Get to know one of our favourite modalities when it comes to the lightening and treatment of skin discolorations like hyperpigmentation and redness.

Meet another of our treatments/devices in our skin toolbox; the Cutera Limelight IPL.  IPL stands for Intense pulsed light, which if you guessed, means this modality is a light-based therapy, means you’re very right!

You might be familiar with IPL as a form of laser hair removal but what you might not know is that IPL isn’t actually a laser. Let’s shed some light onto that 😉

The way IPL works is by using light to target haemoglobin (red blood cells) and melanin chromophores (brown skin bits) in the skin. The light energy emitted by the device is converted to heat, allowing us to selectively improve the look of visible vessels and excess pigment (yay!).

Who is the BEST candidate for IPL?

Limelight or IPL is an exceptionally effective treatment for targeting concerns of skin discolourations, such as sun damage, freckling, hyperpigmentation and generalised facial redness.

Who should avoid IPL as a treatment?

Another great question! IPL is not effective in the treatment of melasmic hyperpigmentation (the hormonal form of pigment, known as Melasma).

Another big consideration for our team when it comes to treating with IPL is both a real and artificial tan. We will not treat skin that has recently had sun exposure or fake tan applied, as the IPL will consider this pigment as a target and things can go haywire, easily. Fret not, we’ll ensure your skin is safe before moving ahead with this treatment.   

Other contraindications for IPL are; pregnancy, some medications (including oral Vitamin A, warfarin, antibiotics, blood-thinners, and long-term aspirin use), active cold sores in the treatment area and an inability to take downtime.

How does IPL feel? How much downtime will it require?

Each IPL treatment here at James Vivian will begin (after our Dermal Clinician has identified your skin as a good candidate) with a test patch. A test patch is a short appointment we conduct here at The Porehouse where we’ll test a small patch of your skin with the IPL and monitor it closely in the days following, to see how your skin reacts.

A test patch is an important part of the IPL journey as it ensures safety and allows our team to see what results can be expected if we do decide to go through with the full treatment! If the reaction is positive, expect to come in for the full IPL process about a week after the test patch.

 During the IPL treatment?

The treatment itself isn’t very long, dependant on the size of the area we’re treating. We’ll cleanse the skin then apply some cool (both in temperature and vibes ✌️) gel before getting started with the Limelight. The IPL causes a hot flicking sensation on the skin, which can feel particularly intense when treatment occurs under the eyes or near the corners of the nose. This sensation is very momentary and often regarded as tolerable (we’ll monitor your comfortability throughout the entire treatment). 

After the IPL treatment?

Your skin will probably be flushed and hot, this is totally normal. Expect at least 48 hours of downtime due to redness and heat in the treated area. Bruising, swelling and darkening in the treated area may persist for up to two weeks. As always, your clinician will be hot on the texts with you to ensure your reaction and recovery is normal and positive *SMS sound*.

Destroyed melanin chromophores (brown spots) will immediately darken before causing a natural exfoliation of pigment. In the days following IPL you can expect these darkened spots to crust slightly before flaking off. Whilst you may be tempted, NO PICKING OR SCRATCHING! This will interfere with the results and is a bad habit (lets work together to stop it!).

Take it easy on your skin for five days, or until any reactions have subsided. Use gentle products, remain diligent with sunscreen and sun protection and take it easy on strenuous exercise for a couple of days post IPL.

After about a week or so you can expect a complexion that is more even in tone, brighter and one with a giant smile!

Where to next?

If you’d like to chat with us about if IPL is the treatment your skin is missing, please book in a consult here. Can’t wait to chat skin with you!