IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments Remove Brown Spots and Redness While Simultaneously Rejuvenating the Skin

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive skin treatment that uses a range of wavelengths of visible light to decrease brown spots, redness, and acne breakouts, simultaneously improving skin texture. 

Unlike a laser treatment, which consists of a single wavelength of light, IPLs deliver a specific range of wavelengths that penetrate down to the deeper layer of skin (dermis) without damaging the top layer (epidermis).

Certain wavelengths of light are attracted to certain colors such as the pigment cells in your skin, and as the pigment absorbs the light energy, the pigment heats up. An example is how on a sunny day, a black street feels very hot to your feet compared to a white sidewalk. The IPL wavelengths of light target pigment color, heating dark brown spots more than the surrounding lighter tissue, which causes the darker pigment to flake off over the weeks following the treatment. 

The wavelengths of light produced by IPLs also stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which helps increase skin thickness and firmness, evens skin tone, reduces pore size, and decreases fine lines. When used for skin rejuvenation, IPL treatments are done at a low power and are referred to as Photofacials.

IPL treatments and skin color

Since IPL treatments for brown spots target pigmentation, skin that has a lot of pigment or a tan will react like a brown spot, causing the entire area of skin treated to possibly lose its pigment. That’s why people who are deeply tanned, have used a self-tanner in the previous two weeks, or have dark skin that doesn’t get sunburned easily are not good candidates for IPL. Even a tan that’s barely visible can make the difference between a good result and potential complications.

If you know you’re going to tan or be in the sun, it’s best to wait 4-6 weeks after tanning to have an IPL procedure. With self-tanners, it’s best to wait at least two weeks and try to remove any remaining tanner with rubbing alcohol before your IPL treatment. If you arrive for an IPL treatment with a tan we may have to reschedule it for a later date.

Get more information on the different types of IPL treatments below. 

IPL treatment prices start at $250 with 15% discounts on treatment packages available.

If you’d like to learn more about whether IPL is the best treatment option for you, call us at 727 571-1923, email us at  info@skinspirations.com, or request a consultation here.