Written By: Karen Albright
IPL Photofacials: Frequently Asked Questions
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, often called a Photofacial, is one of the most popular medical spa treatments for reversing the signs of sun damage, redness, and aging. To help you understand what to expect, we are breaking down the most frequently asked questions about this transformative light-based technology.
Q. When is IPL recommended, and what skin conditions does it treat best?
A. IPL is primarily recommended to reduce irregular skin discoloration caused by chronic sun exposure. Over time, UV radiation damages surface skin cells, leading to “sun spots” (pigmentation) and “broken capillaries” (facial redness). IPL targets these specific concerns using a process called selective photothermolysis. The device emits gentle pulses of broad-spectrum light that heat up and safely destroy the targeted pigment or blood vessels while leaving the surrounding skin tissue completely unharmed.
IPL is an excellent, safe choice for treating a wide array of cosmetic concerns in a single session, including:
- Sun damage and age spots
- Freckles (particularly on the face and chest)
- Rosacea and general facial flushing
- Small visible leg or facial veins (telangiectasia)
- Fine lines and uneven skin texture
While you will notice a refreshed glow after just one visit, BodyLase® typically recommends a minimum of three to four sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, for optimal results. Because there is virtually zero downtime, it is incredibly easy to fit into a busy schedule.
Q. Is there an IPL side effect of increased facial hair growth? Will fine hair burn off and grow back thicker?
A. This is a common concern, but the short answer is no—hair will absolutely not grow back thicker. That belief is simply an old wives’ tale! Clinical studies have conclusively proven that clipping, shaving, or treating hair with light therapies does not alter its biological thickness or density.
During an IPL session, the light energy is naturally drawn to melanin (pigment). If you have dark facial hairs, the laser will singe them and may even permanently reduce them over time. However, if your facial hair consists of fine, wispy “peach fuzz” (vellus hair), it lacks the dark pigment required to attract the light waves. The IPL will simply pass over it safely without affecting it at all. It will certainly never worsen it.
Q. Why do brown spots sometimes seem to return a few weeks after a photofacial?
A. When you receive an IPL treatment, the targeted pigment fragments, darkens (often looking like coffee grounds), and naturally flakes off within a few days, leaving behind a clear complexion. However, if spots appear to return or darken weeks later, it is usually because the underlying skin cells in that region are permanently damaged from years of historic sun exposure and retain a biological tendency to overproduce melanin.
Think of the IPL machine as the tool that resets your skin—but maintaining that fresh canvas is up to you. To prevent or delay brown spots from recurring, you must maintain a diligent, aggressive sun protection routine all the time. For individuals with darker skin tones who are naturally more prone to hyperpigmentation, using a medical-grade pigment suppressor (like hydroquinone) before and after your treatments can help keep the pigment cells beautifully quiet.
Q. What is the ideal amount of time to wait between IPL treatments?
A. For patients with lighter skin types who are not currently tanning, the standard recommendation is to wait three to four weeks between sessions.
This four-week interval is scientifically necessary to allow your skin’s natural cellular turnover process to finish. Once the laser breaks down the unwanted pigment cells, it takes several weeks for your body to fully push that debris to the surface to flake away. Waiting until this cycle is fully complete ensures your next treatment is both safe and maximally effective.
Bonus Benefit: As an added perk of waiting out your treatment cycle, you will notice that the deeply penetrating light actively stimulates new collagen synthesis in your dermis, gradually softening fine lines and refining your overall skin architecture.
Q. How do I maintain my radiant, freckle-free results long-term?
A. The absolute best defense is a premium, broad-spectrum sunscreen applied daily—even on cloudy days or when you are just driving. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays easily penetrate car windows, and while they don’t cause instant sunburns, they are the primary drivers of cellular sun damage and aging. We also recommend avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) whenever possible.
Get Radiant Skin with BodyLase®
If you have more questions about how an IPL Photofacial can revitalize your skin tone, our team of highly skilled medical professionals is here to guide you. Contact our team at BodyLase® today to schedule your complimentary skin consultation at any of our convenient locations.
