7 Things to Know About IPL Before Getting Treated

IPL is both an established therapy and a versatile treatment delivering countless benefits. Here’s what to know before getting IPL or BBL treatment.

When it comes to achieving healthy and youthful-looking skin, IPL is both an established therapy and a versatile treatment delivering countless benefits. IPL, short for intense pulsed light, has been around since the ’90s, during which time it has become one of the most common in-office treatments for everything from acne to fine lines.  

Those tempted to dismiss it as an “old” therapy may be surprised to learn that IPL technology has kept up with the times—and then some. As compared to a decade ago, the latest IPLs—Sciton’s new BBL Hero, for example—offer shorter treatment sessions and faster results, making it a lunchtime fix that really pays off. Consider this your cheat sheet for what you need to know about IPL before you get the treatment.

1. IPL uses light—but it’s not a laser.

First things first: IPL is its own technology, which uses multiple wavelengths of light to treat a variety of skin conditions. For instance, some wavelengths target brown areas of skin by heating up the pigment, then lifting it to the surface of skin where it naturally falls away. Others take aim at fine blood vessels (aka redness and broken capillaries), to create a more even skin tone.

“Although many patients call IPL a laser, it’s not,” says Dr. Arisa Ortiz, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego. “Because it emits multiple wavelengths at once, it’s able to address multiple problems at the same time.” (Lasers also use light to treat skin, but the beam is a singular wavelength of light with a specific target, which makes it effective for addressing one particular issue at a time.) If your desire is to treat several issues at once, your doctor may suggest IPL as the most efficient treatment. 

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2. A photofacial creates results that regular facials cannot.

Even though IPL is often referred to as a photofacial, it’s a medical procedure, not a spa treatment—a mud mask or hydrafacial can’t come close to replicating IPL results. That’s because IPL addresses so many skin concerns at the same time: fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne, broken capillaries, and enlarged pores (to name a few). After several treatments, the skin’s texture typically improves as well, courtesy of improved collagen production.

3. IPL can help skin act younger. 

A single IPL session will produce a visible change, but a series of three to five is recommended for optimal results. From there, occasional follow-up treatments keep skin clear and radiant. “I usually have patients do one maintenance treatment every 6 to 12 months,” says Dr. Ortiz. “It’s like going to the dentist for a cleaning.” And while a regular routine helps skin in the short term, it may also make skin “think” it’s younger over the long term. Dr. Sheila Nazarian, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California, points to a clinical study that suggests IPL can reverse the genetic markers for age. “That demonstrates that at a cellular level, we are turning back time,” she says. 

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4. Not all IPL treatments are equal.

Think that every IPL device is identical? Think again. “Not all IPLs are the same,” says Dr. Nazarian. For instance, different machines have different wavelength ranges, and the wider the range, the more multifaceted (and effective) your treatment can be. Another consideration is the treatment experience itself: older machines are less powerful, so they take longer, may not provide as much improvement per treatment, and are less comfortable than modern technology. 

In her practice, Dr. Nazarian uses the Sciton BBL Hero, an IPL machine considered to be state-of-the-art due to its ability to treat sunspots, broken capillaries, and acne and even to reduce hair. “As technology advances, so does BBL,” Dr. Nazarian says, noting that the BBL Hero upgrade is four times faster than before and offers twice the cooling sensation—which means quicker treatments and better patient comfort. “Sciton spends time and funding to constantly improve and advance the technology that goes into making the quality of its system.” If you’re interested in IPL, be sure to ask your provider for information about which machine they use—and why.

5. IPL works for more people than ever. 

IPL is popular, in part, because so many people can benefit from it, regardless of the age or condition of their complexion. “You can treat any age,” says Dr. Ortiz. “If I have an older patient who’s concerned about skin tone, that’s a great candidate. Younger patients with sun damage are good candidates too.”

Age isn’t a restrictor, but generally, IPL isn’t recommended for every skin color. That’s because broadband light energy targets pigment, which can cause damage to brown, melanin-rich skin. But again, it all depends on the treatment device. Sciton BBL Hero, for instance, uses next-gen technology that allows some brown skin tones to be treated safely. “With the combination of its Smart Filters, adjustable plus-width and energy adjustments, we can treat patients up to skin type V,” says Dr. Nazarian. (Type V, from the Fitzpatrick system of classifying skin colors, describes brown skin that rarely burns.) Your best bet, no matter your skin tone? Ask your doctor what they recommend for your skin color. 

6. IPL is even faster than it used to be.

IPL has always been a lunch-hour treatment, but now it’s practically a coffee-break situation. “BBL Hero is a new technology that allows you to treat larger areas more safely and efficiently,” says Dr. Ortiz. “It cuts the treatment time while maintaining safety and effectiveness.” That means, an IPL session for the face may take as little as 10 to 15 minutes, with minimal (if any) downtime—some patients experience redness and mild swelling, followed by a darkening of existing spots in the following days, as the body goes through its healing process to slough off the targeted pigment.

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7. An IPL treatment is only as good as the provider giving it.

As with all things aesthetics, you should be wary of inexpensive deals on IPL treatments. Discount providers may have little training or experience, or they may not be using devices properly—which could lead to permanent skin damage. “IPL is safe in skilled hands,” says Dr. Ortiz, “but I see horrific burns and scarring from IPL that was done by poorly trained technicians who’ve taken only a weekend course—or not even that.” If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is. Instead, look for IPL performed by board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons; don’t be shy about asking questions (and refer to RealSelf) in order to find the best provider for you.