IPL LASER FACIAL

Intense Pulsed Light, more commonly known as IPL, is a light-based treatment that focuses primarily on improving discoloration in the skin, but that’s not all it’s good for.

An IPL laser facial reduces the look of broken blood vessels, stubborn redness, signs of rosacea, and more. And since IPL laser facials don’t bear significant downtime or compromise the outer layer of the skin like ablative lasers do, they work well for a wide variety of lifestyles, too.

Still, anytime any laser is used on the skin, there’s plenty to be aware of and educate yourself before undergoing the procedure. So consider this a crash course in all things IPL laser facial.

WHAT IS AN IPL LASER FACIAL?

IPL is not technically a laser, although it is often grouped under the laser umbrella. Instead of using a wavelength of energy to improve the skin, an IPL laser facial uses a high-intensity light that breaks up pigment and improves the skin’s texture.

Unlike a laser, which uses a single wavelength, IPL relies upon several different wavelengths of light, allowing the treatment to hone in on various issues. That’s why an IPL laser facial can improve the skin’s texture, reduce unwanted hair and reduce pigment and redness from the surface. In addition, lasers often compromise the outermost layer of skin to penetrate the dermis—it’s just how they work—but the light emitted during an IPL laser facial bypasses the skin’s surface and doesn’t damage the epidermis, making side effects less likely to occur and limiting the downtime and recovery.

But, for an IPL laser facial to do its job and improve the skin, the light emitted from the device’s handpiece is directed to pigmented cells in the skin that absorb it and then convert it into heat deep with the dermis. It’s the heat that breaks up the pigment in the skin.

DOES IPL WORK FOR EVERYONE?

IPL has come a long way since it was first introduced to the aesthetics market years ago. The machines and devices used today, use a broader range of light wavelengths making the treatment more compatible with various skin tones and types. Still, we always recommend a consultation before an IPL laser facial to ensure it is the right treatment for your skin.

One of the many reasons patients love the effects of laser facials is that it improves a variety of skin conditions, making it a universally accepted treatment. Some of the benefits of IPL include the following:

• A reduction in sunspots and pigmentation
• Less redness in the skin
• Fewer symptoms of rosacea on the skin
• Less noticeable broken capillaries
• More even skin tone and texture
• A reduction of unwanted facial hair

HOW MANY IPL LASER FACIAL TREATMENTS DO I NEED?

Every patient is different, but on average, you’ll need two to five treatments to eliminate your skin concerns.

IPL laser facials are usually spaced out about one month apart. Your provider may recommend maintenance treatments to keep your skin fresh and flawless after completing the entire treatment.

DOES IPL LASER FACIAL REMOVE FACIAL HAIR TOO?

Yes, IPL laser facials can help get rid of unwanted facial hair.

The treatment works when hair is the bane of your existence by targeting the melanin in the hair follicle; when treating the skin, the device selectively targets the melanin in the skin.

Since facial and body hair does not always grow at the same rate and can be at different points in the hair growth cycle, a series of treatments is needed to eradicate the hairs, so the skin is fuzz free and smooth.

WHAT DOES IPL DO FOR THE FACE?

There’s a lot that an IPL laser facial can do for the face and skin.

Since the treatment targets pigment within the skin, it’s a go-to for reducing minimal sun damage, redness, and signs of broken capillaries. But bey9ond that, IPL can also get rid of unwanted facial hair and even out the skin tone and texture so that it’s smoother. If acne scarring is an issue, an IPL laser facial can also help lighten up post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation to reduce the lingering effects of past breakouts.