intense pulsed light (ipl)
intense pulsed light therapy (ipl)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) skin treatments, also known as IPL photofacials, effectively target a range of common skin concerns like rosacea, hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and fine lines and wrinkles. Treatments can help address issues like active acne, acne scars, sun damage, redness, rosacea, vascular lesions, wrinkles, revealing a younger, brighter appearance.
During an IPL photofacial treatment, Optimized Light technology emits a range of lightwaves that target melanin pigment or hemoglobin in the blood vessels that appear as visible dark spots, such as sun damage. Once the light reaches its target, it’s transformed into heat energy that’s absorbed by broken capillaries, dark pigment, and larger vessels.
The best time to receive an IPL photofacial treatment is in the fall, winter, and spring months, when your skin is free of sun exposure as IPL technology targets melanin pigment in the skin and sun exposure can enhance melanin production.
IPL treatments are gentle on the skin, require minimal downtime, and typically yield the best results when performed in a series of sessions spaced a few weeks apart.
Single Session: $400
Series pricing is available. Call for details.
frequently asked questions
If you want to stop the clock on aging skin, IPL therapy may be the right solution for you.
A 10-year study by Stanford University shows IPL therapy not only repairs signs of aging, but helps to prevent future signs as well. With 2 to 3 IPL treatments per year research participants saw a transformation in their skin to resemble much younger looking skin. Some showed smoother and more even-toned skin at the end of the study than they had 10 years earlier when they started IPL treatments.
Benefits:
- Skin tone and texture – IPL can improve skin tone and texture by stimulating collagen production, which can make skin look smoother and more youthful.
- Sun damage – IPL can reduce the appearance of sun damage, such as brown spots, freckles, and other pigmentation issues.
- Signs of aging – IPL can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
- Hyperpigmentation – IPL can target excess pigment that causes hyperpigmentation, resulting in a more even skin tone.
- Redness and flushing – IPL can reduce the appearance of redness and flushing by targeting the blood vessels that cause them.
- Acne scars and blemishes – IPL can reduce the appearance of acne scars and other blemishes, such as rosacea.
- Minimal downtime – IPL is a non-invasive treatment that requires little to no downtime, so you can resume your daily activities immediately.
- Hair removal – IPL can be used for hair removal and is less painful than traditional methods like waxing or threading.
- Affordable – IPL is one of the most affordable methods of skin rejuvenation, costing less than other laser treatments.
The quintessential candidate for therapy has a complexion that falls within the lighter spectrum of skin tones, generally types I to III on the Fitzpatrick scale. These individuals exhibit the contrast necessary for the light to distinguish between the target areas and the skin itself effectively.
The darker the skin color, the more difficulty the IPL device has in distinguishing darker pigmentation caused by sun damage from the skin’s normal pigmentation. Unlike lasers, IPL photo facial devices emit a broad spectrum of light with multiple wavelengths. Some of these wavelengths have an extremely high melanin absorption coefficient, and IPL may cause discoloration or increase the risk of burns on melanin-rich dark skin.
- Skin toneIPL may be less effective for darker skin tones or tanned skin because it targets melanin.
- MedicationsSome medications, like antibiotics and retinoids, can increase photosensitivity and cause complications with IPL.
- Pregnancy and breastfeedingIt’s recommended to avoid IPL during pregnancy and breastfeeding because of hormonal changes and a lack of research.
- Skin conditionsPeople with certain skin conditions, like eczema, psoriasis, or keloids, may be more prone to skin irritation.
- Recent sun exposureIPL should not be performed on recently tanned skin because it can increase the risk of burns, scarring, or changes in skin pigmentation.
- PreparationIf you have opted to use a topical numbing cream, this should be applied one hour prior to your appointment. Upon arrival your provider will go over your intake paperwork with you followed by skin cleansing and photos. You’ll then be given protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the light.
- TreatmentA technician will apply a gel to your skin and then use a handheld IPL device to deliver light pulses to the treatment area. The pulses may feel like a rubber band snapping against your skin, but the treatment shouldn’t be painful. The treatment time depends on the size of the area being treated, but it’s usually 15–30 minutes.
- AftercareYou might feel like you have a sunburn for a few hours after the treatment. You can use ice packs or a cool washcloth to help with any discomfort. Your skin may also be red or bruised for a day or two.
IPL photofacial downtime is the period of time following your treatment during which your skin may be red, sensitive, and/or swollen. This usually lasts for 24-48 hours, though in some cases it may last up to a week. During this time, it is important to avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen when outdoors.
The effects of an IPL Photofacial are gradual, so don’t expect to see immediate results. You begin to see a change in your face within a week to 10 days and on the other treated areas of your body within 6-8 weeks.
On average, we typically recommend a series of 3 – 6 IPL photofacial treatments to help achieve an optimal outcome. After this initial round of treatment, routine maintenance — or “touch-up” — treatments can be used to keep your skin looking its best over the long term.
ntense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments are generally not painful, and are often described as feeling like a mild tingling or warm sensation. Some say it feels like a light flick or pinches, or like being snapped with a rubber band. The level of pain depends on the settings used, with higher settings feeling more like a rubber band snapping. Pain is usually more noticeable in areas with sensitive skin