Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments use different wavelengths of light to treat a wide range of skin problems, from pigmentary disorders, hot flashes, fine lines, acne-prone skin, and hair removal. By targeting melanin and hemoglobin, IPL removes pigment without damaging the epidermis and improves skin elasticity by stimulating collagen synthesis. However, it is important to be careful with UV exposure and to maintain optimal results with consistent treatments.
How IPL treatments work
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is not technically a laser. Whereas a regular laser amplifies a single wavelength of light to target a specific therapeutic effect, IPL uses a special filter to emit intense waves of light in a continuous range of wavelengths between 500 nm and 1,400 nm to achieve a variety of therapeutic effects.
IPL Treatment Process
Before treatment: Pigmented conditions such as blemishes and freckles are visible on the surface of the skin. Capillaries are dilated and red blood vessels are visible to the naked eye, and enlarged pores and fine lines give the skin an aged appearance.
During treatment: With different wavelengths of IPL, melanin pigment (the cause of brown spots) and hemoglobin particles (the cause of red blood vessels) absorb the IPL light energy, leaving the surrounding skin tissue unharmed.
Post-treatment: After absorbing the IPL light energy, hemoglobin and melanin are broken down into microscopic particles that are naturally absorbed and eliminated by the body. Pigmentary and vascular disorders such as blemishes and freckles improve, and the long wavelength energy stimulates collagen synthesis in dermal cells, increasing skin elasticity.
Four factors contribute to the effectiveness of IPL therapy
1. wavelength of light
2. skin color
3. light irradiation time
4. IPL light energy intensity
The effect is better on fair skin, and the other factors depend on the dermatologist’s experience and the patient’s condition.
IPL Treatment Method
1. Unlike ordinary lasers, IPL is performed at least 3 to 5 times, 2 to 3 weeks apart.
2. At least 3 treatments are required to see the full effect.
3. One treatment is enough to gradually fade melasma, freckles, and blemishes, and to reduce red blood vessels.
4. For full face treatments, it is recommended to apply an anesthetic ointment for about 30 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of IPL treatment, followed by a cold compress, regenerative laser treatment, or a special pack.
5. If necessary, only certain areas (under the eyes, nose, around the eyes, etc.) can be treated, reducing the time required.
IPL treatment effects
1. Pigmentation: IPL can treat blemishes and freckles without interrupting your daily routine. For melasma, the light energy needs to be milder to reduce side effects and may require at least three treatments per year. In the past, treating melasma with the Cuswitch laser has often resulted in darkening of the color, but IPL does not stimulate melanocytes, which makes it useful for treating melasma. Post-inflammatory pigmentation, which is difficult to treat with traditional lasers, can also be treated with IPL.
2. Vascular diseases: It is also effective in treating inflammatory conditions in the center of the face with dilated blood vessels, such as rosacea, telangiectasia, and rosacea. IPL is also useful for treating dark circles because it reaches deeper into the skin with a wavelength that is more than twice as long as traditional vascular lasers. Dark circles are highly individualized, and a series of five to six treatments is recommended. IPL has the advantage of not causing bruising or skin damage.
3. Fine lines and pores: The overall skin effect of IPL is “photo-rejuvenation,” which stimulates collagen synthesis to rejuvenate aging skin, resulting in narrower pores and fewer fine lines.
4. Acne-prone skin: Certain wavelengths of IPL have been shown to reduce acne bacteria by about 80%. While IPL is not a proven treatment for acne, it’s a good option to keep in mind if conventional treatments haven’t worked.
5. Hair removal: Another major benefit of IPL is hair removal, which takes less time, is less painful, and has excellent results.
IPL Treatment Precautions
1. You should be careful not to get too much sun before or after your IPL treatment. Be especially careful with UV rays, avoid tanning, use sunscreen and whitening creams if you can’t avoid sun exposure, and consider supplementing with vitamin C ion therapy.
2. IPL is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, so you should consult a dermatologist to get the treatment you need. It is important to follow up with regular treatments as IPL can delay aging and rejuvenate the skin.
3. After an IPL treatment, there may be an initial noticeable effect followed by a slower improvement, in which case it is helpful to continue to receive treatments every two to three weeks instead of giving up.
4. After the treatment, redness may remain for half a day, but it will subside over time, and a small amount of fine scabbing may occur, but it will disappear naturally within a week.
5. You can wash your face and apply makeup immediately after treatment, but it is recommended to avoid heavy drinking and high temperature environments such as saunas for 3-5 days.
