IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy
Intense Pulsed Light — or IPL — is a non-invasive treatment that uses precisely calibrated light energy to address discoloration, uneven tone, and textural concerns across the face, neck, chest, and hands. It's particularly effective for patients dealing with the cumulative effects of sun exposure and aging on the skin's surface, delivering clearer, more even, and more radiant results without surgery or significant recovery time.
What is IPL?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a light-based treatment that targets specific colors and pigments within the skin to address a wide range of surface concerns. What sets it apart from traditional laser treatments is its use of multiple wavelengths of light rather than a single one, allowing it to treat a broader spectrum of concerns — from pigmentation and sun damage to redness and broken capillaries — in a single session.
The light energy is absorbed by the targeted cells, prompting the body to naturally break them down and clear them over time. The result is a more even complexion, refined texture, and an overall clarity and brightness that builds with each treatment.
CONCERNS ADDRESSED:
- Age Spots & Sun Damage: Targets the accumulated discoloration caused by years of sun exposure — breaking down pigmented cells and revealing a clearer, more even surface over time.
- Pigmentation & Uneven Tone: Addresses patches of uneven pigmentation that make the complexion look inconsistent or flat, restoring a more balanced and uniform tone across the treated area.
- Redness & Rosacea: The broad-spectrum light targets the vascular cells responsible for persistent redness and the visible flushing associated with rosacea, reducing their appearance progressively over a series of treatments.
- Dull Complexion: Beyond targeting specific concerns, IPL improves overall skin clarity and radiance — leaving the complexion looking brighter, fresher, and more alive.
How Does IPL Therapy Work?
IPL uses light energy to target a certain colour in your skin. The IPL system applies heat to the targeted area, causing your body to remove unwanted cells over time. Because the device sends out more than one wavelength of pulsating light, it is able to treat a broader range of concerns than a traditional single-wavelength laser.
The treatment is non-invasive. After each session, your skin may be sensitive, red or lightly bruised for a couple of days. We will provide guidance on caring for your skin while it heals and advise when you can return to your normal skincare routine.
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
IPL works well for a range of skin concerns and lifestyles — here are some signs it might be worth exploring.
- Sun Damage is a Primary Concern: Years of sun exposure have left their mark in the form of spots, uneven tone, or a general dullness that hasn't responded well to topical treatments alone.
- You're Dealing with Persistent Redness or Rosacea: Flushing and redness that feel impossible to manage with skincare products may respond well to the targeted vascular treatment IPL provides.
- You Want to Address Multiple Concerns at Once: IPL's broad-spectrum approach makes it particularly well suited to patients with more than one surface concern — treating pigmentation, redness, and texture in a single session.
- You're Ready for Progressive Results: The best IPL outcomes come from a series of treatments, and you're looking for something you can commit to as part of a longer-term approach to skin health.
What to Expect
From your first appointment to your final results, here's what the process looks like.
CONSULTATION
Your provider will assess your skin, discuss your concerns, and confirm that IPL is the right fit for your skin type and goals. You'll leave with a clear treatment plan and a realistic sense of what to expect.
APPOINTMENT
Sessions typically take 20 - 30 minutes depending on the areas being treated. A cooling gel is applied beforehand and most patients describe the sensation as a brief, mild snap of heat with each pulse. Mild redness immediately following treatment is normal.
RESULTS
Pigmentation may initially appear darker before it flakes away over the following week — a normal part of the skin's clearing process. Clearer, more even skin emerges in the weeks that follow, with results continuing to build across a series of treatments.
FUTURE SESSIONS
Most patients benefit from a series of 3 to 5 treatments spaced several weeks apart, though this depends on the concerns being addressed and how your skin responds. Your provider will recommend a plan at your consultation and adjust it as your skin improves.
GET STARTED
Request Your IPL Consultation
Every great result starts with a conversation. Share a little about yourself and what you're looking for, and our team will be in touch to help you take the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
We believe informed patients make confident decisions. Here are the questions we hear most about IPL.
Unlike lasers, which use a single wavelength of light, IPL devices emit multiple wavelengths of pulsating light. This allows IPL to treat a broader range of skin concerns in a single session, making it a more versatile option for many patients.
IPL works best for pale to light brown skin tones. If you have a darker skin tone, we will discuss whether IPL is appropriate for you or recommend an alternative treatment during your consultation.
After treatment your skin may be sensitive, red or lightly bruised for a couple of days. Most patients are able to resume normal activities quickly. We will provide specific aftercare guidance at your appointment.
Most patients benefit from a series of three to five treatments spaced several weeks apart — though the exact number depends on the concerns being addressed, the severity of pigmentation or redness, and how your skin responds over time. Some patients see satisfying results sooner, while others with more significant sun damage or rosacea may benefit from additional sessions. Your provider will recommend a realistic plan at your consultation and adjust it as your skin progresses.
COMFORT CARE
Pro-Nox on Request
For patients who experience anxiety or discomfort during treatment, Pro-Nox is available across select procedures. It's a self-administered blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen that takes the edge off quickly and dissipates from the body just as fast, with no added treatment time.
Used by 4,000+ medical practices across the US and Canada, it's a safe, well-established comfort option available for an additional fee of $95.
If you're interested in adding Pro-Nox to your treatment, let us know at your consultation or reach out to your care team beforehand. We'll make sure it's ready for you.
- No added treatment time.
- Fast-acting and fast-clearing.
- Self-administered.
- Trusted by 4,000+ practices.
