IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy is a non-surgical skin treatment that uses broad-spectrum flashes of light to improve the appearance of the skin by targeting unwanted pigment, visible blood vessels, and hair follicles.

During the session, a handheld device rests gently on the skin and releases controlled pulses of light. Unlike a laser, which uses a single wavelength, IPL uses many wavelengths at once — similar to a camera flash but far more precise. The light energy is absorbed by pigment (color) in the skin or by the hemoglobin (the red protein in blood) inside small blood vessels. This energy converts to heat, which breaks down the unwanted pigment particles or collapses the vessel, gradually fading the target area. Because the light is carefully filtered, the surrounding skin is largely left undisturbed.

IPL therapy is used to address a range of skin concerns related to pigmentation (uneven color), visible blood vessels, texture, and unwanted hair. A dermatologist will assess your skin type and concern before recommending it.

• Sun damage — freckles, sunspots, and uneven skin tone caused by years of UV exposure
• Melasma — patchy brown or grey discoloration, often linked to hormones
• Rosacea (roh-ZAY-sha) — a condition that causes persistent facial redness and visible small blood vessels
• Telangiectasia (tel-an-jee-ek-TAY-zhuh) — clusters of small, broken blood vessels visible on the face or body
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — dark spots left behind after acne, injury, or inflammation
• Mild acne and oily skin — IPL can reduce the bacteria and sebaceous (oil) glands contributing to breakouts
• Unwanted hair on the face, underarms, legs, bikini line, and other areas
• Aging skin concerns such as fine lines, dullness, and uneven texture

IPL is not suitable for everyone. Your doctor will likely advise against it in certain situations, including:

• Very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types V–VI) — the device may not safely distinguish between skin pigment and the target, raising the risk of burns or discoloration
• Active tan or very recently sun-exposed skin — the elevated pigment level increases complication risk
• Pregnancy
• Active skin infections, open wounds, or inflammatory skin conditions in the treatment area
• Certain medications that make the skin sensitive to light, such as some antibiotics or acne drugs — your doctor will review your medication list
• A history of keloid (thick, raised scar) formation
• Epilepsy triggered by flashing lights (photosensitive epilepsy)

IPL is generally considered a low-risk procedure when performed by a trained practitioner on a suitable skin type, but some side effects and complications are recognised.

• Temporary redness and swelling — the most common reaction, usually settling within a few hours to a couple of days
• Skin sensitivity and a warm or stinging sensation in the treated area, typically short-lived
• Temporary darkening of treated spots before they fade — this is a normal part of the process for pigmented lesions
• Blistering or crusting — more likely if the skin is tanned or the settings are not matched to the skin type
• Hypopigmentation (lighter patches) or hyperpigmentation (darker patches) — more common in darker skin tones or after sun exposure
• Burns — rare when the procedure is done correctly, but possible if the device is misused or the skin is not assessed properly
• Scarring — uncommon, but a known risk particularly in those prone to keloid scars
• Eye injury — protective goggles or shields are always used to prevent this
• Incomplete results — some conditions, such as deep melasma, may not respond fully to IPL and may need alternative or additional treatments

Good preparation helps the skin respond well to IPL and lowers the chance of side effects. Your doctor or skin care practitioner will give you personalised instructions, but the following guidelines are typical.

In the weeks before your session, sun protection is essential. Most clinics ask patients to avoid direct sun exposure and to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays) daily for at least four to six weeks beforehand. Tanned skin increases the risk of burns and discoloration. Self-tanning products and spray tans should also be avoided.

Certain products and treatments should usually be paused before IPL. These commonly include skin-peeling creams such as retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) and alpha hydroxy acids, as well as waxing or plucking in the target area. Blood thinners and photosensitising medications (drugs that make skin extra sensitive to light) may also need to be reviewed with your prescribing doctor. Alcohol is best avoided for a day or two beforehand, as it can increase skin sensitivity. Fasting is not required for IPL.

Standard assessments before IPL typically include:

• A full skin assessment by a dermatologist to classify your skin type (often using the Fitzpatrick scale — a system that rates skin colour and how it reacts to sunlight) and to identify all areas of concern
• A review of your medical history, current medications, and any previous cosmetic or laser treatments
• A patch test (a small trial treatment on an inconspicuous area of skin) to check how your skin reacts before treating a larger area — not all clinics do this, but it is common

On the day of the procedure, the typical sequence of steps is:

• 1. You arrive with clean skin — no makeup, perfume, or creams on the area to be treated
• 2. A cooling gel (similar to ultrasound gel) is applied to the skin to help the light pass through and to protect the surface
• 3. Both you and the practitioner put on protective goggles or eye shields
• 4. The practitioner glides the IPL handpiece across the treatment area, delivering controlled light pulses — you may feel a sensation often described as a rubber band snapping against the skin
• 5. The gel is wiped away and a soothing, moisturising product is applied
• 6. Sunscreen is applied before you leave the clinic
• The session length varies depending on the size and number of areas being treated — a single facial session typically takes less than an hour, but your practitioner will give you a realistic estimate beforehand.

IPL requires no hospital stay — most people return to their normal activities the same day. However, the skin needs careful attention in the days and weeks after treatment to heal well and to protect the results.

• Redness and mild swelling in the treated area are normal and usually settle within hours to a couple of days — cool compresses can help ease discomfort
• Pigmented spots often darken and may develop a faint crust before flaking off naturally over one to two weeks — do not pick or rub them
• Sun protection is critical after IPL: a broad-spectrum sunscreen must be applied daily, and direct sun exposure should be avoided for at least four to six weeks, or as directed by your doctor
• Skincare products containing retinoids, strong acids, or exfoliants (peeling agents) are usually avoided for a week or more after treatment — your practitioner will advise you on when to reintroduce them
• Makeup can usually be applied the next day, but check with your practitioner first
• Hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and intense exercise that causes heavy sweating are generally avoided for the first day or two
• Moisturising the skin gently and regularly helps with healing and comfort
• Multiple sessions are usually needed for the best results — your doctor will recommend how many and how far apart they should be, based on your specific condition
• Follow-up appointments allow your practitioner to assess how the skin is responding and to adjust the treatment plan if needed
• Long-term sun protection and a consistent skincare routine help maintain the improvements and prevent new pigmentation from forming