IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy is a non-invasive treatment designed to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, sun damage, uneven skin tone, and other visible signs of aging.
By targeting excess pigment and stimulating collagen production, IPL can help restore a clearer, brighter, and more youthful-looking complexion.
IPL Photofacial is commonly used to reduce the appearance of:
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Brown spots
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Sun spots
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Hyperpigmentation
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Discoloration caused by sun exposure and aging
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Uneven skin tone
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Visible signs of aging
It can also help improve overall skin texture and tone.
Who Is IPL Photofacial For?
Intense Pulsed Light treatments work best for individuals with lighter skin tones.
IPL may not be recommended for patients who:
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Have recently tanned
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Have used self-tanning products
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Are taking certain medications that increase light sensitivity
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Have certain skin conditions
A consultation with your provider at Skin & Body Aesthetics Medspa is important to determine if IPL is the right treatment for your skin type and concerns.
How Does IPL Photofacial Work?
IPL Photofacial uses light energy to target particular colors in your skin.
The light is then turned into heat energy, where it targets specific cells in the skin.
Unlike common laser therapies specific to hair removal, IPL emits more than one wavelength of light, which helps it treat a broader spectrum of skin concerns.
What to Expect During Treatment
After the area of skin is cleansed, a thin coat of gel will be applied before the IPL Photofacial device is applied to the skin.
During treatment, you’ll see flashes of light and may feel a mild snapping sensation near the skin being treated.
Treatment typically takes around 30 minutes or less to perform.
Following an IPL Photofacial, the treated area will be gently cleansed once the procedure is complete.
A cold compress may be applied to the area, followed by moisturizer and sunscreen.
Before Your IPL Photofacial
Prior to each treatment, please inform us if you are taking any antibiotics or medications.
There are some medications that may cause your skin to be sensitive to light treatments such as IPL Photofacial. Therefore, the treatment will need to be postponed. We advise these medications to be avoided for at least two full weeks before treatment.
Treatment is not recommended for those who have recently been in a tanning bed or used self-tanning products.
We advise against treatment on sunburned or recently sun-exposed skin and recommend that all patients wear sunscreen daily with an SPF of at least 30.
Please do not apply the following to the areas that will be treated:
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Makeup
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Perfume
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Lotions
IPL Photofacial Aftercare
Always consult your provider for recommendations on skin regimens and products that can be used for after-treatment care to ensure the best results.
Hydration with the right products will also help with the overall recovery of your skin.
After treatment, it is common to notice:
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Subtle redness
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Mild swelling in the treated area
How Many IPL Photofacial Treatments Will I Need?
It is common for patients to have anywhere from 3–6 IPL Photofacial treatments, although this is dependent on the area you are treating, as well as the volume of pigment being addressed.
Sessions should be done roughly 4 weeks apart to give the skin time to heal and rejuvenate between treatments.
Typically, patients begin seeing results just one week after treatment, with optimal IPL Photofacial results showing upon completion of the series.
At that point, we recommend one treatment per quarter to continue to build and improve the skin. Patients who follow the one-per-quarter maintenance schedule report dramatic skin improvement over time.
IPL Photofacial for Uneven Skin Tone
An IPL Photofacial treatment can improve the appearance of common cosmetic concerns such as:
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Rosacea
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Sun damage
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Skin discoloration
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Broken capillaries
The treatment can help return your skin to its vibrant youth for a more even and glowing complexion.
With the Alma Harmony® XL laser, our team at Skin & Body Aesthetics Medspa can remove years of visible aging signs to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

