IPL skin rejuvenation in Lancaster
IPL skin rejuvenation is a light-based treatment for redness, visible vessels and sun-related pigment. It is often mistaken for laser, but it works differently, and this page explains how.
Quick answer
IPL skin rejuvenation uses intense pulsed light, a filtered broad-spectrum light rather than a laser, to treat facial redness, visible vessels, superficial pigmentation and sun damage. At Naomi Waite Aesthetics in Lancaster it is used for photorejuvenation of areas such as the face, neck, chest and hands, after a consultation to confirm your skin is suitable.
What is IPL skin rejuvenation?
IPL stands for intense pulsed light. Rather than working at a single wavelength like a laser, IPL produces broad-spectrum light that is filtered to select the bands most useful for the concern being treated.
IPL is not a laser. At the clinic it is used in two pathways: skin rejuvenation, covered on this page, and hair reduction where appropriate.
How IPL skin rejuvenation works
Filters narrow the light to the bands suited to the target in your skin, such as the pigment in sun-related marks or the blood in visible vessels. The light is delivered in pulses through a handheld applicator, over a layer of gel.
Your practitioner chooses the filter and approach for your skin and your concern. Treated brown spots can look darker for a while and then gradually flake away as the skin renews.
What IPL skin rejuvenation can help with
IPL may be considered for the concerns below. Not every vascular or pigment condition is suitable, so each is assessed at consultation.
- Facial redness
- Thread veins and visible vessels, where suitable
- Pigmentation: superficial, sun-related pigment
- Sun damage and photoageing
- Age spots
Is IPL right for me?
IPL can suit people with superficial sun-related pigment, facial redness or visible vessels. Complex pigment such as melasma needs a different assessment, and not every vascular or pigment concern will respond.
Your skin tone, recent sun exposure, medical history and medications all matter. Tell your practitioner if you are pregnant, prone to cold sores, or taking anything that increases sensitivity to light, such as isotretinoin, St John's Wort or certain antibiotics.
What happens during treatment
After your consultation you will be given preparation advice. This includes avoiding sun exposure and sunbeds beforehand, and pausing products containing retinoids, AHAs or BHAs for the period advised.
On the day, arrive with clean, make-up free skin. A gel is applied and the handheld applicator delivers pulses of light across the area. A topical anaesthetic cream can be used if needed to help with comfort.
Downtime and aftercare
Some redness, mild swelling or sensitivity is common afterwards. How long it lasts varies, so your practitioner will explain what to expect for you. Your aftercare will include:
- Taking lukewarm rather than hot showers and baths straight after treatment
- Avoiding direct sun and wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher outdoors
- Keeping skin moisturised with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser
- Avoiding make-up and harsh products, such as exfoliants and retinoids, for the period advised
- Not rubbing, picking or scratching the area, and letting darkened spots flake away naturally
- Contacting the clinic if you notice blistering or anything unexpected
IPL compared with laser
IPL and laser are both light-based, but they are not the same thing. The table shows the key difference, and your practitioner will explain which suits your concern.
Results
Results vary from person to person. Ongoing sun exposure and natural ageing can cause new damage over time, so maintenance treatments may be discussed to help sustain your results.
Where we show before and after photographs, they are of real clients, not stock or manufacturer images.
IPL skin rejuvenation prices in Lancaster
The cost depends on the size of the area being treated and the number of treatments in your plan. Current prices are on our prices page, and your practitioner will confirm your plan cost at consultation.
IPL skin rejuvenation: frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we hear most about IPL skin rejuvenation. If yours is not listed, ask at your consultation.
Related treatments and guides
Depending on your concern, your practitioner may also discuss these options.
- Thulium laser
- LED light therapy
- NIR skin tightening
- IPL hair removal
- Facial redness
- Pigmentation
IPL and laser: the key difference
| Feature | IPL | Laser |
|---|---|---|
| Type of light | Broad-spectrum light, filtered to select useful bands | Laser light at a specific wavelength |
| Is it a laser? | No | Yes |
| Used at the clinic for | Redness, visible vessels, superficial pigment, photorejuvenation, and hair reduction where suitable | Depends on the laser: for example Thulium for pigment and photodamage, and CO2 or Er:YAG for resurfacing |
Frequently asked questions
IPL skin rejuvenation uses intense pulsed light, a filtered broad-spectrum light, to target redness, visible vessels and superficial sun-related pigment. IPL is not a laser. At Naomi Waite Aesthetics in Lancaster it is used for photorejuvenation of areas such as the face, neck, chest and hands. The clinic also uses IPL, separately, for hair reduction where suitable.
Most people find the discomfort mild. If needed, a topical anaesthetic cream can be applied before treatment. Your practitioner will explain what to expect for the area being treated. How it feels can vary with the area treated and your own sensitivity.
It depends on your skin type and your concern, so there is no fixed number. IPL is often planned as a course of sessions, and your practitioner will recommend a plan after assessing your skin. Maintenance sessions may be suggested later, as sun exposure and ageing continue.
Redness, mild swelling or sensitivity is common afterwards, and treated brown spots can darken before flaking away. How long this lasts varies from person to person. You will be given aftercare to follow, including sun protection and avoiding hot showers and harsh products for the period advised.
IPL may not be suitable if you are pregnant, have certain medical conditions or take medications that make your skin more sensitive to light. Recent sun exposure and a history of cold sores also need to be discussed, and not every pigment or vascular concern is suitable. Your practitioner will check all of this at consultation.
The cost varies with the size of the area and the number of treatments needed. Current prices are listed on our prices page, and your practitioner will confirm the cost of your plan at your consultation in Lancaster. Packages can be tailored to your needs.
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