IPL Before and After: What to Expect

Published March 2, 2021

Most people cannot avoid the damaging effects caused by being under the sun. IPL or Intense Pulsed Light therapy is a method people use to lighten their skin color and smoothen the texture without surgery. IPL improves the skin’s complexion by getting rid of visible damage such as darkening eyes and aging signs caused by sun exposure. The IPL treatment is known to rejuvenate the skin and bring back the glow. The treatment is effective in addressing the impurities and flaws on the skin. This article will discuss all you need to know about the method of IPL before and after treatment. 

How It Works

The IPL treatment is done by applying light energy to a particular area on the skin with spotted color. The light energy heats the skin, which helps eliminate unwanted cells, which causes uneven skin tone, pigmentation, broken capillaries, and large pores. The IPL therapy also helps treat different skin conditions and gives a more youthful look from uneven skin clearing. Most of the time, certified doctors perform the IPL treatment, but nurses or a physician assistant with significant IPL knowledge may also do the procedure.

Who Is It For?

The IPL treatment works best on individuals with pale or light brown skin. It is also recommended for individuals who are experiencing signs of aging from too much exposure to the sun or what is also called photoaging. UV rays from the sun penetrate the skin damaging the fibers that keep the skin firm and giving it an uneven skin tone. If you work on the beach as a lifeguard or any other job that requires you to be under the sun for a certain amount of time, the IPL treatment may work for you. 

People who should avoid getting an IPL treatment are women who are pregnant, people with skin conditions, and those taking medication for medical reasons. This kind of skin therapy may also not be the best for those who are sensitive to light, frequent users of tanning beds/creams, dark-skinned individuals, and those who have severe scarring or a keloid. The IPL treatment is also perfect for those with Rosacea and visible facial veins.

What to Expect From IPL 

Before/During Therapy

Before undergoing IPL therapy, the doctors or experts who will conduct it will ensure that you haven’t recently been tanning or using tanning cream as it may affect the treatment process may have some side effects. It is also a must that you do not wear any skin products such as perfume and deodorant, have not taken any drug such as aspirin, and are not under any medication. 

The process starts with the doctor rubbing a cleansing gel/cream on the skin. You will be wearing protective eye gear the whole session, which usually lasts for 20 to 30 minutes. The length of time depends on how big the area being treated is. The treatment may hurt a little but nothing that a little numbing cream can’t handle.

After Therapy

Like most skin treatments, the IPL treatment may result in some minimal side effects. Other than some redness and slight bruising, the skin may feel like it is undergoing a sunburn after a few hours of getting the treatment. You may apply an ice pack or washcloth to the irritated area to calm the skin down from the irritation. The brown spots may also appear to get darker but will eventually peel off after a few weeks.