If you have chosen Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) as your acne solution, knowing “what to expect in an IPL for acne session” can ease any anxiety. The procedure is non-invasive, quick, and generally well-tolerated. It involves a simple, structured process focused on safety and efficacy.
Preparing for and understanding the steps of your photofacial ensures you get the most out of this advanced acne treatment. This guide breaks down the typical flow of an IPL session.
1. Pre-Treatment Preparation and Consultation
The session always begins with necessary safety steps and a final check-in with your specialist.
Reviewing Your Skin Health
Your provider will first assess your skin and confirm you have followed pre-care instructions, like avoiding sun exposure and tanning. They will review your current skincare products, ensuring no irritating ingredients were used recently. This quick check confirms the safety of the IPL settings for your skin type.
Cleansing and Cooling Gel Application
The treatment area, usually the face, is thoroughly cleansed to remove all makeup, oil, and debris. A cool, clear gel is then applied to the skin. This cooling gel acts as a crucial lubricant and helps to focus the light energy.
2. During the IPL Treatment Process
This is the active phase where the light energy is delivered to your skin.
Eye Protection and Light Delivery
Before the machine is turned on, you will be given protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the bright, intense flashes of light. The specialist will press the IPL handpiece flat against the treatment area. The device then emits rapid, powerful pulses of light.
Sensation on the Skin
When the light pulse is delivered, most people feel a sensation best described as a quick, warm snap, similar to a rubber band flicking the skin. The feeling is momentary and quickly subsides between pulses. The entire light application process is very fast, often lasting only 15 to 30 minutes.
3. Immediate Post-Session Care
Once the light application is complete, the focus shifts to comforting the skin and providing aftercare instructions.
Removing the Gel and Cooling the Skin
The cooling gel is gently wiped away immediately after the treatment is finished. Your specialist may apply a soothing, medical-grade cream or a cold compress to the treated area. A protective, broad-spectrum sunscreen is always applied as the final step.
Expected Immediate Side Effects
It is completely normal for your skin to feel slightly warm and appear mildly red, similar to a light sunburn. This immediate redness and warmth typically subsides within a few hours. You may notice acne lesions appear slightly darker before they begin to clear.
4. Short-Term Aftercare and Downtime
One of the great benefits of IPL for acne is the minimal interruption to your life.
Resuming Daily Activities
Because IPL is non-ablative (meaning it doesn’t remove the top layer of skin), there is no true downtime. You can usually return to work or school immediately after your appointment. Always avoid intense heat, like saunas or hot tubs, for 24-48 hours.
Crucial Sun Protection
For the next few weeks, strict sun avoidance and the diligent use of sunscreen are non-negotiable. Protecting your newly treated skin from UV damage is essential for proper healing and to prevent any complications, like hyperpigmentation.
