IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

IPL is not a laser. A laser uses one single color (wavelength) of light. IPL sends out a broad range of light colors in short, bright pulses. Filters aim certain colors at certain targets in the skin.

The light is soaked up by pigment. When it targets brown spots, the light is absorbed by melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color). The spot heats up, then darkens and flakes away over the next week or two.

When it targets redness, the light is absorbed by hemoglobin (the red pigment in blood). This heats and seals tiny blood vessels near the surface, so the redness fades.

Because IPL works by heating color in the skin, it works best when there is a clear difference between the spot and the skin around it. This is why IPL suits lighter skin tones better. In darker skin, the light can be absorbed by normal skin color too, which raises the risk of burns and dark spots.

Before: Avoid sun and self-tanner for 2–4 weeks. Tan skin raises the risk of burns. Stop retinoids for a few days if your provider advises. Tell them about any history of cold sores or recent medicines.

During: You wear eye shields. A cool gel may be applied. Each pulse feels like a quick, warm snap, like a rubber band. A full face takes about 20–30 minutes. Numbing cream is usually not needed.

After: Brown spots often look darker at first, like coffee grounds, then flake off over 1–2 weeks. Do not pick them. Redness may last a few hours to a day or two. Wear sunscreen every day and avoid sun while you heal.

Results: You may see brighter, more even skin within 1–2 weeks. Most people need 3–5 sessions for the best effect. Results can last months to years, but new sun damage builds over time, so upkeep sessions help.

Common and expected:

• Redness and mild swelling for a few hours to 2 days
• Brown spots turning darker before they flake off
• Mild stinging or a warm, tight feeling

Uncommon but possible:

• Blisters, crusting, or burns, usually from settings that are too strong
• Dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) or light spots where pigment is lost
• Cold sore flare-ups if you are prone to them
• Rarely, scarring

A note on skin tone: IPL carries a higher risk in medium and darker skin tones. Because the light targets color, it can mistake normal skin pigment for a target and cause burns or lasting dark or light patches. If you have darker skin, ask about safer options and choose a provider who treats your skin type often.

IPL may not be right if you:

• Have a deep tan or recent sun exposure
• Have darker skin (higher risk of burns and pigment changes — ask about alternatives)
• Are pregnant (often postponed as a precaution)
• Take a medicine that makes you sensitive to light (like some antibiotics or isotretinoin)
• Have melasma — IPL can sometimes make it worse, so it is not a first choice
• Have an active infection, cold sore, or sunburn in the area
• Have a history of keloid scars
• Have a tattoo in the treatment area (the light can damage it)

Q: Is IPL a laser?
A: No. A laser uses one color of light. IPL uses many colors at once. They work in similar ways, but IPL spreads its energy wider, so it can treat both brown spots and redness in one visit.

Q: How much does IPL cost?
A: Most sessions run about $300–$600, depending on the area and where you live. A full series of 3–5 sessions is common, so plan for the total cost.

Q: How much downtime is there?
A: Very little. You may have redness for a few hours to two days. Brown spots darken, then flake off over 1–2 weeks. Most people return to normal activities right away.

Q: Does IPL hurt?
A: Most people feel a quick, warm snap with each pulse, like a rubber band on the skin. It is usually mild, and numbing cream is often not needed.

Q: Is IPL safe for darker skin?
A: It carries more risk. Because IPL targets color, it can burn darker skin or cause dark or light patches. Many providers choose other treatments for medium and darker skin tones. Ask about safer options.

Q: How long do results last?
A: Often months to a couple of years. But new sun damage keeps forming, so many people do a touch-up session once or twice a year. Daily sunscreen protects your results.