IPL delivers short, controlled pulses of broad-spectrum light through the skin.Unlike a laser, which typically delivers a specific wavelength of light, IPL uses a range of wavelengths that can be filtered according to the concern being treated.During your treatment:1. Your skin is assessedYour therapist evaluates your:Skin tonePigmentationRednessSun exposureTreatment areaSkin sensitivityOverall treatment goalsThis helps determine whether IPL is appropriate for your skin and which treatment approach should be used.2. Your skin is preparedThe treatment area is thoroughly cleansed and prepared.Protective eyewear is worn throughout treatment to protect your eyes from the intense light.3. Controlled pulses of light are deliveredThe IPL handpiece is positioned against the skin and carefully controlled flashes of light are delivered across the treatment area.You may notice a bright flash even while wearing your protective eyewear.4. The targeted pigment absorbs the lightDepending on the treatment objective, the light energy is absorbed by either:Melanin within areas of unwanted pigmentation, orHaemoglobin within visible blood vessels and redness.5. Light is converted into heatThe absorbed light energy is converted into controlled heat within the targeted structure.This allows the unwanted pigment or vascular concern to be targeted while minimising unnecessary damage to the surrounding tissue.6. Your body gradually clears the treated areasFollowing treatment, pigmented spots may temporarily darken before gradually fading or flaking away.Visible redness and vascular concerns may gradually become less noticeable as the treated vessels are broken down and naturally cleared by the body.The result develops progressively rather than instantly.

IPL is particularly valuable because a single technology can be used to improve several visible skin concerns.Sun Damage:Years of sun exposure can cause changes in the skin including:Brown spotsFrecklesUneven pigmentationMottled skin tonePremature visible ageingIPL can selectively target areas of excess superficial pigment, helping create a clearer and more even-looking complexion.Sun Spots & Age Spots:Dark spots caused by accumulated sun exposure are one of the most popular reasons clients choose IPL.The pigment within the spot absorbs the light energy.Following treatment, the spot may initially become darker or more noticeable before gradually fading.This temporary darkening is often an expected part of the treatment response.Freckles:IPL can help reduce the appearance of unwanted freckles where they are suitable for treatment.Because freckles are often strongly influenced by sun exposure and genetics, new freckles can develop over time.Consistent sun protection is essential for maintaining your results.Facial Redness:IPL can target haemoglobin within superficial blood vessels, making it useful for improving the appearance of persistent facial redness.The aim is to progressively create a calmer and more even-looking complexion.Broken Capillaries & Visible Blood Vessels:Small visible red vessels around areas such as the:NoseCheeksChinFacemay respond well to appropriate IPL treatment.The light energy is absorbed by the blood within the vessel, causing controlled heating of the targeted vessel.The body then gradually clears the treated vessel.Rosacea-Related Redness:IPL may be beneficial for certain clients experiencing:Diffuse facial rednessFlushingSmall visible facial blood vessels associated with rosaceaTreatment does not cure the underlying condition of rosacea, but it may significantly improve some of its visible vascular signs.A professional skin assessment is important before treatment.Uneven Skin Tone:Skin containing a combination of redness, sun damage and superficial pigmentation can appear dull, blotchy or uneven.Because IPL can target both pigment and vascular redness, it can be particularly effective for improving the overall uniformity and clarity of the complexion.Signs of Photoageing:Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation contributes to visible changes commonly referred to as photoageing.These may include:PigmentationFrecklesRednessVisible blood vesselsUneven toneFine surface linesDullnessIPL photorejuvenation can address several of these visible concerns simultaneously.

Every skin concern is different.IPL is generally performed as a course of treatments rather than a once-off procedure.As a general guideline, many clients may require approximately:4–6 TreatmentsThe exact number will depend on:The concern being treatedSeverity of pigmentation or rednessYour skin toneTreatment areaSun exposureIndividual skin responseTreatment intensityYour desired resultSome superficial concerns may respond noticeably after only a few treatments, while more extensive sun damage or vascular redness may require a longer treatment programme.Your results will be assessed throughout your treatment journey.

IPL Skin Rejuvenation treatments are generally spaced several weeks apart.A common treatment interval is approximately:3–6 WeeksThis allows the skin sufficient time to respond and recover before the next treatment.Your therapist will recommend an appropriate interval based on:Your skinThe concern being treatedYour treatment responseThe intensity of treatmentIPL treatment should not be rushed.Allowing the skin time to respond between sessions is an important part of achieving safe, progressive results.

Treatment time depends on the size of the area being treated.Many IPL Skin Rejuvenation appointments can be completed relatively quickly.A typical facial treatment may take approximately:20–30 MinutesSmaller areas may require less time, while larger or multiple treatment areas will naturally require longer.Your appointment will also include appropriate preparation and assessment of the treatment area.

IPL Skin Rejuvenation can be performed on several areas commonly affected by pigmentation, redness and sun damage.Popular treatment areas include:FaceOne of the most common IPL treatment areas for:PigmentationRednessSun spotsFrecklesBroken capillariesOverall rejuvenationNeckUseful for certain pigmentation and sun-related concerns.Décolletage / ChestThe chest is particularly vulnerable to accumulated sun exposure and can develop:RednessFrecklesPigmentationUneven toneHandsThe backs of the hands often reveal accumulated sun damage and age spots and may be suitable for IPL treatment.Other AreasAdditional body areas may be treated where appropriate following professional assessment.

IPL is generally considered a well-tolerated treatment.Most clients describe the sensation as a brief:Warm snapLight stingPinchElastic-band sensationEach pulse lasts only a fraction of a second.Pain Level: MildSensitivity can vary depending on:Treatment areaAmount of pigmentationVascular activityIndividual pain toleranceSkin sensitivityTreatment settingsSome areas, particularly around the nose or upper lip, may naturally feel more sensitive.Your comfort and skin response are monitored throughout treatment.

Downtime: MinimalOne of the major advantages of IPL Skin Rejuvenation is that it is a non-ablative treatment, meaning the surface of the skin is not intentionally removed.Most clients can therefore return to their normal daily activities relatively quickly.Temporary reactions may include:Mild rednessWarmthSlight swellingMild sensitivityA sensation similar to mild sunburnTemporary darkening of pigmentationThese reactions are generally temporary.Depending on your treatment and individual skin response, redness may settle within several hours, while mild swelling may take longer.

This is one of the most important things for clients to understand before treatment.Pigmentation may temporarily look worse before it looks better.When IPL successfully targets excess pigment, the pigment can initially:DarkenLook more definedDevelop a slightly dry or coffee-ground appearanceGradually move towards the skin's surfaceOver the following days, this pigment can naturally fade or gently flake away.Do not pick or scratch it.Allow the skin to clear the treated pigmentation naturally.Prematurely picking at the area can increase irritation and potentially contribute to unwanted pigmentation or scarring.

When IPL is being used for vascular concerns, the light energy is absorbed by haemoglobin within the blood vessel.The treated vessels may initially:Appear darkerLook slightly more visibleBecome temporarily redderBe surrounded by mild swellingThe body then gradually breaks down and clears the treated vessel.Improvement therefore occurs progressively over the following days and weeks.

Some changes may become visible after your first treatment, particularly as superficial pigmentation begins to darken and clear.However, IPL Skin Rejuvenation is designed to produce progressive improvement.Throughout your treatment programme you may notice:Fewer visible brown spotsReduced rednessLess noticeable broken capillariesMore even-looking pigmentationImproved skin clarityBrighter-looking skinA more uniform complexionAn overall refreshed appearanceMore significant improvement generally develops across multiple sessions.

IPL can successfully target pigmentation and visible vessels that are present at the time of treatment.However, your skin will continue to be affected by:Sun exposureAgeingGeneticsHormonal changesLifestyleEnvironmental exposureRosacea and vascular tendenciesThis means new pigmentation or visible blood vessels can develop in the future.Sun protection is one of the most important factors in maintaining your results.Some clients may choose to have occasional maintenance treatments after completing their initial treatment programme.

No and this is why professional assessment is essential.IPL works by targeting pigment.The more melanin naturally present within the skin, the greater the potential for the surrounding skin to absorb some of the light energy.This means certain darker skin tones can have an increased risk of:BurnsHyperpigmentationHypopigmentationUneven colour changesSuitability depends on factors including:Natural skin toneCurrent level of pigmentationRecent sun exposureTanningTreatment concernDevice and treatment parametersYour skin should always be professionally assessed before IPL treatment.

Recent tanning can significantly affect the safety of IPL treatment.A tan means the skin contains additional melanin.Because IPL targets pigment, this increases the risk of unwanted energy absorption by the surrounding skin.IPL should not be performed over actively sunburnt or significantly recently tanned skin.Always tell your therapist if you:Have recently been in the sunHave used a sunbedHave recently returned from holidayHave developed a tanHave used self-tanning productsYour treatment may need to be postponed.

Melasma requires particular care.Although IPL may be used for certain pigmentation concerns, melasma is not simply the same as ordinary sun spots or freckles.Melasma is influenced by complex factors including hormones, genetics, inflammation, heat and sun exposure.In some individuals, aggressive light or heat-based treatment can potentially aggravate pigmentation.For this reason, clients with suspected melasma should be carefully assessed before IPL treatment.Treatment will only be recommended where appropriate for your individual skin and pigmentation.

Correct preparation plays an important role in treatment safety.Avoid Tanning & Excessive Sun ExposureAvoid intentional tanning and excessive direct sun exposure before treatment.Tell your therapist about any recent change in your skin colour.Avoid SunbedsSunbeds significantly increase pigmentation within the skin and should be avoided.Avoid Fake TanSelf-tanning products should not be present over the treatment area.Your therapist needs to accurately assess your natural skin tone.Keep the Skin CalmAvoid aggressive skin treatments immediately before IPL unless specifically approved by your therapist.These can include:Strong chemical peelsAggressive exfoliationCertain resurfacing treatmentsWaxing over the treatment areaTell Us About Your SkincareCertain active skincare ingredients may need to be temporarily discontinued before treatment.Always tell your therapist if you are using:RetinoidsPrescription skincareStrong exfoliating acidsPigmentation treatmentsAcne medicationYour therapist will advise whether anything needs to be paused.Tell Us About MedicationSome medications can increase sensitivity to light.Always provide an accurate list of:Prescription medicationAntibioticsSupplementsTopical medicationsOver-the-counter productsNever stop prescribed medication without first discussing it with the healthcare professional who prescribed it.Arrive With Clean SkinWhere possible, arrive with the treatment area free from:MakeupPerfumeHeavy creamsOilsFake tanThe skin will also be professionally cleansed before treatment.

Your skin may temporarily be more sensitive following treatment.For approximately the first 24–48 hours, depending on your individual response, we generally recommend avoiding:Very hot showersHot bathsSaunasSteam roomsHeavy exerciseExcessive sweatingSwimming poolsScrubbingHarsh exfoliationStrong active skincareFragranced or irritating productsSun Protection After IPLSun protection is essential after IPL.The treated skin can be particularly sensitive to ultraviolet exposure and unprotected sun exposure can contribute to unwanted pigmentation.We strongly recommend:Daily broad-spectrum sunscreenSPF 30 or higherAvoiding unnecessary direct sun exposureWearing hats and protective clothing where appropriateReapplying sunscreen during prolonged outdoor exposureProtecting your skin from the sun will also help preserve the results of your IPL treatment programme.

Immediately following treatment, the focus should be on:Calm. Hydrate. Protect.Your therapist may recommend:A gentle cleanserSoothing hydrationMoisturiserBroad-spectrum sunscreenStrong active ingredients should generally be reintroduced only once the skin has settled and according to professional advice.Avoid trying to accelerate the shedding of pigmentation with harsh exfoliation.Allow your skin to complete the process naturally.

If your skin is still:RedHotIrritatedSensitiveit is generally better to allow it time to settle before applying makeup.Where possible, keeping freshly treated skin clean and calm immediately following treatment is preferable.Your therapist will advise you based on your skin's response.

IPL Skin Rejuvenation has an established safety profile when performed appropriately on suitable skin using correct treatment parameters.Expected temporary reactions can include:RednessWarmthMild swellingTemporary sensitivityDarkening of pigmentationMild crusting or flaking of treated pigmentLess common complications can include:BlisteringBurnsBruisingProlonged rednessHyperpigmentationHypopigmentationCrustingInfectionScarringThe risk of pigmentation changes is particularly important in clients with darker skin tones, recent tanning or excessive sun exposure.Professional assessment and correct aftercare are therefore essential.

IPL may need to be avoided or postponed in certain circumstances.These may include:Active sunburnRecent significant tanningActive skin infectionOpen woundsSignificant skin irritationCertain photosensitising medicationsCertain medical conditionsPregnancy, depending on treatment policy and circumstancesSuspicious or undiagnosed pigmented lesionsCertain pigmentation disordersRecent incompatible aesthetic treatmentsSuitability is assessed individually.Always provide your therapist with accurate information about your health, medication and skincare before treatment.

IPL Skin Rejuvenation is a cosmetic treatment and should never be used as a substitute for appropriate medical assessment of a suspicious skin lesion.Any mole or pigmented lesion that is:NewChangingIrregularBleedingItchingUnusual in colourIncreasing in sizeshould first be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.Suspicious lesions should not simply be treated cosmetically with IPL.

Every successful IPL treatment journey begins with understanding your skin.During your consultation and assessment, we consider:Your primary skin concernsSkin tonePigmentationFacial rednessVisible vesselsSun damageSkin sensitivityRecent sun exposureSkincare productsMedicationPrevious aesthetic treatmentsYour treatment goalsThis allows us to determine whether IPL is appropriate and develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to your skin.

No.IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light.Unlike a laser, which typically uses a specific wavelength of light, IPL produces a broader spectrum of light that can be filtered to target different concerns within the skin.

An IPL photofacial is another name commonly used for IPL Skin Rejuvenation or photorejuvenation.The treatment uses controlled pulses of light to improve concerns such as pigmentation, redness and sun damage.

Certain superficial broken capillaries and visible facial blood vessels can respond well to IPL treatment.Suitability depends on the size, depth and location of the vessel.