IPL SHR Laser Machine

What Is IPL Treatment?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, aka photofacial, is a way to improve the color and texture of your skin without surgery. It can undo some of the visible damage caused by sun exposure -- called photoaging. You may notice it mostly on your face, neck, hands, or chest.

IPL may help if you have red, brown, or splotchy skin because of a health condition.

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.

After IPL, you may look younger because your skin tone is more even. And since the light doesn’t hurt other tissue, you can get better quickly.

A board-certified dermatologist should give it. (You might see the letters FAAD -- fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology -- after their name.) In some cases, a nurse or physician assistant might be able to do it. Either way, find someone who’s skilled with IPL.

Who Should Get IPL Treatment?

It works best if you have pale or light brown skin. Talk to your dermatologist if you want to lessen or get rid of:

Acne

Birthmarks

Stretch marks

Liver or age spots

Broken blood vessels

Brown spots, also called liver or age spots

Dark spots from hormonal changes

Discolored skin

Fine wrinkles

Freckles

Redness from rosacea

Scars

Spider veins

Unwanted hair

Who Shouldn’t Get IPL Treatment?

Talk to your doctor first if you:

Are pregnant

Have a skin condition

Take medication for other conditions

IPL isn’t a good idea if you:

Are sensitive to light

Have recently tanned your skin using sunlight, tanning beds, or tanning creams

Might have skin cancer

Use a retinoid cream

Are very dark-skinned

Have a skin resurfacing disorder

Have severe scarring

Have keloid scar tissue

On the day of your appointment, avoid using perfume, makeup, and scented products that can irritate your skin.