How IPL Works: The Science Behind Clearer, Brighter Skin

If you've ever seen before-and-after photos of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments, you might wonder: How does a flash of light lead to such dramatic skin improvements?

Let’s take a closer look at how IPL really works, and what’s happening below the surface of your skin.

IPL Is Not a Laser—Here’s the Difference

While lasers use a single wavelength of focused light, IPL uses broad-spectrum light (like a camera flash) that targets multiple issues at once. That makes IPL versatile—it can treat sun spots, redness, and more in the same session.

What Happens During an IPL Treatment?

1. Light Penetrates the Skin
   IPL devices emit pulses of light that penetrate through the surface layers without damaging them.

2. Targeting Chromophores
   The light is absorbed by chromophores—specifically melanin (brown pigment) and hemoglobin (red blood vessels). This selective targeting is key.

3. Controlled Damage = Collagen Boost
   When the pigment absorbs the light, it heats up just enough to break apart the unwanted pigment or close off tiny vessels. This mild, controlled injury also stimulates collagen, helping your skin rebuild stronger.

4. Your Body Does the Cleanup
   Over the next few days, your body naturally flushes out the fragmented pigment or reabsorbs the treated blood vessels. That’s why you might see freckles darken temporarily before they flake away.

Why Does IPL Work Best in a Series?

Each treatment targets a layer of pigmentation or vascular damage, and results build over time. Most people see the best results with 3–5 sessions, spaced about a month apart.

Is IPL Safe?

Yes—when performed by trained professionals. At Coastal IPL, we use precise settings based on your skin type to ensure effective results while avoiding damage. Not all IPL devices are created equal, and technique matters just as much as the technology.

Want to learn if IPL is right for your skin? We’re here to help you glow smarter—not just brighter.