IPL treatments involve a highly focused beam of light being directed at the surface of the skin. By using different wavelengths of light the beam energy penetrates to varying depths, targeting specific structures within the skin layers. The light energy is transformed into heat energy at the desired depth and this both brings about the effect and prevents damage to the underlying structures and the overlying skin.

Because an IPL device can be configured to deliver a variety of wavelengths of light there are many uses for IPL and it is extremely effective at treating many different conditions. For instance, green light is used to treat red-coloured lesions such as thread veins, port-wine stains and broken capillaries; blue light on the other hand is extremely effective at treating active acne because the bacterial toxins which cause acne are destroyed by blue light. This process of treating different conditions using different wavelengths of light is called photothermolysis.

As well as destroying some lesions, IPL can be used to rejuvenate the skin. By focusing the beam's energy in the layers of skin which contain collagen and elastic tissue, the production of these essential skin components is increased. This in turn leads to a smoother, plumper and more elastic skin which means fine lines and wrinkles can disappear, texture is much more even and the skin feels tighter, healthier and looks younger.

IPL treatments are best described as uncomfortable rather than painful - when the light flashes the sensation is similar to having an elastic band flicked against the skin. After treatment there may be slight reddening to the treated area but this usually settles within 24 hours.

IPL is not suitable for Afro-Caribbean skin because it contains so much melanin, the brown pigment in skin, which is targeted by the IPL light. For this reason it is not suitable either for skin which is actively tanned because there will be more melanin than usual in the skin.

This treatment can be used for;
Intense pulsed light (IPL) can be used to treat a variety of skin blemishes - please see below. It works by directing a highly focused beam of light into the skin. By using different wavelengths of light the beam penetrates the skin to varying depths, and so particular structures within the layers of skin can be targeted.

IPL treatments are especially effective when combined with medical microdermabrasion.

Which skin problems can I have treated with IPL?

Anything which is potentially cancerous cannot be treated and you will be asked to see your doctor for assessment. Similarly moles should not be treated using IPL because they have the potential to undergo cancerous change.

Those lesions or conditions which can be treated are listed below, though the list is not exhaustive:

• Thread veins and spider naevi - little networks of veins visible just under the skin
• Acne
• Rosacea - a particular type of acne with facial flushing and sometimes lumps
• Age spots - brown spots within the skin, usually found on sun-exposed areas
• Small blemishes such as Campbell-de-Morgan spots - small, deep-red spots
• Port-wine stains
• Large pores
• Capillary haemangiomas or strawberry naevi
• Milia (small white spotty lumps just under the skin, often near the eyes)
• Fatty cholesterol spots near the eyes

Intense pulsed light is a highly effective and safe method for treating these conditions and others like them. Individual blemishes (such as a large age-spot or a single thread vein) can be treated in isolation, or all of the skin in an area (such as the face) can be treated at the same time, such as when rejuvenating the skin