IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Treatment Description

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Also known as photo rejuvenation or a photo facial, it is a popular, non-invasive light-based treatment used to address a wide range of skin concerns, including pigmentation, redness, rosacea, broken capillaries, sun damage, and uneven skin tone and texture.

Unlike laser treatments that use a single focused wavelength of light, IPL emits a broad spectrum of high-intensity pulsed light that penetrates the skin and targets two key chromophores, melanin (responsible for pigmentation and dark spots) and haemoglobin (the red pigment in blood vessels). The light energy is absorbed and converted into heat, breaking down excess pigmentation and coagulating the blood vessels responsible for redness and visible veins, without affecting the surrounding skin.

In addition to addressing these visible concerns, the heat energy generated by IPL simultaneously stimulates the production of new collagen beneath the skin surface, firming, smoothing, and rejuvenating the skin over time. Improvements can be seen as early as ten days following the first treatment, with enhanced results after each subsequent session. Results continue to improve long after treatment, as IPL activates the skin’s own natural collagen-building mechanisms.

A series of IPL treatments at four-week intervals is recommended, after which the skin will appear more luminous, brighter, and smoother, with a more even and youthful complexion.

What to Expect

• Patch Test: Before commencing a course of IPL treatment, a patch test is required to assess how your skin will react to the light energy and to confirm there are no adverse reactions. If the patch test is satisfactory, your first full treatment session will follow.
• The Procedure: A cooling gel is applied to the treatment area to protect the skin and help the light penetrate evenly. The IPL handpiece is then applied to the skin and short, intense pulses of light are delivered to the targeted areas. The sensation is often described as a warm snap or a mild elastic band flick against the skin. Most sessions take 20 to 45 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area.
• During Treatment: The light energy targets pigment and blood vessels beneath the skin surface without damaging the outer layer. The skin cools between pulses to maintain comfort. Protective eyewear is worn throughout to shield the eyes from the light.
• Immediately After: The treatment area may appear slightly red and feel warm, similar to mild sunburn. This typically subsides within a few hours. Pigmented areas such as age spots or freckles will often darken initially, appearing like coffee grounds on the skin surface, before naturally flaking away over seven to ten days.
• Side Effects: Side effects are generally mild and temporary. The most common are: mild discomfort or heat sensation (lasting up to an hour); temporary swelling and redness (subsiding within hours, but possibly lasting up to seven days); darkening of pigmented spots before they shed (three to seven days); crusting in treated areas (up to ten days); and occasional bruising (lasting five to fifteen days). Blistering is rare but possible if the skin reacts strongly. In cases of unexpected side effects, further treatments should be postponed until the skin has fully healed.
• Treatment Course: A series of treatments at four-week intervals is recommended for optimal results. The number of sessions required will depend on the skin concerns being addressed and individual skin response.

Benefits

Preparation Instructions

• Sun Exposure: Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, and fake tan for a minimum of three to four weeks before treatment. IPL cannot be performed on suntanned skin, as this significantly increases the risk of pigmentation changes and adverse reactions.
• Retinoids & Active Ingredients: Discontinue retinoids (Retin-A, tretinoin, retinol), alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), glycolic acid, and other active exfoliating ingredients for at least two days before treatment. Those on Accutane should not undergo IPL until at least six months after completing the course.
• Self-Tanning Products: Avoid all self-tanning products for two weeks prior to treatment.
• Medications: Inform your practitioner of all current medications, particularly any photosensitising medications (such as certain antibiotics or anti-inflammatories) that may increase your sensitivity to light and affect treatment safety.
• Patch Test: A patch test is required before commencing IPL treatment. Do not schedule your first full treatment without completing this step.
• Arrive Clean: Come to your appointment with clean skin, free of makeup, moisturiser, and skincare products on the area to be treated.

Aftercare

• ⚠️ Crucial Rule: Avoid all sun exposure for a minimum of 30 days following treatment and apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning without exception. Sun exposure before or after IPL is the primary cause of hyperpigmentation and adverse reactions.
• What to Expect During Healing: Redness and a warm, sunburn-like sensation may persist for two to five hours after treatment, and redness can last two to five days. Age spots and freckles will initially darken and may appear like coffee grounds on the skin surface, this is a positive sign that the treatment is working. They will naturally flake away over three to seven days. Do not pick or rub them. Mild crusting in treated areas may occur and typically resolves within ten days. Bruising may appear in vascular treatment areas and can last five to fifteen days. Temporary swelling may occur immediately after treatment, typically subsiding within hours but occasionally lasting up to seven days.
• What to Avoid: Do not take hot showers, hot baths, or use saunas or steam rooms for a minimum of 48 hours post-treatment. Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 48 hours following treatment. Do not exfoliate the skin for the first seven days, this can cause irritation on the sensitised skin. Do not pick at any crusting, darkened spots, or blisters. Allow the skin to shed naturally. Avoid skincare products containing harsh chemicals, vitamin A derivatives (retinoids, Retin-A, tretinoin, retinoic acid), AHAs, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide until the skin has fully recovered. Avoid applying makeup to treated areas with fragile or crusted skin until fully healed.
• What to Do: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning. This is non-negotiable following IPL, sun exposure on recently treated skin can cause hyperpigmentation and compromise your results. Cleanse the skin gently twice a day with warm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Keep the skin well moisturised at all times using a gentle, non-irritating moisturiser to support healing and maintain the skin barrier. Add the AQ Active Serum to your post-treatment skincare routine to accelerate collagen repair and support a smooth, healthy-looking complexion. A Glow Facial or microdermabrasion session can be performed two to three weeks after IPL to further protect and hydrate the skin while removing any remaining dead skin cells, enhancing and prolonging your results.

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