IPL Photofacial in Newport Beach
Light-Based Treatment for Sun Spots, Redness and Uneven Tone
An IPL photofacial at Beyond Restore in Newport Beach uses pulses of light to target brown spots, redness and uneven skin tone caused by sun exposure. IPL (intense pulsed light) works without needles or resurfacing the skin’s surface, and it is usually done as a series of sessions. IPL treatments are performed by our RNs, NPs and physicians. Start with a free consultation, where we’ll look at your skin and tell you honestly whether IPL fits your goals.
What Is an IPL Photofacial?
IPL, short for intense pulsed light, is also called a photofacial or photorejuvenation. Unlike a laser, which uses a single wavelength of light, an IPL device delivers a broad spectrum of light in short pulses. That light is absorbed by pigment (melanin) in brown spots and by blood (hemoglobin) in small visible vessels. The light turns into heat, and over the following days and weeks, treated spots may darken and flake away while redness may look softer.
Because IPL doesn’t remove the surface of the skin, it is different from resurfacing treatments like CO2 laser or chemical peels. Settings are chosen for your skin type and concerns, which is why every plan starts with a skin evaluation. IPL is also a different treatment from laser hair removal, which uses a laser made for hair. We use InMode and Sciton IPL devices.
What Can IPL Help With?
We use IPL on the face, neck, chest and hands. Depending on your skin, it may help with:
- Sun spots, age spots and freckles
- Redness and flushing, including redness linked to rosacea
- Small visible blood vessels (broken capillaries)
- Blotchy or uneven skin tone from sun exposure
Melasma can be treated with IPL, but IPL can make melasma worse in some cases. We take a very conservative approach and evaluate melasma carefully at your consultation.
How IPL Works
During treatment, a handpiece is placed on the skin over a layer of cooling gel and delivers short flashes of light. The light targets two things:
- Pigment (melanin) in brown spots and sun damage
- Blood (hemoglobin) in small visible vessels and areas of redness
The light turns into heat in these targets, and your skin clears the treated pigment and vessels gradually as it heals. Some research suggests IPL may also have a mild effect on skin texture, but IPL is mainly a treatment for color, not for deep wrinkles or loose skin. Settings are adjusted for your skin type.
Why People Choose IPL
More Even-Looking Tone
IPL targets brown spots and sun damage, which may help your skin look clearer and more even over a series of sessions.
Softer Redness
IPL targets small visible vessels and redness, including on the cheeks, nose and chest. Redness linked to rosacea can return, so maintenance may be part of the plan.
No Needles or Incisions
IPL works through the surface of the skin with light, so there are no injections, incisions or resurfacing.
Downtime
There’s no downtime, so most people go right back to their day, but you’ll need to stay out of the sun. Brown spots often darken before they flake away, which is a normal part of the process.
Set for Your Skin
Settings are chosen for your skin type and concerns. IPL isn’t recommended for darker skin tones.
Other Treatments We Offer
If another treatment suits a concern better, we also offer microneedling, HydraFacial, chemical peels and CO2 laser. We’ll help you choose at your consultation.
What to Expect From an IPL Photofacial
Before
It starts with a free consultation. We’ll look at your skin type, the spots or redness you want to treat and your sun history, and decide whether IPL fits. Share your medications and health history at your consultation. To prepare, avoid sun exposure and self-tanners for 2 weeks, pause retinol or acid products for 3 to 5 days before, keep your skin hydrated and avoid heavy exfoliants.
During
IPL treatments are performed by our RNs, NPs and physicians. The area is cleansed and a cooling gel is applied, and you’ll wear protective eyewear. Many people describe each pulse as a quick snap or warm flick. Numbing cream is available if you’d like it. Treatment usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
After
Redness, mild swelling and a sunburn-like feeling are common for a short time. Brown spots usually darken and then flake away within about 7 to 10 days as the skin heals. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and protect the area from the sun. Avoid exfoliants, retinoids and active serums for about 48 to 72 hours. You’ll get aftercare instructions to follow at home.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
Most side effects of IPL are short-lived, such as redness, swelling, tenderness and darkening of treated spots before they flake away. Other possible side effects include:
- Blistering, crusting or a burn
- Lighter or darker patches of skin, which can last a while
- Bruising
- Rarely, scarring
- Hair loss in treated areas with hair
The risk of pigment changes is higher on tanned skin and on deeper skin tones, which is why we check your skin type before treatment. Call us if you notice blistering, worsening pain or signs of infection.
Results and Number of Sessions
Some people see a change after their first session, but IPL is usually done as a series. Most plans include about 3 to 5 sessions spaced about 3 to 4 weeks apart. Maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months are typical. Sun exposure and age keep causing new spots and redness, so protecting your skin helps your results last. Individual results vary.
See IPL cases in our before-and-after gallery.
Is IPL Right for You?
IPL may be a good fit if you:
- Have sun spots, freckles or blotchy pigment from sun exposure
- Have facial redness or small visible blood vessels
- Can avoid tanning and sun exposure around your sessions
- Want a gradual change and have realistic expectations
Who Should Wait or Isn’t a Candidate
IPL may not be right for you, or may need to wait, if you:
- Have a tan, a recent sunburn or recent self-tanner use
- Have an active skin infection, open sores or an acne flare in the area
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Take medication that makes your skin more sensitive to light
- Have a darker skin tone
If IPL isn’t the right fit, we may suggest options like microneedling, Morpheus8, chemical peels or HydraFacial. We’ll talk it through at your free consultation.
Want the full picture? Read our IPL photofacial guide.
How Much Does IPL Cost in Newport Beach?
The cost of IPL depends on the areas treated and how many sessions your plan includes. Because every plan is different, we don’t list one price. IPL packages are available. We’ll go over your options and the cost at your free consultation, before you decide anything.
Financing through PatientFi, CareCredit and Cherry is available for all services, including IPL.
IPL Photofacial Questions, Answered
How is IPL different from a laser treatment?
A laser uses a single wavelength of light, while IPL uses a broad spectrum of light in short pulses. That lets IPL target both pigment and redness in one treatment. Resurfacing lasers like CO2 laser work on the skin’s surface and texture, which IPL doesn’t do. We’ll help you choose at your consultation.
How many IPL sessions will I need?
It depends on your skin and goals. Most plans include about 3 to 5 sessions spaced about 3 to 4 weeks apart, with maintenance every 6 to 12 months. Some people see a change after one session. Individual results vary.
Does IPL hurt?
Many people describe each pulse as a quick snap or warm flick on the skin. A cooling gel is used during treatment. Numbing cream is available if you’d like it.
What is the aftercare after IPL?
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and protect the area from the sun. Avoid exfoliants, retinoids and active serums for about 48 to 72 hours. Treated spots often darken and then flake away within about 7 to 10 days; let them come off on their own.
What other skin treatments do you offer?
Besides IPL, we offer microneedling, HydraFacial, chemical peels, CO2 laser and Morpheus8. We’ll help you choose the right option for your skin at your consultation.
Can IPL be used on darker skin tones?
IPL isn’t recommended for darker skin tones, because the light is absorbed by melanin and the risk of pigment changes is higher. At your consultation we’ll check your skin type and may suggest another option, such as microneedling.
Is there downtime after IPL?
There’s no downtime, so most people go right back to their day, but you’ll need to stay out of the sun. Redness and darkening of treated spots are common for a short time, and spots usually flake away as the skin heals.
Who performs IPL at Beyond Restore?
IPL treatments are performed by our RNs, NPs and physicians.
What are the possible side effects of IPL?
Redness, swelling, tenderness and darkening of treated spots are common for a short time. Less common side effects include blistering, crusting, a burn, bruising, lighter or darker patches of skin and, rarely, scarring. The risk of pigment changes is higher on tanned skin and deeper skin tones.
How much does IPL cost in Newport Beach?
Cost depends on the areas treated and the number of sessions. We’ll go over your options and the cost at your free consultation. Financing through PatientFi, CareCredit and Cherry is available for all services, including IPL.
Start With a Free IPL Consultation
Skin care with a medical approach, in Newport Beach.