If you’re struggling with hyperpigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, rosacea, or acne, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments can help you achieve smoother, clearer, more radiant skin — without surgery or downtime.
At Ashburn Laser & Skincare MedSpa, our experienced team uses the Lumenis® M22™ system, featuring both IPL and ResurFX™ technology, to deliver customized, results-driven treatments for skin rejuvenation, acne scars, and overall tone and texture improvement.
Book your IPL photofacial today and rediscover your confidence in brighter, healthier skin.
Call our office, or schedule your appointment online.
What is IPL?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), also known as a photofacial, is a non-invasive treatment that uses pulses of broad-spectrum light to target and treat multiple skin concerns simultaneously. Unlike lasers that use a single wavelength, IPL emits multiple wavelengths that penetrate different layers of the skin to improve pigmentation, redness, and texture all at once.
The light energy is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) and hemoglobin (blood vessels) in your skin, breaking them down into smaller particles that are naturally eliminated by your body. This process also stimulates collagen production, which helps improve elasticity and reduce fine lines over time.
The result? Brighter, more even-toned, youthful-looking skin with minimal downtime.
Conditions IPL Can Treat
IPL is a versatile solution for a wide variety of skin concerns, including:
- Sun damage and brown spots
- Hyperpigmentation and freckles
- Age spots and uneven tone
- Acne and acne scarring
- Rosacea and redness
- Spider veins and facial veins
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Enlarged pores
- Overall skin dullness or texture
IPL can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, and other body areas to target visible signs of aging and sun exposure.
What to Expect During Your IPL Treatment
Your IPL experience at Ashburn Laser & Skincare MedSpa begins with a comprehensive skin consultation. Your specialist will evaluate your skin type, discuss your goals, and determine the best settings for your treatment.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Cleansing & Prep: Your provider will cleanse your skin and apply a cooling gel to enhance comfort and light absorption.
- Light Pulses: Using the handheld IPL device, precise light pulses are delivered to the targeted areas. You may feel a quick, mild snapping sensation — similar to a rubber band on the skin.
- Cooling & Hydration: After treatment, a soothing serum or cooling compress is applied to calm the skin.
- Duration: Most sessions take 20–40 minutes, depending on the area treated.
Mild redness or warmth may occur immediately after, but this typically resolves within a few hours. You can return to normal activities right away — making IPL a true “lunchtime treatment.”
For best results, most patients undergo 3–6 sessions spaced 3–4 weeks apart.
How to Prepare for Your IPL Treatment
Proper preparation helps maximize the effectiveness and safety of your IPL session. Follow these pre-care tips:
- Avoid tanning, self-tanners, and prolonged sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
- Stop using retinoids, glycolic acid, and exfoliating products 3–5 days prior.
- Refrain from waxing or chemical peels for 1–2 weeks before.
- Inform your provider of any medications or recent antibiotics, as some can increase photosensitivity.
- Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin on the day of your treatment.
Post-Care Instructions
Your skin may feel warm or appear pink following your IPL treatment — similar to a mild sunburn. These sensations typically subside within a few hours to a day. To promote healing and optimal results:
- Avoid direct sun exposure and apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily.
- Do not pick, rub, or scratch treated areas — dark spots may temporarily darken before fading.
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, or strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours.
- Skip retinoids, exfoliants, and active serums for 3–5 days post-treatment.
- Keep your skin hydrated and moisturized with gentle, fragrance-free products.
- If mild flaking or dryness occurs, let the skin shed naturally — do not peel.
Results gradually appear over the next 1–2 weeks, with skin continuing to improve as collagen regenerates.
IPL Dos & Don’ts
DO:
- Wear sunscreen daily to maintain results and protect new skin.
- Schedule a series of treatments for cumulative improvement.
- Combine IPL with ResurFX™, HydraFacial, or Microneedling for advanced rejuvenation.
- Use gentle cleansers and hydrating serums post-treatment.
DON’T:
- Expose skin to tanning beds or direct sunlight for 2 weeks before and after.
- Apply makeup or heavy skincare products immediately post-treatment.
- Use harsh scrubs or acids until your provider gives the go-ahead.
- Pick or peel flaking skin — let it heal naturally.
Benefits of IPL at Ashburn Laser & Skincare MedSpa
- Non-surgical & minimal downtime
- Customizable for all skin tones and types
- Targets multiple skin concerns in one session
- Quick, convenient, and long-lasting results
- Performed by licensed medical aestheticians under physician supervision
Our Lumenis® M22™ platform allows precise, controlled energy delivery for safe and effective results tailored to your unique skin.
How to Maintain Your Results
After completing your IPL treatment series, protect your investment by:
- Following a consistent skincare routine recommended by your provider.
- Using SPF daily to prevent new pigmentation.
- Scheduling maintenance IPL sessions every 6–12 months.
Regular treatments help keep your skin tone even, radiant, and youthful.
Schedule Your IPL Consultation Today
Say goodbye to sun spots, redness, and uneven tone — and hello to luminous, youthful skin.
Book your IPL Photofacial at Ashburn Laser & Skincare MedSpa in Ashburn,VA. Our team will customize your treatment plan to meet your goals and help you achieve your best skin yet.
Call us today or schedule your appointment online to begin your journey to clearer, glowing skin with IPL.
