Skin treatments: treatment guide

IPL photofacial: what it treats, what to expect and side effects

Q: Does IPL hurt?

Pain is typically minimal. Afterward, a mild sunburn-like sting usually fades within 4 to 6 hours, and cool packs can help.

What is an IPL photofacial?

IPL photofacial is the name often used for intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment of the face. IPL is a nonlaser light source, also called pulsed light or broad band light, used to treat vascular and pigmented spots, sun damage, active acne and unwanted hair.^[2] It is a non-ablative treatment, so it does not remove the skin surface, and pain and recovery time are typically minimal.^[6]

Medically reviewed by Jeremy Warner, MD, FACS, Clinical Medical Director, double board-certified plastic surgeonLast updated October 30, 20269 sources

In the SkinSync AI app

IPL photofacial and the SkinSync AI app

Treatments you can simulate today:

Neurotoxins (Botox)
Dermal fillers

Not in the simulator. IPL photofacial is not part of the SkinSync AI simulator. In the app you can see simulations of neurotoxin and dermal filler treatments today (laser and energy-based treatments are coming soon), find participating clinics and providers with their availability and pricing, and book a consultation.
See a simulation. Scan your face and preview an illustrative neurotoxin or filler simulation on a 3D model, from the front and both sides.
Find a clinic. Browse participating clinics and providers, with their availability and pricing.
Book when you are ready. Book a consultation, in person or virtual, or a treatment directly in the app.

Simulations are illustrative and do not predict results. The app does not give medical advice; a licensed provider determines appropriate treatment.

IPL photofacial quick facts

What it is	Intense pulsed light: a nonlaser, filtered flash lamp that gives off a broad range of light wavelengths^[1][2]
Type of treatment	Non-ablative: it treats the skin without removing the surface^[6][3]
Common uses	Sun spots and freckles, visible blood vessels and facial redness, sun damage, rosacea and unwanted hair^[1][2][7]
Typical sessions	A series. In a systematic review, people had 3 to 7 sessions, 4.29 on average^[4]
Downtime	Pain and recovery time are typically minimal^[6]
Right after	Skin may be pink or red for 4 to 8 hours or longer, with a mild sunburn-like sting that usually fades in 4 to 6 hours^[6]
Results timeline	You may not see significant changes until several weeks after treatment^[6]
Cost	Varies by clinic and area.
Skin tones	Caution is needed in people with tans or naturally dark skin^[1]

How IPL works

A laser gives off a single, focused wavelength of light. IPL is different: it is a filtered flash lamp that gives off many wavelengths at once, roughly 420 to 1,400 nanometers. Because this broad light can be absorbed by several targets in the skin, IPL is less selective than a laser, so filters are used to narrow the light and make each treatment more specific.^[1]

The light targets color in the skin, such as pigment in sun spots and blood in small vessels.^[1][3] Its large treatment window covers a lot of skin quickly.^[3]

What IPL is used for

Pigmented spots. IPL has been used to treat freckles and sun spots (solar lentigines), with significant improvement after a series of monthly treatments.^[1]
Visible vessels and redness. IPL with appropriate filters can treat facial spider veins (telangiectasias), poikiloderma of Civatte and other vascular lesions.^[1]
Rosacea. IPL can reduce flushing and improve skin texture in rosacea, and is often used for persistent facial redness.^[7]
Sun-damaged, aging skin. Wrinkles, scarring, blemishes and sunspots are among the aging skin concerns light therapy can lessen.^[6] A systematic review of 16 studies found IPL effective for skin rejuvenation, though many studies were of low quality.^[4]
Acne. Photopneumatic therapy combines IPL with a gentle vacuum to clear excess oil and dead skin cells from pores. It is FDA-approved to treat blackheads, whiteheads and some pimples, but it cannot treat acne nodules or cysts.^[9]
Hair reduction. IPL is one of several light devices shown to achieve long-lasting hair reduction.^[1]

What IPL is less suited for

IPL is relatively ineffective for tattoos, because it cannot deliver the very short pulses needed to break up ink.^[1] Reviews also note that IPL has limited effects on complicated skin problems.^[3][4] For tattoos and stubborn pigment, see our pico laser guide.

What to expect from an IPL photofacial

Before treatment

A dermatologist will usually review your medical history and examine your skin, and discuss expectations, risks and likely outcomes.^[6] For two weeks before treatment, avoid:^[6]

Sunbathing and tanning beds^[6]
Waxing, chemical peels and collagen injections^[6]
Perfumes, deodorants and other possible irritants in the treatment area^[6]
Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, which can raise the risk of bleeding^[6]

During and right after

The light is delivered in pulses, and IPL energy can be given as single or multiple pulses.^[1] Afterward, the treated area may be pink or red for 4 to 8 hours or longer, with a mild sunburn-like sting that usually fades within 4 to 6 hours. Mild swelling usually goes down within several days.^[6]

Results and sessions

You may not see significant changes until several weeks after treatment.^[6] IPL is usually done as a series: in the systematic review, people had a mean of 4.29 sessions, with a range of 3 to 7.^[4] For rosacea, IPL needs more sessions than laser therapy.^[7] For some vascular birthmarks, expect about two to three IPL sessions, followed by a yearly visit to maintain results.^[8]

Side effects and who should avoid IPL

Possible side effects

Risks are minimized when a qualified dermatologist performs the treatment. They include:^[6]

Pain and swelling^[6]
Discoloration, darker or lighter patches of skin^[6][1]
Bleeding and crusting^[6]
Blistering^[1]
Infection^[6]
Scarring, which is rare^[6][1]

A 2024 review raised concerns that IPL performed improperly may contribute to skin aging and other harmful skin changes, and called for careful selection of candidates, settings and standard protocols.^[5]

Who should be cautious

Choosing the right device and settings matters, and caution should be used in people with a tan or naturally dark skin.^[1] For hair removal, IPL with specific filters is used in people with paler skin, while other lasers are considered safer for darker skin.^[1] Tell your provider about medicines and supplements that can increase bleeding.^[6]

IPL aftercare

Cool packs or moist cloths can ease stinging^[6]
Do not apply makeup or lotion to the area for 24 hours, or until all redness and stinging are gone^[6]
Apply a good moisturizing lotion twice a day during your treatment series and for at least three months after the last treatment^[6]
Keep avoiding perfumes, deodorants and other irritants on treated skin^[6]
Avoid tanning, since tanned skin needs extra caution with light treatments^[1][6]

IPL vs laser treatments

IPL and lasers both use light, and they often treat the same concerns. The main difference is the light itself.^[1]

Swipe sideways to compare IPL and lasers.

	IPL	Lasers
Light source	Filtered flash lamp, many wavelengths, not focused (420 to 1,400 nm)^[1]	A single wavelength chosen for the target^[1]
Selectivity	Less selective; filters narrow the light^[1]	More selective for a specific target^[1]
Rosacea redness	Gentler on the skin, but needs more sessions^[7]	Fewer sessions than IPL^[7]
Pigment and tattoos	Treats freckles and sun spots; relatively ineffective for tattoos^[1]	Q-switched lasers are highly effective for many benign pigmented spots and are also used for tattoos^[1]

One review found that in many cases IPL is similar to laser therapy in effectiveness.^[3] Lasers come in many types. Read our guides to Laser Genesis for tone and redness, pico laser for pigment, and Fraxel for resurfacing. Chemical peels are another option for sun spots and uneven tone.

Which treatment suits your skin is a decision to make with a licensed provider.

Frequently asked questions about IPL photofacials

What does an IPL photofacial treat?

IPL is used for sun spots and freckles, visible blood vessels, sun damage, active acne and unwanted hair.^[2][1] It is also used for rosacea redness and flushing.^[7]

Is IPL a laser?

No. IPL is a nonlaser filtered flash lamp. Unlike a laser, it gives off many wavelengths of light at once.^[1]

Does IPL hurt?

Pain is typically minimal.^[6] Afterward, a mild sunburn-like sting usually fades within 4 to 6 hours, and cool packs can help.^[6]

How many sessions will I need?

Usually a series. In a systematic review of 16 studies, people had 3 to 7 sessions, with an average of 4.29.^[4] Your provider will suggest a plan based on what is being treated.

Is there downtime?

Recovery time is typically minimal. Redness can last 4 to 8 hours or longer, and mild swelling usually settles within several days.^[6]

When will I see results?

You may not see significant changes until several weeks after treatment.^[6]

Can IPL help rosacea?

Yes. IPL can reduce flushing and improve skin texture, is gentler on the skin than a laser, and needs more sessions than laser therapy. In experienced hands, it can also ease signs of rosacea affecting the eyes.^[7]

Is IPL safe for darker skin?

Caution is needed. Reviews advise care in people with tans or naturally dark skin.^[1] Ask your provider whether IPL or another treatment is right for your skin tone.

How much does an IPL photofacial cost?

It varies by clinic and area. Ask your provider for the cost of the full series, since IPL is usually done in several sessions.^[4]

SkinSync AI: Aesthetic Care

Find a clinic and book a consultation in the SkinSync AI app.

IPL photofacial is not part of the SkinSync AI simulator. In the app you can see simulations of neurotoxin and dermal filler treatments today (laser and energy-based treatments are coming soon), find participating clinics and providers with their availability and pricing, and book a consultation.