I Have Some Light Olive Skin Tone with Freckles, is IPL a Good Thing for Me

Question

I  Have Some Light Olive Skin Tone with Freckles, is IPL a Good Thing for Me

Hannah Vargas, MD · Answer

As discussed, the darker your skin tone the more difficult IPL treatment becomes.  I would consider topical treatments for brown spots first.  This may improve your skin pigmentation alone.  Also, the creams tend to quiet everything down so that if you do opt for a laser treatment it will be somewhat safer for you.  Don't be set on an IPL though-- discuss options with your provider. Good luck!

Mark Hamilton, MD · Answer

Yes. IPL when used appropriately can be safe in darker skin types. More importantly is what issues need to be addressed. IPL is ideal for softening “reds and browns” including broken capillaries, sun damage, solar lentigines and other evidence of sun damage. When used at appropriate settings, IPL can be both safe and effective in darker skin types.

Amiya Prasad, MD · Answer

If you have a tendency to easily tan when you are in the sun, IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light Treatment, may cause you to get dark discolorations after treatment. Check with an experienced specialist before getting IPL Treatments. In my practice, I will do a test spot (or spots) before doing a complete treatment. It may also be worth considering light peels such as alpha hydroxy acid (such as glycolic acid) peels for pigmentation, such as freckles.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

Yes, IPL is fine to do.  Please make sure you go to an experienced provider.  Multiple treatments may be needed.  I would encourage you to use hydroquinone or kojic acid inbetween your treatments for best results....

	Hope this helps.

	Dr. Grant Stevens

Peter J. Malouf, DO · Answer

Hello,

	I personally would not treat a skin type IV.  I would also reccomend seeing a board certified dermatologist who has a great deal of experience with lasers and IPL.  I have seen too many burns and resultant scars referred to me over the years to take the risk of making the treatment worse than the problem in darker skin types.

	Sincerely,

	 

	Dr. Malouf

I Have Some Light Olive Skin Tone with Freckles, is IPL a Good Thing for Me

Answers (6)

Answer: IPL for Olive Skin Types...

Answer: IPL for Olive Skin Types...

Answer: Ipl safe for olive skin?

Answer: Ipl safe for olive skin?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I Have Some Light Olive Skin Tone with Freckles, is IPL a Good Thing for Me

Answers (6)

Answer: IPL for Olive Skin Types...

Answer: IPL for Olive Skin Types...

Answer: Ipl safe for olive skin?

Answer: Ipl safe for olive skin?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.