Lights, Pulses, Action: How IPL Treatments Can Transform Your Skin!

March 28, 2025

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

For the last two years, I have been getting 2-3 treatments per winter of IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light. The reason I started this is because, as I have aged, I have noticed my nose and cheeks becoming increasingly more splotchy and red. It is not a look I love so after asking around, and being deathly afraid of intense pain, I landed on this treatment path as the easiest and least painful way to achieve a balanced skin tone.

And because I recently had my last one of the winter, it occurred to me that perhaps this is something that you all might be interested in knowing more about. So let’s dive in, shall we?

Everything You Need to Know About Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments

If you’re looking for a non-invasive way to achieve clearer, smoother, and more even-toned skin, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments might be the perfect solution. IPL is a versatile skincare treatment that targets a range of skin concerns, from hyperpigmentation and acne scars to redness and fine lines. In this post, we’ll break down how IPL works, its benefits, and what to expect from a treatment.

What is IPL and How Does It Work?

IPL is a light-based treatment that uses broad-spectrum pulses of light to penetrate the skin and target pigment, redness, and damaged cells. Unlike laser treatments, which focus on a single wavelength, IPL delivers multiple wavelengths, making it effective for treating various skin issues at once. The light energy is absorbed by melanin (pigmentation) or hemoglobin (redness), breaking them down so the body can naturally eliminate them.

Benefits of IPL Treatments

✔ Reduces Sun Damage & Hyperpigmentation – Targets sunspots, freckles, and age spots for a brighter complexion.
✔ Evens Skin Tone & Reduces Redness – Effectively treats rosacea, broken capillaries, and redness.
✔ Stimulates Collagen Production – Helps smooth fine lines and improve skin elasticity.
✔ Minimizes Acne & Scars – Reduces active breakouts and improves the appearance of acne scars.
✔ Non-Invasive with Minimal Downtime – A quick treatment with little to no recovery time.

What to Expect During an IPL Treatment

• Preparation: Avoid sun exposure, self-tanners, and harsh skincare products before your session.
• During the Procedure: A cooling gel is applied to the skin, and the IPL device delivers pulses of light. Some patients describe the sensation as a light snap, like a rubber band against the skin.
• Aftercare: Mild redness and slight swelling may occur, but these effects typically subside within a few hours. Sun protection is essential post-treatment.

Who is a Good Candidate for IPL?

IPL is ideal for individuals with lighter to medium skin tones who struggle with pigmentation, redness, or signs of aging. However, those with darker skin tones may need to explore alternative treatments, as IPL targets melanin and could cause uneven pigmentation.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

Most people see noticeable results after just one session, but for optimal results, a series of 3-5 treatments spaced a few weeks apart is often recommended. In my experience, the first year I did it, I went 3 times and every year thereafter, as a maintenance, I went 1-2 times. Always during the winter to avoid sunlight as much as I could.

Final Thoughts

IPL treatments are a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to achieve a brighter, more youthful complexion. Whether you’re looking to fade dark spots, reduce redness, or improve overall skin texture, IPL could be the solution you’ve been searching for.

Hope this helps everyone. Depending on where you are, it might not be the right time of year to begin treatments but call your local dermatologist to see what they recommend.