IPL Photofacial: What It Is And How Does It Work

Published June 11, 2024

In this ever-evolving skincare realm, innovative treatments are continually emerging—all in the name of having a flawless complexion. One such breakthrough is the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) photofacial. It is a non-invasivenoninvasive procedure that promises to rejuvenate your skin and address many common skin dilemmas. With this fantastic treatment, you’ll be able to say goodbye to stubborn age spots, sun damage, redness, and fine lines, among others. 

In this article, we’ll discuss everything there is to know about this rather impressive and unreal skincare treatment. We’ll discuss how it performs, its benefits, costs, aftercare, and more. Let’s start. 

What Is an IPL Treatment?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, also known as photofacial, is a way to better the color and texture of your complexion without surgery.

During an IPL photofacial, a light-emitting tool is targeted to alleviate specific skin concerns and render complete face rejuvenation. Heat is generated when the pulses of light are absorbed by the skin’s melanin and red blood cells. This warmth then gives a superficial injury. 

The injury activates the skin’s natural healing process without harming delicate dermal tissues. The skin attempts to repair itself by shedding its dull, damaged outer layer and forming a supple, vibrant, new complexion. 

Benefits of IPL Photofacial 

1. Having a photofacial is one of the best means to improve sun-damaged skin. 

The sun is our skin’s worst enemy. There’s no going around it. Most of the changes in our complexion as we age are a direct result of exposure to UV radiation. Sunlight breaks down our skin’s collagen, making it weaker and more vulnerable to wrinkling and sagging. 

Sun damage also triggers dark age spots on highly exposed spaces such as hands and faces, giving the skin a lined, leathery, weathered look. 

IPL photofacial can fight the effects of UV damage in two ways. First, it pierces and draws out discolored cells that have manifested deep in the dermis. By dissolving these cells, dark spots and excessive freckling transform into an event, dewy complexion. After this stage of deep exfoliation, the sin will generate a significant amount of new collagen. The skin will become firmer and more supple. 

2. Photofacials can treat stubborn acne. 

Intense pulsed lights can tackle the causes of acne and its lasting adverse effects, like scarring. This innovative treatment kills harmful bacteria and decreases redness and inflammation. Repeated treatments encourage the skin to shed, which gradually eliminates scar tissue. 

3. Intense pulsed light can eliminate visible veins and capillaries. 

Intense pulsed light is also positively absorbed by red blood cells. This is an excellent intervention for visible blood vessel abnormalities. It can dissolve broken capillaries and spider veins for a more even, youthful complexion. It can also treat skin dilemmas that diffuse redness, such as rosacea. 

4. Having regular IPL photofacial can prevent premature skin aging. 

Intense pulsed light is unique in its ability to change the structure of skin cells change skin cells’ structure. It makes them behave more like younger people. A 10-year research study by Stanford University displayed that having two to three photofacials annually for a decade can positively modify the genes of dermal cells. The genetic expression of aged skin cells treated consistently with IPL resembles that of young, healthy skin cells. 

5. IPL can treat multiple areas of the body 

IPL photofacial is the most famous intervention for facial rejuvenation. Yet, it can also renew one’s neck, upper chest, shoulders, hands, arms, and legs. 

6. IPL photofacials pair well with other non-surgical treatments 

The gentle lifting and revitalizing benefit of the IPL photofacial can be complemented with other noninvasive cosmetic treatments, like Botox and dermal fillers. Botox can decrease wrinkles in areas photofacial can’t treat, like the region around the eyes. On the other hand, dermal fillers will boost the lifting effect of IPL therapy by replenishing facial volume that’s been depleted with age. 

7. IPL treatment offers deep rejuvenation with minimal downtime 

IPL photofacial is robust enough to access the deeper layers of the dermis. Yet, you’ll be surprised that it is so delicate that it won’t cause excessive swelling, redness, or lasting irritation. The pulses of light emitted during IPL are less concentrated than a laser beam, making it much less risky than laser skin resurfacing. 

8. Photorejuvenation is quick and convenient. 

IPL therapy will only take half an hour, so you can easily schedule it around other commitments. Most patients experience only mild discomfort while doing so, which might be similar to being popped with a rubber band. You can also request for a topical numbing cream for more sensitive areas. 

9. IPLS is deemed affordable 

The photofacial costs less than other laser treatments while being safer and more convenient. An IPL procedure can cost as little as $300 and range up to $600. 

10. IPLS can remove unwanted hair 

People with lighter complexions and dark hair can use intense pulsed light (IPL) to remove unwanted face and body hair painlessly. Like laser hair removal, IPL can quickly remove hair from large areas. 

IPL Recovery 

The aftermath of an IPL photofacial can leave you feeling like you’ve got 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, yet they should peel off within a few weeks. 

Immediate post-treatment care  

• Wear a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 
• Apply cool compresses or ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort
• Use a gentle moisturizer to keep your complexion hydrated. 

Daily care 

• Cleanse your face using a mild soap or cleanser. 
• Do not scrub or exfoliate your skin for at least a week. Let any flaking or peeling occur naturally. 
• Stay away from saunas, hot tubs, and intense physical activities that cause sweating for a few days. 

Specific concerns 

• Abstain from applying makeup for at least 24 hours post-treatment. 
• Watch for side effects. Mild redness, swelling, and a sensation comparable to a mild sunburn are common after treatment. These will all subside. If you experience severe pain, blistering, or signs of infections, contact your cosmetic provider immediately. 

Who Shouldn’t Get IPL Treatment?

It is best to connect with a doctor first if you: 

• Are pregnant
• Have a skin condition
• Have a sunburn 
• Take medications for other conditions, such as blood thinners or the acne drug isotretinoin. 

IPL photofacial isn’t a sound 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 severe scarring
• Have keloid scar tissue