How IPL Devices Benefit Dermatology and Cosmetic Procedures

Updated on December 28, 2022 by Ryan Koenig

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy Treatment (IPL) devices are popular in dermatology and cosmetic applications. IPL devices use light energy to remove hair follicles on your patient’s skin. They also target and remove pigment in damaged skin cells.

The light from the IPL directly targets the melanin or color in the skin, causing a buildup of energy that turns into heat. It is considered one of the most effective, non-invasive ways of treating skin pigmentation and hair removal. It is relatively painless and very effective. Read on to learn the myriad of benefits that IPL devices can bring.

Table of Contents

7 Advantages of IPL for Your Dermatology or Cosmetic Practice

It is the best treatment for sun-damaged skin.

The ultraviolet rays of the sun are damaging to the skin. They cause sunburn, skin irritation, and premature signs of aging which give the skin a lined, leathery, weathered look. It can also cause dark age spots to form on highly exposed areas around the face. Thankfully, IPL treatments offer a fast and effective way to lighten pigmentation on the skin, helping your patients look fairer and younger.

It can treat the effects of acne.

Years ago, people depended heavily on toners. Toners are a liquid-based products that can be applied to the skin to remove excess dirt that causes pimples and acne. However, modern aesthetics has brought forward the IPL, which is a new way of tackling the lasting side effects of acne like scarring and discoloration. IPL treatment can be done in various sessions over six months to gradually eliminate scar tissue.

Before your patients sit down for an IPL treatment, they should refrain from using topical and systemic acne medication for up to 6 months. Use IPL for severe acne side effects that cannot be treated by medication alone.

IPL Treatments

It eliminates visible veins and capillaries.

IPL can deliver a concentrated pulse of light directly to the affected area, generating heat and damaging the walls of visible veins and capillaries. This allows them to shrink and disappear without causing damage to the surrounding tissue during treatment.  

It treats premature aging.

Intense pulsed light has a unique ability to change the structure of skin cells, making them behave like young cells. A 10-year study conducted by Stanford University in California has shown that having two sessions of IPL treatment per year, for 10 years can positively modify dermal cells. It helps prevent superficial signs of aging by helping to preserve elasticity and collagen in the skin, which will keep skin glowing and looking younger.

It can be performed in different areas of the body.

IPL is mainly used for facial treatments and hair removal, but can also be used to rejuvenate skin on different areas of the body such as the neck, upper chest, shoulders, hands, arms, and legs. If your patients have signs of sun damage on multiple parts of the body, treating them with IPL will result in fairer, younger-looking skin all over the body. The best thing about IPL treatment is that it is non-invasive, so it is relatively pain-free.

It can be used for underarm whitening.

Now you can urge your patients to let go of all of those harsh chemicals they have been using to have a whiter underarm. A fairer underarm can now be achieved without undergoing harsh treatment. IPL treatment does not just lighten the armpit skin, but it can also be used to remove unwanted hair. It is a relatively pain-free and highly effective method.  

You should start treatment with the lowest strength setting to test the sensitivity of the patient’s skin in that area. That way, you can see what their tolerance is and work your way up from there. A lower setting doesn’t mean the treatment will be less effective.

It is very quick and convenient.

IPL treatments typically take 30 mins to one hour to complete. Hence, you can easily schedule your patient’s procedure around other commitments. Some patients experience mild discomfort during treatment – like being popped by a rubber band but nothing very painful. Practitioners can apply a numbing cream to relax sensitive areas like your underarm or bikini area. You can space 3-6 quick treatments one month apart to provide beautiful results for patients.

IPL vs Laser Treatments – Your Takeaway

Both IPL and laser treatments utilize light and heat to destroy skin blemishes and remove unwanted hair. There are many ways that the two treatments are similar but contrary to popular belief, IPL is not a laser treatment. However, compared with the laser, the energy utilized in IPL devices is not as strong and less focused making it a more versatile technology for treating skin. The following are the pros and cons of IPL treatment.

Pros of IPL Treatment

treats a wide range of skin conditions
has a larger surface area than most lasers
less expensive than laser treatments
faster and more affordable
has less complications

Cons of IPL Treatment

not as effective as lasers
may require more sessions
not effective for treating darker skin tones
may over-absorb light energy

Are You Ready to Offer IPL Treatments?

In general, IPL is an effective treatment for maintaining healthy, younger-looking skin. It removes unwanted hair and treats melasma without causing pain and damage to other tissues. When you’re ready, contact Laser Service Solutions to find the best IPL devices and get the best value for your investment. Learn about our convenient financing options.

About The Author

Ryan Koenig

Ryan has nearly 20 years of experience in the cosmetic laser equipment industry. He is currently president of Laser Service Solutions, a leader in aesthetic laser rental and repair services. The company buys and sells used lasers, provides on-site field service, in-house repairs, preventative maintenance, and full maintenance agreements.