An IPL (intense pulsed light) photofacial is a versatile treatment that can improve a range of skin conditions. The first IPL device was FDA approved in 1995, to treat dilated blood vessels called telangiectasia (aka spider veins). In the decades since, IPL photofacial treatments have expanded in scope to address vascular lesions, pigmented lesions, and even unwanted hair.

Today, dermatologists frequently use it for photorejuvenation, to decrease brown spots from sun damage, improve skin texture, as well as to minimize broken capillaries and redness, including rosacea. And it can help treat redness from acne and acne scars.

Though not its main indication, an IPL photofacial treatment can also stimulate collagen production and improve signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles.

During your initial visit, your provider will make sure you’re a good candidate for intense pulsed light therapy. They may even perform a spot test beforehand, and they’ll give you instructions on what items to avoid for up to two weeks before your first IPL appointment. These could include waxing, tanning or sun exposure, peels, and topical creams that contain retinol or glycolic acid.

When it’s time for your treatment, your skin will be cleansed and an ultrasound gel applied. This cool gel serves several purposes: it helps protect the skin, allows the laser to smoothly glide over the skin, and reduces reflection of the IPL waves from the skin, making the treatment more efficient. Both you and your provider will wear protective eyewear.

The handpiece of the IPL device will be held and moved against your skin, and the light pulses will be emitted with the trigger of a button.

Some people describe the sensation as the snapping of rubber bands, though Dr. Klein cautions that the experience can be more intense. “It can feel very hot and painful, unless a topical anesthetic is used,” she says.

The length of treatment depends on the size of the area, but it typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. After the treatment area has been covered, the gel is removed and sunscreen may be applied.

You’ll be able to apply moisturizer and makeup immediately after the treatment.

There’s little to no downtime after an IPL photofacial, but your skin will still go through a healing process that takes about a week. Your skin may be red and swollen for a few hours or the rest of the day, but you should be able to go back to your regular activities or work, using ice packs or a cool washcloth on the treated area if you need to ease the discomfort.

Consider skipping exercise for a couple of days to prevent swelling, which can slow healing.

Within a week post-treatment, pigmented spots will appear to rise to the surface of your skin before falling off a few days to a week later, according to Dr. Klein. The brown, freckled areas can look like little coffee grounds or pepper flakes.

Your skin may feel sunburned and hypersensitive for a couple days following, so treat it gently until you’re completely healed.

Use mild skincare products: Steer clear of scrubs and other abrasive products and instead use gentle cleansers and moisturizers.

Skin will be more vulnerable to sun damage after an IPL treatment, so avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater on the treatment area at all times.

An IPL treatment plan is typically slow and steady, using a series of treatment sessions to achieve full results.

Patients often see some improvement in redness within two weeks of their first session, but it may take three to four treatments to see significant results, particularly for more severe dark spots.

An IPL facial can make your skin look better, but it can’t stop future aging. IPL can be very effective, but the results are not permanent.

To maintain the benefits, you’ll likely need follow-up sessions on a regular basis.

Every person and skin type is different, so consult with a provider with extensive experience in IPL, who can give you a better idea at how often you’ll need treatment—and who can ensure the most successful results.

In general, when performed by an experienced provider on the right candidate, IPL is extremely safe and well tolerated. However, there are some real complications that can occur if people are not cautious and stay conservative with treatment parameters.

These can include bruising, blistering, a change in skin color, increased melasma, or even infection.

To avoid complications, make sure the person performing your treatment has a strong track record of happy patients with good results—and that your skin isn’t tanned before your treatment.

As mentioned above, IPL treatments are not suitable for everyone: it works better on light skin tones.