IPL Acne Treatment

What is an IPL Acne Treatment?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment has been described as the most significant advancement in acne treatment for decades. It is a safe, fast, effective, and FDA approved procedure designed to control existing acne outbreaks and reduce future acne outbreaks. For information about acne, see the Understanding Acne page. For the treatment of individual pimples, cysts, or milia, see the Acne Care page.

An IPL system generates high energy pulses of light that are filtered to emit specific frequencies of light. One of these frequencies causes porphyrin, a naturally occurring molecule in the oil glands, to release oxygen. The acne bacteria are anaerobic and are killed by the oxygen. A second frequency disables the overactive oil glands, causing them to shrink. This controls the overproduction of sebum (oil) to help prevent later outbreaks.

During the treatment, you will be asked to put on protective eyewear. A layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to cool the skin and allow the light to more easily penetrate the skin's surface. The IPL handpiece is placed against the skin and a short pulse of light is released. The handpiece is moved to the neighboring area and the process is repeated until the entire area has been treated. Most clients describe the sensation of the pulses as a small, relatively painless snap. For treatments that significantly heat the lower layers of skin, very cold air may also be directed at the site of each pulse for additional cooling. The gel is removed and acne fighting products are applied to complete the treatment.

What equipment does Skin Care By Design use for IPL Acne treatments?

For higher power treatments, we use the Alma Harmony XL with multiple frequency handpieces. The Harmony XL uses the latest technology and this model was released in 2008 to rave reviews.View Alma Harmony XL

For lower power treatments and for clients whose skin on the Fitzpatrick Scale is greater than 4, we use the Active Crystal 512, a 420-1100nm IPL. This proven device is both comfortable and effective. View Active Crystal 512 IPL system

Who are the best candidates for IPL Acne Treatments?

This treatment works best for people with light colored skin because the pigment in our skin (melanin) also absorbs the light energy. Darker skin can be treated but the light energy must be delivered at a lower power to prevent burning the skin. As a result, darker skin will likely require more treatments. This includes skin with tans resulting from exposure to the sun, tanning beds, or the application of tanning lotions.

IPL treatments should not be performed if you have taken Accutane within the past twelve months.

What results can you expect?

Clinical studies have shown IPL treatments to be comparable to prescription antibiotics for the treatment of acne. Results are normally seen within two weeks with continued improvement over the following three months.

IPL treatments also stimulate collagen production to help repair the damage caused by the acne infection. As a result the treatment provides long lasting improvement in both acne and the overall skin texture.

How many treatments do you need?

We recommend two treatments per week for four weeks (a total of eight treatments). Single treatments are available for maintenance and topical products for home use may be suggested by your skin care nurse.

Things you should know.

Side effects are rare and limited to the treatment sites. They include the possibility of mild burns or blistering, discomfort, scabbing, bruising, pigmentation changes, scarring, and infection.

Acne is unpredictable and one of the toughest skin conditions to treat. Because there are so many variables related to acne (bacteria levels, hormone fluctuations, whether your skin is dry or oily, stress, medications, etc), there are no guarantees that this or any other acne treatment can completely or permanently stop the production of blemishes. However, these treatments, combined with following the regular facial treatment and home care recommendations of your skin care nurse, should provide a significant reduction in blemishes, inflammatory pigmentations, and oil production.

How much time is required?

Each appointment is normally 30 minutes.

How much does it cost?

$499 for a package of eight treatments or $75 per maintenance treatment.

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