How IPL Therapy Can Help You Achieve Glowing Skin

As we age, our skin undergoes a variety of changes, including the development of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and uneven skin tone.  Many women (myself included) turn to cosmetic treatments to address these concerns, one of which is IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy.  For years now, I’ve been going for IPL therapy, and it’s made the most impact on my skin.  It’s transformed my skin from looking drab and sun-damaged to glowing and has even reduced the redness from my Rosacea.  I feel confident going out without feeling like I have to cover up my skin.  In my opinion, IPL is the best treatment for aging skin, and I think your skin can glow from IPL therapy too!

Prior to this year, I had only treated my face with IPL.  See my post here about those treatments!  This year I looked to treat my neck and chest.  The first treatment is usually the most noticeably effective as it tends to remove the most amount of pigments and age spots.  To give you an idea of the changes you can experience, I’ve included some before and after photos of my recent treatment.

 

Before IPL – lots of age spots and pigment

4 Hours after IPL – felt like a sunburn

4 Days after IPL – pigment rising to skin surface

4 Weeks after IPL – much better!  Needs one more treatment.

 

What is IPL?

IPL is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses broad-spectrum light to improve the appearance of the skin.  Unlike lasers, which use a single wavelength of light to target specific skin concerns, IPL uses a range of wavelengths to target a broader range of skin issues.
During an IPL treatment, a handheld device is used to deliver short bursts of intense light to the skin.  The light penetrates the skin and targets the pigments in the skin, such as melanin (which causes age spots and sun damage) and hemoglobin (which causes redness and broken capillaries).  The heat from the light causes the pigments to break down, which are then absorbed by the body, leaving the skin with a more even and youthful appearance.

 

Why do people get IPL therapy?

People get IPL for a variety of reasons, but most commonly to address visible signs of aging or sun damage.  IPL can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, and reduce the appearance of age spots and sun damage.  It can also help treat conditions like rosacea and acne by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria on the skin.

 

IPL for fine lines and wrinkles

IPL can help with fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production in the skin.  Collagen is a protein that provides structure and support to the skin, giving it a smooth and firm appearance.  As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to the development of fine lines and wrinkles.

During an IPL treatment, the light energy penetrates the skin and heats up the deeper layers of tissue, stimulating the production of new collagen.  This new collagen can help fill in fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a more youthful and plump appearance.

 

IPL for improving texture and tone

In addition to stimulating collagen production, IPL can also help improve the texture and tone of the skin.  It can reduce the appearance of age spots and sun damage, which can contribute to a less youthful appearance.

It’s important to note that while IPL can be effective for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles it may not be suitable for everyone.  The treatment is generally most effective for individuals with mild to moderate signs of aging, and those with more severe wrinkles or sagging skin may require more intensive treatments, such as laser resurfacing or facelift surgery.  It’s always best to consult with a qualified practitioner to determine if IPL is the right treatment option for you.

 

IPL therapy for acne

IPL can be an effective treatment option for acne because it targets two of the main causes of acne: inflammation and bacteria.
During an IPL treatment, the light energy penetrates the skin and heats up the deeper layers of tissue, which can help reduce inflammation in the skin.  Inflammation is one of the primary drivers of acne, and reducing inflammation can help to calm the skin and reduce the severity of acne breakouts.

In addition to reducing inflammation, IPL can also help to eliminate the bacteria that contribute to acne.  The light energy from the IPL device targets the bacteria that cause acne and kills them, reducing the number of bacteria on the skin and helping to prevent future breakouts.

IPL can also be effective for reducing the appearance of acne scars.  The treatment stimulates collagen production in the skin, which can help to fill in the depressions and uneven texture caused by acne scarring.

It’s important to note that while IPL therapy can be effective for treating acne, it may not be suitable for everyone.  Individuals with severe or cystic acne may require more intensive treatments, such as oral medication or laser therapy.  It’s always best to consult with a qualified practitioner to determine if IPL is the right treatment option for your acne.

 

 

How much does IPL therapy cost?

The cost of IPL varies depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the treatment area, the number of sessions required, and the location of the clinic.  On average, a single session of IPL can cost anywhere from $300 to $600, with most patients requiring 3-5 sessions to achieve optimal results.

When I first started getting IPL, I did two sessions that were 6 weeks apart, then did twice a year after that.  Lately, I’ve found that once a year has been good for me for maintenance.  The main reason I’ve been going once per year is that I find my Rosacea flares up in the summer from the heat and sunshine- despite wearing sunscreen all the time.

 

Pros and cons of getting IPL

Like any cosmetic procedure, IPL has its pros and cons.  Here are a few to consider:

Pros:

• Non-invasive: IPL is a non-invasive procedure, meaning it doesn’t require any incisions or downtime.
• Versatile: IPL can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, making it a versatile treatment option.
• Results are often long-lasting: While individual results may vary, many people find that the results of IPL last for several months or even years.

Cons:

• Not suitable for all skin types: IPL may not be suitable for individuals with darker skin tones, as it can cause hyperpigmentation or other skin damage.
• Requires multiple sessions: Most patients require multiple sessions of IPL to achieve optimal results, which can be time-consuming and costly.
• Possible side effects: While rare, side effects of IPL can include redness, swelling, and blistering.
• Can be a little uncomfortable.  I use a product called Dr. Numb, which is a 5% Lidocaine cream on my skin to numb it prior to the treatment.  I apply it every 15 minutes for the hour leading up to the treatment.  Doing so makes this feel like a little elastic band snapping on my skin.

 

So, IPL therapy is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help improve the overall appearance of your skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, Rosacea, age spots, and sun damage.  While it may not be suitable for everyone, it can be a great option for individuals looking to achieve a more youthful and vibrant complexion.  If you’re considering IPL, be sure to consult with a qualified practitioner to determine if it’s right for you.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of any healthcare professional.  If you have any concerns about your health, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.  Although I am a Registered nurse, I am not your nurse and the information provided in this blog post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  I am not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this blog post.  Please see my disclaimer here for more information.

 

Take care,

 

 

 

Resources:

Kim, B. Y., Moon, H. R., & Ryu, H. J. (2019). Comparative efficacy of short-pulsed intense pulsed light and pulsed dye laser to treat rosacea. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 21(5), 291-296.
Sales, A. F. S., Pandolfo, I. L., de Almeida Cruz, M., Parisi, J. R., Garcia, L. A., Martignago, C. C. S., … & Vassão, P. G. (2022). Intense Pulsed Light on skin rejuvenation: a systematic review. Archives of Dermatological Research, 314(9), 823-838.
Ciocon, D. H., Boker, A., & Goldberg, D. J. (2009). Intense pulsed light: what works, what’s new, what’s next. Facial Plastic Surgery, 25(05), 290-300.