When the spots on your face begin to influence your beauty, then you’ll seek a way eliminate them. Among all the ways, IPL attracts most attention because of its non-invasiveness and quick recovery. But some people still doubt if IPL can remove the spots effectively. Here, I give you a scientific guide, so you’ll understand IPL’s working principle on removing spots, its effects, application and precautions.

1.Deep Analysis of IPL Technology: How does Light Aim At the Spots

1.1IPL’s Key Working Principle: Selective Photothermal Effect

IPL(intense pulsed light) has multiple wavelength. IPL device can emit broad spectra light. Its wavelengths are usually between 500nm to 1000nm. The key of IPL lies in selective photothermal effect. Pigment clusters such as spots and dilated capillaries in the skin can preferentially absorb light energy pf specific wavelengths and convert it into heat energy.

This process is like a precise heat sniper. When targeted pigment particles absorb light energy and produce much heat, they will be decomposed. Then, these damaged pigment fragments will be expelled out of the body through lymphatic circulation system. While the surrounding tissues are kept from being damaged because they absorb less energy.

1.2Which Kinds of Spots Can IPL Treat

1.2.1 Epidermal Pigmentation Spots

Freckles: It’s related to heredity and sun exposure. Freckles are dotted on cheek and nose. It’s surface spot, so it is easy to treat. Usually 1-2 treatment is enough for an obvious improvement.

Sunspots: Caused by long time sun exposure. IPL can treat it well.

Age Spots: Flat early age spots respond well to IPL treatment, while raised spots require combination with other treatments.

1.2.2 Some Mixed Pigmentation Problems
Melasma: This condition is complex. Before IPL treatment, you better do a proper evaluation. IPL may improve some of the vascularization factors or epidermal pigmentation, but improper energy control may actually worsen pigmentation.

1.2.3 Spots that Can’t be Treated by IPL
For dermal pigmented spots like Ota and zygomatic: The pigment is located too deep. Broad spectral is hard to reach and easy to damage the epidermis. So these spots should be treated by Q-switched laser or Picosecond.

Coffee Spots: The effects are unstable and recurrence rate is high.
2.IPL Spots Removal Whole Process: From Evaluation to Postoperative Care

2.1 Before IPL Treatment: Professional Evaluation and Preparation

Professional evaluation and thorough preparation are the cornerstone of achieving ideal results and ensuring safety before the treatment officially begins. Firstly, you need to undergo a professional facial examination by a dermatologist, using instruments such as a Wood lamp to determine the specific type and depth of the spots.

Strict skin preparation is so important. 4-6 weeks before treatment needs strict sun protection. Avoid any severe sun exposure. You should stop using irritating skincare products such as retinoic acid and fruit acids for the first two weeks. During the treatment day, keep the face dry and don’t do makeup. Finally, it’s necessary to deeply discuss with the doctor and establish a rational expectation. Spots removal is a gradual procedure but not a “one-click deletion” magic.

2.2 During IPL Treatment: Feeling and Process
When treatment begins, your face will be cleaned. Then you will wear a special goggles to guarantee the safety. Practitioner will apply the cooling gem on the treatment area. This gem can not only conduce light but also can lower the temperature and relieve pain.

Practitioner will adjust the treatment parameters such as wavelength, pulse width and energy according to your skin color and spots depth. During this process, you can feel slight burning sensation, but most patients can bear this.

After one treatment, a cold compress is needed to lower skin temperature and decrease the heat sensation after treatment. This instantly soothes the skin.

2.3 After IPL Treatment: Crucial Skin Recovery Period
After treatment, the color of the spots may temporarily darken and be accompanied by slight redness and swelling, but it usually subsides within a few hours. After about 3-7 days, a thin layer of scab may appear on the partially deepened spots. Do not scratch them on your own, but let them fall off naturally to ensure smooth skin repair.

The key of the postoperative care is strict sun protection. Skin is so allergic to the UV light. After IPL treatment, patients must use high SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF50+, PA+++). And wear hat, mask and take umbrella when going outside. This way, pigmentation rebounding will hardly appear and expected results will likely occur.

3.Effect, Risks and Scientific Management: Take A Rational View of IPL Spots Removal

3.1 How Long Can the Effect Last? How Many Treatments are Needed?

The effect of IPL freckle removal is cumulative. A complete course of treatment usually requires 3-5 sessions, with an interval of about 3-4 weeks between each session. After treatment, clear spots will significantly fade or even disappear with metabolism. However, removing blemishes is not a one-time solution. The skin produces new melanin under UV stimulation. Therefore, maintaining long-term effectiveness relies on strict lifelong sun protection. Possible 1-2 maintenance treatments per year.

3.2 Potential Risks and Side Effects (How to Avoid?)

Any treatment carries risks, and IPL may lead to: pigmentation or reduction under non-standard procedures; excessive energy or improper postoperative care (especially insufficient sun protection) may cause anti blackening (post inflammatory pigmentation); Errors in energy settings may also lead to decreased pigmentation.

Choosing experienced operators can maximize avoidance. Burns and blisters: Inappropriate parameters or outdated equipment may cause them. Emphasize once again the importance of professional institutions and doctors. Ineffective or recurrent: Treatment for unsuitable plaque types (such as dermal plaques) is inevitably ineffective; All spots have the possibility of recurrence in the presence of triggers such as sun exposure.

FAQ

Q: Can one IPL treatment completely remove freckles?

A: It can’t. In the vast majority of cases, a single treatment can only significantly reduce some spots. Spot removal needs to be carried out according to the course of treatment (usually 3-5 times), and the effect is closely related to the type of spot, personal metabolism, and postoperative care.
Q: Is the treatment process painful? Do I need anesthesia?

A: There is a noticeable warmth and slight tingling sensation during treatment, but the vast majority of people can tolerate it and usually do not require anesthesia. Cold gel and cooling system of equipment can effectively relieve discomfort.
Q: Will IPL make the skin thinner and more sensitive?

A: Proper operation of IPL will not cause skin thinning. The principle is to selectively act on the target tissue without theoretically damaging the normal stratum corneum. On the contrary, stimulating collagen regeneration and regulating care can help repair the skin barrier function. However, in the short term after surgery, the skin is in a repair period and the use of irritating products should be avoided.
Q: Is everyone suitable for IPL freckle removal?

A: No, it’s not. The following individuals are not suitable or should be cautious: those with a recent history of exposure to sunlight or solar dermatitis; Pregnant and lactating women; Individuals who are photosensitive and currently taking photosensitive drugs; Individuals with severe immune disorders or coagulation dysfunction; Patients with active infections or skin cancer in the treatment area. Patients with melasma need to have an individualized plan developed after evaluation by experts.