IPL uses a combination of light wavelengths to treat your skin, whereas lasers focus just a single light wavelength. Since the light energy from an IPL treatment is less focused than a laser, IPL causes less damage to the surface of your skin than a laser potentially can. IPL energy penetrates below your epidermis (top layer of skin) to the dermis (the layer below).

The pigment in your skin absorbs the light energy, so dark spots appear lighter and sun damage fades away. IPL treatments are typically well tolerated, and ShanthiMD provides prescription numbing cream and contact skin cooling for added comfort during your procedure.

Because IPL is a gentle procedure, most men and women need a series of treatments. Three to six treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart is recommended for optimal results. Everyone’s skin is unique, so the aesthetics team at ShanthiMD will customize an IPL treatment plan that works best to achieve your skin care goals.

During your IPL session, you may feel a sensation like a tiny, hot rubber band snapping against your skin, but it’s over quickly and usually well tolerated. The highly trained aesthetics team at ShanthiMD Dermatology uses the Lumenis® M22 state-of-the-art IPL device for treatments. They customize the settings on the device for your skin type, and it also has a sapphire cooling tip for added comfort. This system is highly effective and safe for melanin rich skin types as well. Proper UV protection and a gentle skin care regimen are highly encouraged after your laser treatment for optimal results.

If you want to rejuvenate sun-damaged skin, clear up dark spots, and fade redness, IPL photofacials are the ideal solution. IPL can also be effectively combined with other treatments (ex. microneedling, LaseMD or Resurfx laser resurfacing) to efficiently improve skin texture (wrinkles, scars, etc.) during the same treatment session.