Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy or photo-rejuvenation is a treatment that involves the application of short pulses of specific types of light (mostly infra-red) to the skin. The skin responds to this by warming, which both stimulates more efficient skin function and causes areas of imperfection, such as irregular pigmentation or veins, to fade away. The result is a firmer, fresher complexion, reduction in pore size and evening out of skin texture, tone and colour.

IPL therapy can correct a variety of skin conditions such as facial skin imperfections, signs of ageing, unsightly small veins and uneven pigmentation. It can also improve skin texture and other blemishes.

The number of treatments required depends upon your skin type and the condition to be treated. Most often it involves a series of 3 to 6 procedures approximately 3 or 4 weeks apart. Each treatment takes about 30 minutes. By dividing the programme into several treatments, the procedure provides gradual improvement with very low risk. Treatment involves the application of a cold gel to the area to be treated. Then, the smooth glass surface of the IPL instrument is placed onto the gel about 1mm off the skin and the pulses of light are applied. You may feel a slight sting and a mild tingling sensation may remain for 1 hour or more after the treatment.

Most people find they can apply make up almost immediately after the treatment.

The skin that has been treated should be handled gently for a few days after treatment and rubbing or scrubbing the skin and exposing it to additional heat or friction such as hot showers, baths, steam rooms, saunas and hairdryers should be avoided.

After completing the recommended treatment course prominent veins and pigments often disappear permanently. The more subtle rejuvenating results are long lasting, but for optimum results 1 or 2 IPL treatments each year may be necessary.

The next step is to book a consultation appointment. For a practitoner offering IPL treatment near you go to find a practitoner.