IPL or intense pulse light treatment is a method for treating acne vulgaris. It uses non-UV light to kill the p. acnes bacteria that causes acne. It is not the same as laser treatment which uses laser light to reduce acne scars.
How is IPL different from laser treatment?
A laser is a high-energy beam of coherent light (synchronized light waves of the same wavelength), providing very specific and intense targeted energy delivery into specific areas of the skin’s tissue to treat skin problems.
Lasers are primary used for acne scar reduction but are sometimes used for reducing the acne condition itself.
IPL on the other hand, use flashes of light that work in a similar way to lasers but are technically not classified as such. To improve targeting and specificity, IPL uses special filters to remove unwanted wavelengths and keep only those in the required narrow range.
IPL is primarily used for controlling acne and its main effect antibacterial. Its effect on reducing acne scars is not as good as lasers as it addresses mainly the discoloration.
How does IPL work?
An Intense Pulsed Light system releases yellow, green and red light emitted in a series of short pulses. The yellow/green light destroys the bacteria that live in the skin and cause acne, while the red light directly targets the overactive sebaceous glands that cause outbreaks of pustules. This targeted eating deep in the skin causes shrinkage of the inflamed sebaceous glands and helps to prevent over-production of excess sebum
This wide spectrum of Intense Pulsed Light used helps destroy bacteria and control the secretions in the sebaceous glands.
A mild chemical (Glycolic) peel prior to laser treatment is recommended as it removes the dead skin cells that block the pores causing pustules. The light is then better able to penetrate the skin.
IPL usually needs more that a single treatment and may need four and as many as six treatments for the full effect to be realized. Because of this, there are no "dramatic" effects after one treatment which makes it a great alternative for those who don't want to be conspicuous.
Several medical journals have published reports on the effectiveness of IPL treatments for treating scars. For instance, a study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology examined how well IPL improved raised, inflamed and small scars and concluded that this method did show definite improvements in scarred skin.
What are the side effects of IPL?
The treated area can become quite red immediately after treatment. However, most patients experience no side effects and the redness usually disappears within a couple of hours. Very rarely the skin may become lighter or darker, or a small blister may form. It is possible that some hair loss will occur in the area treated, and it could be permanent, so men should consider this possibility before agreeing to treatment of their beard area.
In summary, consider IPL in your arsenal versus acne. If your acne condition does not seem to improve with topicals, retinoids or even Accutane, perhaps, it is time to look at intense pulse light treatment or IPL.