IPL Photofacial in Des Moines, WA

IPL (intense pulsed light) uses broad-spectrum light with multiple wavelengths to treat several concerns simultaneously. Lasers use a single, focused wavelength for more targeted treatment of specific conditions. IPL is ideal for overall tone correction and treating a combination of sun damage, pigmentation, and redness in one session. Lasers like CO2 are better suited for deep resurfacing, structural skin changes, and more concentrated treatment of individual concerns.

Most patients see noticeable improvement after one to two sessions, with optimal results after three to five IPL sessions spaced three to four weeks apart. The number of sessions depends on the severity of your sun damage, pigmentation, or redness. Maintenance sessions one to two times per year help manage the effects of new sun exposure and keep your skin tone even.

The most common side effects are mild redness and warmth immediately after treatment, which resolve within a few hours. Pigmented spots will temporarily darken before flaking off within three to seven days. This is the expected, desired response. In rare cases, blistering or temporary hyperpigmentation can occur. Your provider evaluates your skin type before treatment to minimize these risks.

IPL is one of the most effective non-prescription treatments for managing rosacea-related redness and visible blood vessels. The light energy targets hemoglobin in dilated blood vessels, reducing diffuse redness and broken capillaries over a series of treatments. IPL does not cure rosacea, but it significantly improves the visible symptoms and helps patients manage flare-ups long term.

A cooling gel is applied to the treatment area. The IPL handpiece delivers pulses of broad-spectrum light across the skin. Most patients feel a warm snapping sensation with each pulse. The treatment is well-tolerated, and most patients do not require numbing. A full-face IPL session takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. You can return to your normal routine immediately after.

Most patients see significant improvement after three to five IPL sessions spaced three to four weeks apart. Mild sun damage may respond in fewer sessions, while deeper pigmentation or persistent redness (rosacea) may benefit from additional treatments. Dark spots typically darken and flake off within 7 to 14 days after each session, revealing clearer skin underneath.

IPL is safest for lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick I through III). Darker skin types have a higher risk of burns or hyperpigmentation with IPL and may benefit from alternative treatments. IPL can worsen melasma because the broad-spectrum light can stimulate melanocyte activity. If you have melasma, our providers may recommend SylfirmX RF microneedling instead, which is specifically designed to treat melasma without triggering rebound pigmentation.