, small dilated capillaries, and tightening of the skin. IPL helps restore a youthful looking skin intended for photoaged or sun damaged skin. IPL brightens the skin and gives it a youthful glow.
How IPL Treatment Works
IPL uses light energy to target a certain color in your skin. When the skin is heated, your body gets rid of the unwanted cells, and that gets rid of the thing you’re being treated for. Unlike lasers, an IPL device sends out more than one wavelength of pulsating light. It can treat a range of skin conditions at the same time.
Who Should Get IPL Treatment?
It works best if you have pale or light brown skin. This treatment is perfect for you if you want to lessen or get rid of:
- Acne
- Birthmarks
- Stretch marks
- Liver or age spots
- Broken blood vessels
- Brown spots
- Dark spots from hormonal changes
- Discolored skin
- Fine wrinkles
- Freckles
- Redness from rosacea
- Scars
- Spider veins
After one to three treatments, IPL can get rid of 50%-75% of broken blood vessels for most people. They could completely go away. While treated veins don’t come back, new ones might show up later.
You may see 70% less of the brown spots and redness caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays.
What to Expect During IPL Treatment
Before the procedure, don’t:
- Tan in the sun, in a tanning bed, or with tanning creams for 4 weeks before you go
- Wax, or get a chemical peel or collagen shots for 2 weeks before
- Wear perfume, makeup, deodorant, or any skin irritants
- Take aspirin or another drug that can make you bleed more
- Take any medication that will make you sun-sensitive.
Once you’re there, a technician will rub gel on your clean skin. You’ll wear dark glasses to protect your eyes. The handheld IPL device will go right on your body. The session will probably last 20 or 30 minutes. Large areas could take an hour or more.
While most people are fine with the light pulses, the treatment could sting a little. It might feel like someone is snapping a rubber band on you. Your technician can give you numbing cream to put on before treatment starts.
What Recovery From IPL Treatment Looks Like
It may feel like you have a sunburn for 4-6 hours after you’re finished. Ice packs or a cool washcloth can help you feel better.
Your skin may be red or bruised for a day or two. Some of your brown spots may get darker, but they should peel off within a few weeks.
While you heal:
- Don’t put on makeup if your skin hurts.
- Use moisturizing lotion.
- Protect yourself with sunscreen. Make sure it has an SPF of at least 30 and a physical blocker like zinc. Reapply it every 2 hours, even if it’s not sunny outside.
- Wash your face with cleanser for sensitive skin.
Your technician will tell you when it’s safe to return to your normal skin care routine. It might take a week.
Most people get between three and seven sessions. It depends on the condition you’re treating. You’ll wait 2-4 weeks between each visit. It may take several weeks for you to notice any changes in your skin.
