Cart 0
What Is IPL Treatment? A Clear Guide to Intense Pulsed Light
Many people hear the term IPL and aren’t sure what it means or whether it’s the same as laser. Here’s a clear explanation.
What is IPL?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It is a non-invasive light-based treatment that uses a broad range of light wavelengths to improve the skin. Unlike a laser (which uses one single wavelength), IPL sends out multiple wavelengths at once. This allows it to treat several concerns in the same session.
What is IPL used for?
IPL is commonly used for:
– Sun spots, age spots and freckles
– Uneven skin tone and pigmentation
– Redness, rosacea and broken capillaries
– Overall skin rejuvenation and brighter complexion
It is especially popular in autumn and winter when sun exposure is lower.
Is IPL the same as laser?
No. A laser uses one precise wavelength of light to target a specific issue. IPL uses a broad spectrum of light, so it can address pigmentation and redness at the same time. Both are effective; the right choice depends on your skin and your goals.
How does IPL work?
The light is absorbed by pigment (melanin) or blood vessels (haemoglobin) in the skin. The energy turns into heat, which breaks down the unwanted pigment or vessel. Your body then naturally clears the treated areas over the following days and weeks.
What to expect
– A course of 3–6 sessions is typical, spaced a few weeks apart.
– Treatment is quick and most people describe the sensation as a warm snap or flick.
– Mild redness afterwards is common and usually settles quickly.
– Pigmented spots often look darker for a few days before flaking away — this is a normal part of the process.
– Results build gradually and look most natural after the full course.
Is IPL right for me?
IPL works best on lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick I–IV). A proper consultation and skin assessment is always needed to confirm suitability and choose the correct settings.
At Bagua Laser & Aesthetics in Maidstone we use the Lumenis Stellar M22 platform, which includes advanced IPL technology. Every treatment starts with a consultation and digital skin analysis so we can tailor the plan to your skin.
If you’d like to know whether IPL is suitable for your concerns, book a consultation and we’ll assess your skin properly.