IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments Remove Brown Spots and Redness While Rejuvenating the Skin

Unlike a laser treatment which consists of a single wavelength of light, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) delivers a range of wavelengths with each pulse.

Certain wavelengths of light are attracted to certain colors such as dark pigment in your skin or hair. The light preferentially heats up the pigment but not the other surrounding colors. An example of this preferential heating is how walking in your bare feet on a black street feels hot compared to walking on a white sidewalk.

When IPL is used to remove brown spots, those cells are damaged and flake away. When used to treat redness, IPL therapy heats up the red blood vessels causing them to close and reabsorb.

The wavelengths of light produced by IPLs also stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which helps increase skin thickness and firmness, evens skin tone, reduces pore size, and decreases fine lines. When used purely for skin rejuvenation, IPL treatments are referred to as Photofacials.

IPL treatments and skin color

Since IPL treatments for brown spots target pigmentation, skin that has a lot of pigment or a tan will react like a brown spot, causing the entire area of skin treated to possibly lose its pigment. That’s why people who are deeply tanned, have used a self-tanner in the previous two weeks, or have dark skin that doesn’t get sunburned easily are not good candidates for IPL. Even a tan that’s barely visible can make the difference between a good result and potential complications.

If you know you’re going to tan or be in the sun, it’s best to wait 4-6 weeks after tanning to have an IPL procedure. With self-tanners, it’s best to wait at least two weeks and try to remove any remaining tanner with rubbing alcohol before your IPL treatment. If you arrive for an IPL treatment with a tan we may have to reschedule it for a later date.

Get more information on the different types of IPL treatments below. 

IPL treatment prices start at $230 with 15% discounts on treatment packages available.

If you’d like to learn more about whether IPL is the best treatment option for your skin goals, you can request a consultation here.