When little imperfections appear on our skin, they can rattle even the most confident among us. Patches of brown pigment, broken capillaries, facial redness, sun damage, accelerated signs […]
When little imperfections appear on our skin, they can rattle even the most confident among us. Patches of brown pigment, broken capillaries, facial redness, sun damage, accelerated signs of ageing such as lines and wrinkles, or problematic acne conditions can be particularly troublesome.
What’s bothersome for you might be fine for someone else, but we recognise your unique skincare needs and concerns. That’s why a personalised skincare consultation and treatment plan are essential. It’s a great way to learn about your skin, how we can treat the conditions that concern you and set realistic skincare goals, we can achieve together with aesthetic devices like our Lumenis M22 IPL treatments.
If you’re dealing with sun damage, facial redness, pigmentation, accelerated skin ageing, or skin conditions like rosacea or acne, our Lumenis M22 IPL is the perfect aesthetic device to help restore, rejuvenate, and assist in skin repair and recovery.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about IPL treatments—what they are, how to prepare, and what to expect during and after your sessions.
First things first – what exactly are IPL skin treatments?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, a popular skin treatment that uses broad-spectrum light to tackle various skin issues. Unlike lasers, which use a single wavelength of light, IPL emits multiple wavelengths, allowing it to address a range of skin concerns.
The light energy penetrates the skin, targeting pigmented cells and blood vessels and other imperfections without harming the surrounding tissue.
It’s a versatile option for many common skin conditions.
IPL emits a range of light waves that target specific areas to minimise the appearance of sun damage, pigmentation, vascular lesions, or acne.
The light energy converts to heat, disrupting the targeted cells while leaving the surrounding skin untouched.
This process stimulates your skin’s natural healing mechanism, resulting in a smoother texture, fewer lines and wrinkles, a more even tone, and reduced dark spots and visible blood vessels.
IPL is the ultimate multi-functional aesthetic device for treating various skin issues. Here’s a quick rundown of what IPL can help with:
If you’re concerned about hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and texture, sun spots, facial redness, broken capillaries, spider veins, telangiectasias or pigmented acne scarring, IPL is an excellent treatment option.
IPL is most effective on light to medium skin tones and is unsuitable for very dark or tanned skin due to the risk of hyperpigmentation.
During your skin consultation, we’ll determine your suitability. Once we’ve discussed your options and you decide to embark on a series of IPL treatments, we’ll provide you with what you need to prepare your skin to ensure the best possible results.
Consultation with a dermal therapist.
Before starting IPL treatments, it’s essential to have a thorough skin consultation. We’ll assess your skin type, analyse your skin condition, discuss your concerns, and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. This is your chance to ask all your questions and ensure you’re fully prepared for your treatment.
Pre and post treatment skincare routine
In the weeks leading up to your IPL session, we’ll recommend a specific skincare routine to ensure the best results. This may include using gentle cleansers, serums, proper hydration and sunscreen and avoiding harsh exfoliants or products containing prescription retinoids and acids that can make your skin temporarily sensitive. Think of it as prepping your skin to ensure optimal outcomes and results you’ll be delighted with. After your treatment, we’ll review your skincare routine to maintain your results.
Avoiding certain medications and skincare products.
Certain medications and skin care products can increase your skin’s sensitivity to light, making IPL treatments less effective. During your consultation, we’ll provide you with a list of products and medications to avoid before your treatment to ensure a smooth and successful session.
Protecting your skin with broad spectrum sun protection.
Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most critical steps in preparing for IPL. Sunburned or tanned skin can increase the risk of complications during the treatment. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wear protective clothing, and avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible. Your skin will thank you!
On the day of your IPL session, we’ll cleanse the treatment area and apply a cooling gel to your skin. You’ll also be given protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the bright light. We’llthen use the IPL device to deliver pulses of light to the targeted areas.
Each IPL session typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. Most people describe the sensation as a slight stinging or snapping feeling, similar to the snap of a rubber band against the skin. While it may be mildly uncomfortable, it’s usually well-tolerated. Plus, for a bit of discomfort, the results are worth it!
After the treatment, you might experience some redness and swelling, similar to a mild sunburn. These effects are usually temporary and typically subside within a couple of hours to a few days.
If needed, we’ll recommend a soothing post-treatment balm. But there’s no need to worry—it’s all part of the process and temporary.
Proper aftercare is crucial to achieving the best results from your IPL treatment. Here are some essential tips:
Common side effects include redness, swelling, and temporary darkening of pigmented spots. These should fade within a few days.
Rest assured, if you experience severe or prolonged side effects, we’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to contact us immediately. If you have any questions after your treatment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help and ensure you achieve the best results.
Following a consistent skincare routine is essential to maintaining the results of your IPL treatment. Use products that support skin health and protect against sun damage, such as antioxidants, hydrating serums, and broad-spectrum sunscreens. Your future self will thank you!
Our clients find IPL treatments to be mildly uncomfortable but not painful. The sensation is often compared to a rubber band snapping against the skin, which sounds worse than it is. Like most, you’ll find it bearable; the treatment will be completed before you know it!
The number of sessions required varies depending on the individual and the skin condition being treated. On average, most people need 3 to 6 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart for optimal results. Patience and consistency are the keys to great results!
There is minimal downtime associated with IPL treatments. Most of our clients return to normal activities immediately after their session, though following aftercare instructions is essential to ensure proper healing.
IPL is most effective on fair to medium skin tones. Darker skin tones have a higher risk of complications. We’ll discuss this during your skin consultation to determine the best treatment for your skin type.
Lumenis M22 is one of the most effective Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments available. It offers an advanced skincare solution that rejuvenates and repairs the skin.
We think you’ll love the results as much as we do as we work to rejuvenate your skin and restore your confidence.
If you’d like to experience renewed and rejuvenated skin, contact us at 02 8034 2140 or book your skin consultation online.
See you soon,
Mel x
Melanie’s knowledge, credentials and passion for the skin are unsurpassed. With over 30 years of industry experience, Melanie has a Bachelor of Dermal Science from Victoria University and is a member of The Society of Dermal Clinicians.
With so much knowledge and experience, it was time for Melanie to realise her dream of owning her own non-surgical skin clinic and establishing Select Skin in 2017.
Melanie is committed to treating her clients with honesty, integrity, and care. Achieving ethical and results-driven outcomes is the most rewarding part of her day.