IPL photofacial is effective for all skin types, but results may vary for each person. Some skin tones are more suitable for the treatment and experience maximum benefits. Darker and tan skin tones may have a risk for temporary pigment changes from this treatment.
It is essential to always choose an experienced, board-certified dermatologist for your IPL treatment who can assess your specific skin type and concerns to determine whether IPL is the best treatment option for you.
Who is a good candidate for IPL Photofacial?
Good candidates for IPL facials are individuals who are concerned about sun-damaged skin. Signs of sun damage include:
- Sunspots
- Age spots
- Melasma
- Facial redness
- Rosacea
- Red blood vessels
IPL photofacial treatments may also benefit those looking for an effective anti-aging and skin rejuvenation treatment to address concerns like:
- Large pores
- Shallow acne scars
- Acne discoloration
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Broken capillaries and facial veins
Individuals with untanned skin that have reasonable expectations for their results, and prefer a non-invasive approach to skin rejuvenation, tend to see the best results from IPL laser facials.
Who should not get an IPL Photofacial?
People with tanned or darker skin tones may not be good candidates for IPL procedures. Other treatments, such as RF microneedling, might provide a safer, more effective option. Patients with deep wrinkles, severe acne, or deep scars may find that laser treatments might produce better results.
Why is IPL not suitable for dark skin?
The darker the skin color, the more difficulty the IPL device has in distinguishing darker pigmentation caused by sun damage from the skin’s normal pigmentation. Unlike lasers, IPL photo facial devices emit a broad spectrum of light with multiple wavelengths. Some of these wavelengths have an extremely high melanin absorption coefficient, and IPL may cause discoloration or increase the risk of burns on melanin-rich dark skin.
Patients should only seek IPL treatments from skilled and experienced providers with expertise in using the IPL device settings to produce the safest and most effective outcome.
Schedule a consultation for IPL Photofacial at our San Diego medical spa
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists offer a comprehensive variety of 50+ lasers, including our most popular IPL photofacial devices,Lumenis Stellar M22and Lumenis One. With a wide array of device options, we have the ability to treat multiple skin concerns and suit each patient’s unique skin type and goals.
Dr. Mitchel Goldmanhelped develop the first IPL device for treating common skin issues. Each of our dermatologists have been involved in research studies involving IPL, giving our San Diego team the most experience performing IPL facial treatments than any other practice in the country.
If you’re considering an IPL photofacial treatment or would like to schedule a consultation, contact Cosmetic Laser Dermatology today.
Next, learn how an IPL photofacial can treat your rosacea.
FAQs
The best candidate for an IPL Photofacial is any adult individual struggling with the following: Acne, Age Spots, Fine Lines, Injury Scars, Skin Discoloration and Wrinkles.
Who is a good candidate for IPL photofacial? ›
IPL is most effective on white, untanned skin. A good candidate for this type of treatment would be a person with blotchy, sun-damaged or discolored skin.
How much does IPL cost in San Diego? ›
How much does IPL Photorejuvenation cost in San Diego? The package price for IPL Photorejuvenation is $900 for 4 sessions, or $275/session at San Diego Cosmetic Laser Clinic.
Who should not get an IPL photofacial? ›
Who Should Not Get An Ipl Photofacial? Because IPL targets pigment, those with tanned or darker skin tones are NOT candidates for treatment.
Is IPL photofacial worth it? ›
If you're looking to remove unwanted pigmentation like age spots, freckles, or sun damage, IPL might be an excellent option for you. It's also a popular choice for those suffering from rosacea, small vascular lesions, or acne that's unresponsive to topical treatments.
Does IPL make you look younger? ›
After IPL, you may look younger because your skin tone is more even. And since the light doesn't hurt other tissue, you can get better quickly. For the treatment, you should seek a board-certified dermatologist (you might see the letters FAAD -- Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology -- after their name).
Is my skin suitable for IPL? ›
In addition, it is not suitable for very dark skin tones. With this in mind, to get the best results in a safe way, IPL treatments are ideal for you if you are a Type 3, 4 or 5 on the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale.
How much does IPL for wrinkles cost? ›
IPL Treatment Prices
| Single Session | 3 Sessions |
|---|
| Full face IPL | £250 | £600 |
| Full Cheeks IPL | £125 | £325 |
| Neck IPL | £150 | £350 |
| Full face and Neck IPL | £300 | £700 |
8 more rowsThe price of treatment can vary depending on how many spots or how many areas need to be treated, but the usual range is $200-$700 per treatment.
Is laser cheaper than IPL? ›
The advantages of using laser over IPL: IPL is a cheaper, less effective technology for reducing body hair.
Other reported side effects include edema, bullae, hematoma, crusting, hyper- or hypopigmentation, leukotrichia, scarring, keloid formation, and infection.
How painful is an IPL photofacial? ›
It should be somewhat uncomfortable – People that say there is no pain or discomfort involved are lying or haven't used a professional for their IPL. The sensation felt during IPL is that of heat and has been likened to a rubber band being snapped on the skin's surface.
Can you damage skin with IPL? ›
The scattered wavelengths of light penetrate the top layer of your skin, reaching the dermis without harming the surface. IPL therapy is often more effective and less damaging than other methods.
What does your face look like after a photofacial? ›
Right after your IPL photofacial treatment, your skin may look blotchy, red, a little swollen, and you will start to notice sun spots or pigmentation darkening. It is also common for the skin to feel tight or like you have a mild sunburn.
How long do IPL photofacial results last? ›
Photofacial or IPL treatment results can normally last for around a year, but with proper maintenance treatments, you can make your results last for much longer. This procedure is designed to help treat hyperpigmentation, whether from acne scars, age spots, or just an overproduction of melanin.
Which is better Microneedling or IPL photofacial? ›
IPL is effective for treating sun damage, age spots, and vascular issues but may not be as effective for reducing deep wrinkles and acne scars. Microneedling is especially beneficial for reducing fine lines and acne scars and improving overall skin texture.
What skin type is best for IPL? ›
IPL is best for lighter skin types as the Intense Pulse Light is searching for melanin (sun damage, brown spots) in the skin to pull up to the surface and to eventually lift and flake off.
Who should get IPL treatment? ›
IPL treatment has the best results for people who have lighter skin tones. If you have darker skin tones, it may not be the best option for treating your pigment, vein, or other skin issues. Our highly trained staff will review expected results with you before you have the treatment.
Who is suitable for IPL? ›
IPL is not suitable for everyone. It is most effective on light to medium skin tones with hair ranging from natural blonde to dark brown or black. The device is not effective on very blonde, red, grey or white hair where the smaller amount of melanin would not absorb the light energy.
Is IPL safe for everyone? ›
Although IPL is safe to use at home, there are certain conditions in which IPL isn't recommended. So, IPL may not be for you if: You are sensitive to light. You have tanned your skin recently through sunlight, tanning beds, or tanning creams.
