IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a popular non-invasive skin treatment that can improve a variety of concerns, including pigmentation, sun damage, redness and uneven skin tone.
IPL works by delivering broad-spectrum light energy into the skin, targeting specific chromophores such as melanin (pigment) and haemoglobin (blood vessels). This process helps break down unwanted pigment and vascular irregularities (e.g., broken capillaries) while also stimulating collagen production for overall skin rejuvenation.
IPL is not technically a laser treatment, but it’s often grouped with laser treatments due to its similar therapeutic effects. If you’re interested in IPL, the ideal time for treatment is in winter, as individuals should avoid sun exposure before and after treatment. We also recommend that you take a few moments to learn about preparation and after-care, and what actually happens during an IPL treatment. Being informed will take away any surprises, and give you the best chance of achieving safe, effective results.
How IPL works
IPL devices emit multiple wavelengths of light, which our registered cosmetic nurses adjust depending on the skin concern being treated. When the light penetrates the skin, it is absorbed by pigment or blood vessels. This absorption generates heat, which causes controlled damage to the targeted cells.
- For pigmentation issues such as sunspots or freckles, heat breaks down excess melanin, causing the pigmented areas to temporarily darken before gradually flaking away over the next few days.
- For redness and vascular concerns, the light energy is absorbed by haemoglobin, helping to collapse and reduce visible blood vessels.
In addition to treating specific concerns such as freckles or broken capillaries, IPL stimulates the skin’s natural healing response, encouraging the production of collagen and elastin. Over time, this contributes to firmer, healthier and more even-looking skin.
Your consultation
To determine whether IPL could benefit you, the first step is a consultation with one of our registered cosmetic nurses. During your appointment, you can discuss your concerns and objectives, and your nurse can assess your skin and suitability for treatment. If they think that IPL can address your concerns, and you are happy to proceed, you can prepare for treatment.
Pre-treatment protocols
Preparing your skin correctly is essential to minimise risks and optimise your results.
- In the weeks leading up to your treatment, avoid sun exposure as much as possible. Tanned or sunburnt skin increases the risk of complications such as burns, blistering or post-inflammatory pigmentation.
- We recommend you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) daily for at least 2 to 4 weeks before treatment. Also, avoid fake tan, as it can interfere with how light is absorbed by the skin.
- Pause the use of all active skincare products for approximately one week before your appointment. This includes products such as AHA, BHA, exfoliating scrubs, vitamin C and retinols.
- If you’re prone to cold sores, we may recommend you take antiviral medication to help prevent an outbreak after treatment.
Your IPL treatment
Please arrive at the clinic with clean skin that’s free of make-up, moisturiser or perfume.
Before your treatment, we will cleanse your face and apply a topical anaesthetic gel to numb the area. Once you’re adequately numbed, we’ll remove the numbing gel and apply a cooling gel before starting the treatment. The actual treatment usually only lasts a few minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
You’ll be given goggles to wear to protect your eyes.
The IPL handpiece is then placed against the skin, delivering pulses of light in a series of flashes. Patients often describe a sensation as a quick snap or flick against the skin, a bit like a rubber band. The treatment is generally well tolerated, although some areas may feel more sensitive than others.
Immediately after treatment
- Your treated area will feel warm and appear slightly red, similar to a mild sunburn. This typically settles within a few hours, although some individuals may experience redness for up to a day or two. It’s important you avoid the sun after treatment as your skin will be particularly photosensitive.
- If your treatment was to address pigmentation, sunspots or freckles, these pigments will become darker and more noticeable in the days following the procedure. This is a normal response, as the pigment rises to the skin’s surface before gradually flaking off over the next 5 to 10 days.
- Mild swelling can occur optically when treating areas with redness or vascular concerns. Once again, this usually resolves within a day or two.
Unlike more aggressive laser treatments, IPL generally involves minimal downtime. Most people can return to normal activities immediately, although some precautions are necessary during the healing phase. Please see below.
IPL After-care
After-care is critical following IPL — for both safety and results. Your skin will be more sensitive after treatment, so gentle care is essential.
- Sun protection will be your number one priority, as exposure to UV radiation can increase the risk of complications and undo the benefits of your treatment. Apply an SPF50+ sunscreen daily and reapply regularly when outdoors. Avoid direct sun exposure for at least two weeks after treatment.
- Keep your skin clean and well hydrated. Use a simple, gentle cleanser and an equally simple moisturiser. Avoid all active skincare products for several days until the skin has settled.
- Do not pick or scratch at the darkened pigmentation as it flakes away. By allowing the skin to shed naturally, you’ll reduce the chance of irritation or pigmentation changes.
- Avoid all heat-related activities, such as hot baths, hot showers, saunas, and intense exercise, for the first day or two, as they can exacerbate redness and sensitivity.
- Wait 24 hours before applying makeup, but only if the skin is not overly irritated.
Results
Results from IPL develop gradually. You’ll notice pigmented lesions darkening over the first few days and then falling off, revealing clearer skin underneath. Improvements in redness and overall skin tone may be noticeable within 1 to 2 weeks.
Collagen stimulation is a slower process, however, with improvements in skin texture and firmness becoming more apparent over several weeks.
We usually recommend that most individuals have a series of treatments (typically 3 to 5 sessions spaced approximately four weeks apart) to achieve optimal results. Maintenance treatments may be recommended to sustain the outcome.
Suitable candidates for IPL
IPL is best suited for individuals with lighter skin tones and concerns such as sun damage, pigmentation, redness and mild signs of ageing. It is generally less suitable for darker skin types, as there is a higher risk of pigmentation complications due to the way light interacts with melanin.
IPL may not be appropriate for those with active infections, open wounds, certain skin conditions or a history of abnormal scarring. To determine your suitability and customise a treatment plan, you must have an initial consultation with one of our qualified cosmetic nurses.
If you’d like to find out more about IPL, please call the clinic today on 1300 726 272.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. Results can vary between individuals. This treatment may not be suitable for everyone. A consultation with a qualified practitioner is essential before any treatment, and potential risks and side effects should be discussed during this consultation.
Samara Aesthetics is conveniently located at 918 Beaufort Street, Inglewood, near Morley, Maylands, Mt Lawley, Dianella, Bayswater, Bedford and North Perth.
