Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
What is IPL? Intense Pulsed Light
IPL stands for intense pulsed light and is somewhat similar to a laser treatment. Instead of one wavelength of light to reach the skin, as in a treatment from a laser, IPL penetrates the first layer of skin, called the epidermis, to treat the second layer, or dermis. This causes less damage to the outer layer of skin. The damaged area from the treatment beneath the first layer is then removed by the body’s natural skin repair mechanisms, resulting in a smoother and more youthful appearance of the skin. Within the skin, pigment layers convert the light energy to heat, which destroys unwanted pigmentation to clear the appearance of freckles and other unwanted spots. IPL treatments are effective for face, neck, décolleté, hands, arms and back but can be used anywhere on the body but may not be as effective.
The ideal candidate for IPL photofacial treatments is someone concerned about age-related skin conditions such as discoloration and fine lines. Additionally, people with acne, rosacea, age spots, and freckles can benefit from a series of IPL laser treatments. IPL treatments are suitable for people with lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin type I-III).
IPL Can Improve
- Skin pigmentation caused by aging, medication, or sun damage
- Spider veins and broken capillaries
- Inflammatory acne
- Rosacea
- Hemangiomas (a benign tumor of blood vessels that forms a red birthmark)
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Shallow acne scarring with large pores
