Intense pulsed light (IPL) is also known as BBL or (Broad Band Light) is a technology used to perform various skin treatments for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes, including:
- Hair removal
- Photo rejuvenation (e.g. the treatment of skin pigmentation, sun damage, and thread veins)
IPL is not a laser and consists of pulses of intense light of many colours that appears white. The range of colours is both the advantage and weakness of this treatment. By having so many colours it is possible to treat a wide range of conditions but because the energy is divided between so many colours which have different effects it is best for treating conditions in their initial stages, or as part of a long-term preventative programme.
There is now strong clinical evidence that regular IPL treatments – i.e. 4/year is an effective antiaging treatment which works by revitalising the skin at a cellular level.
Modern innovations in IPL equipment including a cooled tip treatment head, EPL – to reduce the required light energy and the use of several smaller pulses in place of one big one mean that IPL is now generally a comfortable and safe treatment.
IPL is applied through a short wand, a gel is applied to the target area which soothes the skin, and our aesthetic therapist then applies the pulses in a session that usually lasts for about 30 minutes. IPL will sometimes take several sessions, but this will be determined beforehand at consultation.
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