Give Your Skin A Photo Finish with IPL Photofacial
For non-surgical skin rejuvenation that is non-invasive and backed by results, light-based therapies can restore health and natural beauty to your skin without extensive downtime. Fade dark spots and treat age-related skin tone unevenness. At Cedar Grove Aesthetics, we offer a wide range of skin rejuvenation options, including IPL photo facials for targeted, effective treatments.
What Are IPL Photofacials?
IPL, or intense pulsed light, is an innovative therapy that uses specially designed light pulses that can be customized to patients’ unique skincare needs for more precise and effective treatment. It is a multi-step process:
- The area being treated is thoroughly cleansed in order to aid in its absorption ability
- The treated area is then exposed to a specific wavelength of light. The photosensitive medication is activated, destroying damaged skin cells and targeting the hemoglobin and melanin in vascular lesions. The light energy is converted to heat during this process, clearing the lesions from the skin.
What Do IPL Photofacials Treat?
This non-invasive skin rejuvenation option can be used on multiple areas of the body including the face, arms, chest, and other body areas. IPL photofacials can help correct multiple skin imperfections, such as:
- Sun damage
- Brown spots
- Age spots
- Dilated blood vessels
- Facial redness caused by broken capillaries
- Rosacea
What Can I Expect During Treatment?
Protective eyewear will be supplied for you in order to shield your eyes from the intense light. This procedure is typically well-tolerated and generally no topical numbing creams are needed, but these options are available here on hand.
Before and After IPL: What to Expect & How to Care for Your Skin
At Cedar Grove Aesthetics, we keep your visit simple and predictable. Before treatment, avoid tanning (sun or self-tanner), retinoids, and exfoliating acids for 5–7 days, and come with clean skin.
On treatment day, we’ll cleanse, protect your eyes, and apply cooling gel; the pulses feel like quick, warm snaps.
Afterward, expect mild redness for a few hours. Brown spots often darken (“pepper”) for 3–7 days before flaking off and fading away.
Treat your skin gently afterward: Use a gentle cleanser, moisturize, and apply SPF 30+ every morning. Skip hot yoga, saunas, and vigorous workouts for 24 hours.
Most people return to work and their daily activities immediately. You can wear makeup once the surface warmth has settled.
How IPL Works: The Science of Light-Based Skin Rejuvenation
IPL delivers brief bursts of broad-spectrum light that target color in the skin. Melanin in sunspots and hemoglobin in tiny vessels absorb light and converts it to heat. That heat breaks up pigment and coagulates superficial blood vessels, so your body can clear them naturally over the following days and weeks.
IPL also signals the skin to make new collagen, gradually improving tone, clarity, and radiance. Because it utilizes multiple wavelengths, IPL can address several concerns—brown spots, redness, and overall dullness—simultaneously.
IPL Photofacial vs. Laser Genesis
Both treatments use light energy, but they shine in different scenarios. IPL excels at targeting discrete pigmentation (freckles, sun spots) and visible vessels that cause redness.
Laser Genesis uses a gentle, single-wavelength laser to warm the deeper dermis, softening diffuse redness, fine lines, and texture with virtually no downtime. If your primary concern is hyperpigmentation and broken capillaries, consider starting with IPL. If you want subtle, all-over refinement with a series of no-downtime visits, Laser Genesis is a great option. Many patients combine them—IPL first to clear discoloration, then Laser Genesis to refine texture and continual redness.
IPL for Rosacea: How Light Therapy Reduces Redness & Flare-Ups
Rosacea can cause persistent flushing, visible blood vessels, and sensitivity. IPL targets the superficial vessels that drive redness. When hemoglobin absorbs the light, the ship heat and collapse, reducing background redness and the frequency of flushes over time. While IPL doesn’t “cure” rosacea, a series of treatments followed by periodic maintenance can make skin look calmer and feel more comfortable. Consistent sun protection, gentle skincare, and effective trigger management (for example, avoiding spicy foods, heat, and alcohol) help maintain the gains between sessions.
Best Times of Year for Pigment Treatments
Because your skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun after light treatments, fall and winter are ideal seasons to begin a series. Lower UV exposure makes aftercare easier and results more predictable. That said, you can schedule IPL or laser treatments year-round if you commit to diligent sun protection: daily SPF, hats, shade, and reapplication. Planning—every 4 weeks for 3–5 sessions—typically yields the most even and long-lasting outcomes.
Why Choose Cedar Grove Aesthetics
You deserve clear guidance and visible results. Our team tailors every treatment plan to your skin tone, lifestyle, and goals, calibrating settings for precision and comfort.
We prioritize safety, honest expectations, and step-by-step support—from pretreatment prep to aftercare—so you always know what comes next.
Whether you’re treating sun damage, redness, or uneven skin tone, we focus on achieving a natural-looking clarity that boosts your confidence without disrupting your daily routine.
IPL FAQs
Can IPL photofacials treat active acne or acne scars?
IPL can reduce post-acne redness and blotchiness. For active acne or textural scarring, we may recommend alternative or complementary treatments.
What is the difference between IPL and laser resurfacing?
IPL targets pigment and vessels without removing skin. Laser resurfacing removes the outer layers to address texture and deeper lines, resulting in more downtime.
Is IPL safe for all skin types and tones?
IPL is best suited for individuals with lighter skin tones. Darker complexions may need adjusted settings or different therapies to avoid pigmentation changes.
Can I wear makeup or return to work the same day?
Yes. Most patients resume normal activities immediately and apply makeup once any surface warmth has subsided (usually the same day).
Are IPL results permanent, or will I need maintenance?
Cleared spots and vessels won’t come back, but new discoloration can develop with sun exposure and time. Occasional maintenance helps keep results fresh.
No Need To Show Your Spots
The appearance of brown spots on the skin is called hyperpigmentation and can occur in all kinds of skin. A result of genetic factors and sun exposure, these pigmented bits of skin can be an indication of aging, but they do not have to be permanent! Through treatments with lasers, chemical peels, exfoliation techniques, and medical-grade skin care products we are happy to assist you in achieving the toned skin of your dreams. Please call us to discuss your options and schedule a complimentary consultation.
