Facial IPL treatment - I have a beard and want to keep it. How can it be done?

Male - mid-forties, with olive skin (type IV). Black beard (with white hair in some places) I am considering IPL treatment for sun spots on my face. I'd like to ensure my beard is not "weakened" and (if it needs to be shaved off before each treatment) that it grows back as full/thick as it is now. I hear black hair absorbs the light more than blond/white hair does. How close to the beard line can the device be placed, and on the forehead, how close to the hairline without damaging the hair?