IPL

IPL Photofacial

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is one of the most versatile treatments we offer at Eye and Face Clinic. It’s just as effective at calming redness and rosacea flare-ups as it is at fading sun damage and pigmentation. Our Aesthetician, Gillian Power, uses IPL to help patients achieve a calmer, clearer, more even-toned complexion — with a treatment that fits easily around everyday life.

What IPL does

IPL works by delivering broad-spectrum pulses of light into the skin. This light is absorbed by pigment and haemoglobin — the substances behind pigmentation and redness. The energy breaks down excess pigment and causes small, dilated blood vessels to gradually collapse and fade, while also gently stimulating collagen production for better tone and texture over time.

Unlike single-wavelength lasers, IPL uses several wavelengths of light at once, which means it can treat multiple concerns — redness, pigmentation, and mild textural changes — in a single session.

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What to expect during treatment

A cooling gel is applied first to protect and soothe the skin, and protective eyewear is worn throughout. Gillian then passes the IPL device over the treatment area, delivering light pulses to target redness or pigmentation. Most people feel a mild tingling or a quick snapping sensation — often compared to the flick of a rubber band. A session typically takes 20–30 minutes, depending on the area being treated.

Downtime and recovery

IPL involves little to no downtime, which is why it’s often called a “lunchtime treatment.” Mild redness or swelling straight after treatment is common, similar to a light sunburn, and usually settles within a few hours. Pigmented areas may look temporarily darker in the days that follow before flaking away naturally — this is a normal part of the process, so try not to pick at treated spots. Daily SPF is essential during and after your course of treatment.

Results

Many people notice an improvement in redness and skin tone within a few weeks of their first session, as treated vessels and pigment begin to fade. For the best outcome, Gillian typically recommends a course of 3–5 sessions, spaced around 4 weeks apart, so results can build progressively. For rosacea and ongoing redness, occasional maintenance sessions help keep symptoms under long term control.

How Gillian uses IPL at Eye and Face Clinic

Gillian often recommends IPL as part of a broader treatment plan — for example, alongside calming, barrier-repair skincare for rosacea-prone skin, or combined with chemical peels and microneedling as part of a facial rejuvenation programme that addresses tone, texture, and redness together. As with all treatments, your plan starts with a thorough consultation and skin assessment, including a patch test, to make sure IPL is the right fit and safe for your skin.

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Supporting your results at home

Gillian will guide you on aftercare specific to your skin, but daily broad-spectrum SPF is non-negotiable throughout your IPL course. UV exposure is one of the biggest triggers for both pigmentation and redness, and can undo the progress you’re working towards. A gentle, barrier-supportive skincare routine between sessions will help maintain your results.

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