Last Updated February 2023

What is IPL skin rejuvenation?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) skin rejuvenation, sometimes referred to as IPL photo rejuvenation, is a non-invasive treatment primarily used to revive your skin and improves its elasticity by encouraging collagen and elastin growth. Treatment involves directing the IPL light energy into the required layers of the skin. The application of light and heat stimulates the skin healing process and encourages the production of collagen.

As well as stimulating collagen production, the other concerns treated with the use of the intense pulsed light is the reduction of any visible skin imperfections, including pigmentation and redness, to give you a youthful appearance. Other benefits of the treatment include firmer looking skin and reduced pore sizes.

How does IPL skin rejuvenation work?

IPL skin rejuvenation works by delivering intense pulses of light energy to the skin. The light energy is absorbed by pigmented and vascular cells in the skin, which causes them to break down. The body’s natural healing process then removes these cells, revealing new, healthy skin. Additionally, the heat generated by the light energy stimulates collagen production, which can help to improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance.

During your treatment the practitioner will adjust the wavelength and settings of the IPL machine to treat whatever condition you have, whether you wish to treat redness, pigmentation or stimulate collagen production. 

IPL skin rejuvenation is performed as an all over face, neck or decolletage treatment. During your treatment any pigmentation will absorb the light and heat energy which initiates the process of the pigmentation being broken up and removed naturally by the body. At the same time new collagen production and elastin growth is encouraged for firmer skin. Signs of any redness you may have may also be reduced. This makes IPL skin treatments a great option for overall skin rejuvenation. With regular treatments skin can appear brighter, firmer and more youthful.

What are the benefits of IPL skin rejuvenation?

IPL skin rejuvenation treatments are capable of reducing the appearance of various skin conditions. This includes the reduction of wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. If you are dealing with rosacea or acne scarring, the redness associated with those conditions can also be lessened through IPL skin treatments.

IPL treatment is a common way to treat these concerns, with results improving with each treatment session. 

What skin concerns can be treated with IPL skin treatment?

IPL treatments are most commonly used to stimulate collagen production, reduce redness and fade pigmentation. Regular IPL treatments are recommended to encourage collagen production to keep the skin looking and feeling younger..

Various skin conditions and ageing concerns can be treated with IPL skin rejuvenation treatments, including:

  • Skin pigmentation
  • The redness of rosacea
  • Collagen induction
  • Uneven skin discolouration
  • Signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles
  • Large open pores

Who is IPL skin rejuvenation suitable for?

IPL treatment is suitable for most people over the age of 18 concerned with their skin’s appearance. Particularly in the case of conditions like uneven skin discolouration, fine lines and wrinkles, skin redness from rosacea and acne, as well as hyperpigmentation. It is used as an all over treatment for the face, neck or decolletage to create a smoother and more even skin tone.

IPL skin rejuvenation can also be used for general anti-ageing, as the stimulation of new collagen elastin will assist in delaying any visible signs of ageing caused by loss of elasticity and skin firmness.

However, you must discuss your medical history with a practitioner before treatment to determine if you are a healthy and suitable candidate.

Who is not a suitable candidate for IPL skin rejuvenation treatment?

If you have taken oral Roaccutance in the last 6 months we recommend waiting before undergoing any IPL treatment.

If you have experienced a history of severe eczema, seizures or active infections, you may also not be suitable for IPL treatment. 

Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have very dark skin may not find IPL as a treatment suitable for them.

If your practitioner recommends you should not attempt light therapy, it is best to follow their instructions for your wellbeing.

Other less common contraindications will be discussed with your practitioner during a consultation. 

How can I prepare for IPL skin rejuvenation treatment?

While there is no one size fits all pre-care required before undergoing IPL treatment, it is important to minimise sun exposure and use sunscreen in the weeks prior to getting the treatment. During your initial consultation, your practitioner may advise you to prepare your skin using particular skin care for a few weeks prior to your first treatment.

What can I expect during IPL skin treatment?

Depending on what skin issue you are looking to get treated, the IPL machine will be set to treat your specific concerns. The practitioner will then explain what you can expect during the procedure.

Although not generally required, if you prefer to have numbing applied the practitioner may apply a numbing cream on the area before starting treatment. During your treatment, you may experience a warm rubber band snapping sensation against your skin from the intense pulsed light and heat energy.

The procedure will last about 30 minutes, and most patients will see the best results after having 3-5 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart. Regular maintenance sessions are then recommended. The frequency of the maintenance sessions will be determined by your practitioner as it can vary depending on your skin condition and what concerns are you addressing.

What does IPL skin rejuvenation after care look like?

IPL treatments require some after care, which will generally be outlined by your practitioner after the procedure. They may also recommend certain skin care products that can be used at home to maximise the benefits of your treatment.

Depending on what skin conditions you are having treated, you may experience some initial swelling and redness on the areas treated by the intense pulsed light. These side effects should lessen over a matter of hours, but it is beneficial to avoid excessive sun exposure and exfoliation on the treated area for at least a week. Sunscreen should also be applied daily, along with any products your practitioner has recommended to reduce inflammation.

It may be recommended that exercise is to be avoided for 1-2 days, but because IPL treatment is not invasive, you should be able to get back to your daily activities almost immediately.

Your practitioner may also recommend avoiding skin care products with active ingredients for up to a week post treatment.

How long does it take to see results from IPL skin treatment?

The length of time it takes to see results does vary depending on the severity of your condition and which skin concern you are treating. In the case of pigmentation, you will notice in the weeks following your course of treatment that your pigmentation will commence fading. This may take several treatments for best results. 

A reduction in redness is usually seen within the days following your first procedure, with more reduction seen with every subsequent treatment in your course of treatments.

Collagen production is a gradual and ongoing process that is required for anti-ageing and general skin health. Generally speaking, collagen growth can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to complete. Regular IPL treatments, spaced 4 weeks apart, creates a cumulative effect in growing and maintaining new collagen.

What other treatments can I get alongside IPL skin rejuvenation?

IPL treatment can be paired well with other available treatments, especially those focused on promoting the growth of collagen and elastin. To maximise your results, these treatments can be used alongside IPL skin treatment:

  • Chemical peels: To treat the top layer of your skin, medical grade chemical peels can be applied to your face to give you an even and brighter complexion.
  • Bio-remodelling: Used to improve skin quality, elasticity and firmness, this injectable treatment stimulates collagen and elastin production to support the skin layers.
  • Bio-stimulating injections: An injectable treatment used to further stimulate the production of collagen in a way which gives more structure and support to your skin.
  • RF Skin Needling: RF Needling combines radiofrequency with skin needling which work together to encourage collagen production in the skin. 
  • Micro-needling: Another means of encouraging the production of collagen for your skin, this needling technique can help with acne scarring or wrinkles, with minimal downtime.
  • Skin care: At home maintenance using quality cosmeceutical skin care is a must to enhance and maintain your results from any clinic performed treatment. Particularly, ingredients such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C are vital to include in any skin care routine to address ageing and pigmentation.

You can browse our skin treatments here.

IPL skin rejuvenation side effects and risks

At Victorian Cosmetic Institute IPL treatments are only performed by trained practitioners. Although rare, there are some possible side effects, including:

  • Continued discomfort after treatment
  • Scarring
  • Excessive swelling
  • Pigmentation
  • Possible infections
  • The treated area could change colour or get crusty

Possible risks and side effects are also discussed during your consultation. 

You should contact your practitioner if you feel sick after treatment, or if you notice any unexpected side effects.

Laser vs IPL skin rejuvenation

Although both laser and IPL skin rejuvenation treatments work on most skin types, there are some advantages of IPL skin treatment over regular laser.

Unlike lasers, IPL skin rejuvenation treatments work on a wide range of skin issues, rather than requiring different treatments for each condition. This means that the rejuvenation treatment takes less time and treatments for several issues to potentially be resolved. 

Furthermore, while intense pulsed light may sound like a laser treatment, it differs from laser treatment by its light therapy producing multiple wavelengths, rather than a singular wavelength. These pulses of light are more scattered and less focused than a laser, but it still manages to penetrate to the required layer of your skin, all without harming the top layer.

FAQ

How long does IPL skin treatment take?

Each session takes around 30 minutes to complete. This can vary depending on your skin condition and area being treated.

Is there any downtime required for IPL skin treatment?

There is minimal downtime required for IPL treatments. We recommend that you do not partake in any exercise or any activity which will generate heat in your skin for 1-2 days, but you should be able to continue your daily activities immediately after treatment.

How much does IPL skin rejuvenation cost?

The cost of your IPL treatment will depend on which area you wish to conduct light therapy on. At Victorian Cosmetic Institute we do not spot treat areas and prefer to treat the entire face, neck or decolletage area. Treating the entire area such as the face, neck or decolletage means that you receive a more even treatment outcome than what would be possible by spot treating smaller areas such as cheeks, forehead etc..

The cost of IPL skin rejuvenation can be viewed on our pricing page.

How often should you have IPL skin rejuvenation?

Depending on how many treatments your practitioner has recommended, you will normally need to wait four weeks between each IPL treatment. This may differ between each individual and will be discussed with you during your consultation. 

How many treatments do I need for IPL skin rejuvenation? 

In most cases, you will require more than one treatment to ensure IPL reduces the appearance of visible skin imperfections. After the first treatment, your therapist will recommend how many more treatments you will need. Most patients usually require an initial course of 3-5 treatments. The number of treatments required often depends on the area being treated and the type of skin condition being treated. Additionally, it may be necessary to see how your skin reacts to treatment before we can determine how many treatments would be required.

Is IPL skin treatment painful?

During an IPL treatment it is highly unlikely you will feel pain from the intense pulsed light and any discomfort felt is usually minimal. Your skin may feel warm during treatment, look slightly red after treatment, and you may experience some initial swelling. If you wish, we can apply a numbing cream before treatment.

Why choose the Victorian Cosmetic Institute as your provider of IPL skin rejuvenation?

IPL skin treatment can help minimise the appearance of wrinkles, pigmentation, redness and stimulates the growth of new collagen and elastin within the skin. IPL skin treatment has minimal recovery and downtime in comparison with other treatments and can be combined with other skin treatments to maximise results.

At Victorian Cosmetic Institute, our practitioners are dedicated to providing the right treatments for your skin concerns. If you have concerns about your sun damaged skin, pigmentation or uneven skin tone, our team can help you.

To get started, simply schedule a consultation with one of our practitioners today by calling 1300 863 824 or book online.