Sunspots, redness and uneven tone build up slowly, and most skincare products only work on the surface. Intense pulsed light, or IPL, reaches the pigment and small blood vessels below it. At WellnessMD in Collierville, Tennessee, we use Lumecca IPL, a photofacial treatment for discoloration and redness on the face, neck, chest and hands. Here’s how IPL works, what it treats, what a session feels like and who should skip it.
What Is IPL?
IPL is a light-based skin treatment that has been used for decades. Unlike a laser, which uses a single wavelength of light, IPL delivers a broad spectrum of light in short pulses. Different wavelengths are absorbed by different targets in the skin, which is why one treatment can address both brown spots and redness.
IPL treatments are often called photofacials, though they aren’t limited to the face. Common treatment areas include the face, neck, chest, arms and hands.
How Does Intense Pulsed Light Work?
Pigment and blood vessels absorb light energy and turn it into heat. With IPL, that heat breaks down excess pigment in sunspots and age spots, and it shrinks small visible blood vessels. The surrounding skin absorbs much less of the light.
After treatment, treated spots usually darken for a few days, then flake away as the skin renews. Redness and broken capillaries fade gradually over the following weeks. IPL may also stimulate collagen production, which can improve overall skin texture and radiance.
What Skin Concerns Can IPL Treat?
IPL is used for concerns caused by pigment or visible blood vessels, including:
- Sunspots, age spots and freckles
- Uneven skin tone and blotchiness from sun damage
- Facial redness and rosacea
- Broken capillaries and small visible veins on the face
If age spots or uneven skin tone are your main concern, those pages cover the full range of treatment options at WellnessMD.
IPL vs. Laser: What’s the Difference?
Both IPL and lasers use light to treat the skin, but they work differently.
- IPL uses many wavelengths at once, spread over a wider area. It’s well suited to treating several surface concerns, like spots and redness, in one session.
- Lasers use one focused wavelength aimed at a specific target. That precision suits other jobs, like hair removal or deeper resurfacing.
At WellnessMD, laser hair removal is done with Diolaze, a separate laser technology. Your provider can help you decide which approach fits your goals.
What Does an IPL Treatment Feel Like?
Before treatment, a cooling gel is applied to the area. The IPL handpiece then delivers pulses of light across the skin. Most patients describe each pulse as brief warmth or a light snap, like a rubber band against the skin.
Treatments are quick, and most people return to normal activities the same day. Temporary redness and mild sensitivity are common afterward and usually settle within a few hours to a few days.
How Many IPL Sessions Will I Need?
Many patients notice improvement after one session. Most get the clearest results from a series of treatments spaced a few weeks apart. The number depends on your skin, the concerns being treated and how your skin responds. Your provider will recommend a plan at your consultation.
Because new sun damage can develop over time, some patients schedule occasional maintenance treatments.
Who Should Avoid IPL?
IPL isn’t right for everyone. It works most predictably on lighter skin tones, where the contrast between normal skin and dark spots is clear. People with darker skin tones, or with a recent tan, have a higher risk of side effects like blistering or light patches of skin.
Your provider will also ask about medications, recent sun exposure and skin conditions before treatment. Tell them if you take medications that increase sun sensitivity or have a history of abnormal scarring.
Can IPL Be Combined With Other Treatments?
IPL targets color: brown spots and redness. It does less for texture, fine lines or acne scars. For those, some patients pair IPL with a texture-focused treatment like SkinPen microneedling. Treatments are usually spaced apart rather than done the same day, and your provider will recommend the timing.
IPL Aftercare Tips
Good aftercare helps your results and your comfort:
- Avoid direct sun exposure and wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day.
- Keep the treated skin moisturized.
- Let darkened spots flake off on their own instead of picking or scrubbing them.
- Skip makeup on sensitive areas until redness settles.
Most people are back to their regular skincare routine within about a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does IPL hurt?
Most patients tolerate IPL well. The most common description is brief warmth or a light snapping feeling with each pulse. The cooling gel helps keep the treatment comfortable.
How soon will I see results from IPL?
Brown spots often darken within days and then flake away. Skin tone continues to look clearer over several weeks as the skin renews.
Is there downtime after IPL?
Downtime is minimal. Expect some redness or mild sensitivity for a few hours to a few days. Most people return to work and normal activities right away.
Can IPL help with rosacea?
IPL is commonly used to reduce the visible redness and broken capillaries associated with rosacea. It doesn’t cure rosacea, so some patients schedule maintenance treatments.
Can IPL be used on darker skin?
IPL is better suited to lighter skin tones. People with darker skin or a recent tan face a higher risk of pigment changes or blistering. Your provider will assess your skin and may recommend a different treatment.
Schedule an IPL Consultation in Collierville
WellnessMD is at 3680 S. Houston Levee Rd., Suite 104, Collierville, TN 38017. Call (901) 221-7212 or book online to find out whether Lumecca IPL is a good fit for your skin.