Treatment time: About 30 minutes
Downtime: Darkened spots for one to two weeks
Sessions: Usually three to five sessions, about a month apart
Price: From $250 per session

Years of sun leave their mark as brown spots, freckling and blotchy tone, and many people also have redness or small broken capillaries across the cheeks and nose. An IPL photofacial uses intense pulsed light, a broad spectrum of light filtered to target pigment and blood vessels. The light is absorbed by brown pigment and by the red in small vessels, which are then gradually cleared by the body, leaving skin clearer and more even.

How the treatment works

At consultation, your provider confirms that your skin type and the spots in question are suitable for IPL. Some pigment should be checked by a doctor before any light treatment. On the day, a cool gel is applied and you wear protective eyewear. The provider places a smooth glass head on the skin and delivers pulses of light across the area. Each pulse feels like a quick warm snap.

Sun spots and freckling. Brown spots on the face, chest and hands.
Redness. Diffuse redness and flushing.
Broken capillaries. Small visible vessels around the nose and cheeks.
Overall tone. A more even, clearer complexion.

What to expect

Treated sun spots usually darken, looking like coffee grounds, and then flake off over one to two weeks. Redness may look slightly worse for a day or two before it improves. Wear sunscreen daily and avoid tanning. Most people need three to five sessions about a month apart, then a maintenance session once or twice a year.

Who it suits

IPL suits lighter to medium skin tones with visible sun damage or redness. It is not suitable on tanned skin, for some darker skin types, or with certain medications that make skin sensitive to light. Where IPL is not right, a series of chemical peels may be recommended instead. Fall and winter are a good time to start.

Before your appointment

Before laser and energy treatments, avoid tanning, sunless tanner and sunburn for several weeks, and tell us about any medications that make skin sensitive to light, recent treatments, implants or pregnancy. Shave the area the day before laser hair removal unless we tell you otherwise.

What affects the price

IPL is priced per session by area: face, face and neck, chest or hands. A package of three or more sessions is often available. Your provider will confirm how many sessions your skin needs and the price at consultation, and our treatment menu lists starting prices.

IPL Photofacial questions

Is IPL the same as a laser?

Not quite. A laser uses one wavelength of light, while IPL uses a broad spectrum that is filtered for each treatment. Both target pigment or vessels with light.

Why do my spots look darker after treatment?

That is expected. Treated pigment rises to the surface and darkens before it flakes away, usually within one to two weeks.

Can I do IPL in summer?

It works most safely when your skin is untanned and you can avoid strong sun, which is why many people schedule it for fall and winter.

Where we offer IPL photofacial

We see clients for IPL photofacial from Windsor, LaSalle and Tecumseh. See notes for your area:

IPL Photofacial in Windsor IPL Photofacial in LaSalle IPL Photofacial in Tecumseh

Injectable treatments are performed by registered nurses and physicians, under the direction of our medical director. Every treatment starts with a consultation. Results vary from person to person.