Photofacial (IPL) for Sun-Damaged and Reddened Skin: What It Treats and What to Expect

Photofacial, typically delivered as IPL, treats sun-damaged skin, redness, and pigmented spots by targeting blood vessels and pigment with pulsed light. The procedure is noninvasive, causes minimal downtime, and usually requires multiple sessions spaced weeks apart. Risks include short-term redness and, less commonly, blistering or pigment changes; darker skin tones require specialist evaluation.

What a photofacial is

Photofacial (commonly performed with intense pulsed light, or IPL) uses controlled pulses of broad-spectrum light to reduce visible redness, broken capillaries, and pigmented sun damage. It targets blood vessels and pigment in the upper layers of skin, stimulating gradual clearing and a more even tone.

Common uses

Providers use IPL photofacials for rosacea-related redness, broken facial vessels (telangiectasia), sunspots, age spots, and general photodamaged skin. It can also soften fine lines, reduce pore size visually, and improve texture in mild cases.

How the treatment works and what it feels like

During treatment, a handheld device delivers short pulses of light over the treatment area. The light converts to heat in targeted vessels or pigmented cells, which the body then clears. Most patients describe brief stinging or snapping sensations during pulses and mild warmth afterwards. The procedure is noninvasive and typically performed without general anesthesia.

Treatment course and results

Visible improvement usually appears over several weeks as the skin clears and heals. Many practices recommend a series of treatments rather than a single session; providers commonly space these sessions several weeks apart to allow for healing and pigment clearance. Results vary by condition, skin type, and device - some people see significant improvement, others more modest changes. ¹

Safety, side effects, and suitability

Downtime is generally minimal. Common short-term effects include redness, swelling, and occasional tenderness for 24-72 hours. Less commonly, blistering, bruising, or temporary lightening/darkening of the skin can occur. People with darker skin tones have a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after IPL, so candidacy should be evaluated by a dermatologist or certified laser specialist.

Certain medications and recent tanning increase risk; most providers ask patients to avoid sun exposure, stop tanning, and pause photosensitizing medications before treatment.

Choosing a provider and alternatives

Choose an experienced clinician who evaluates your skin tone, medical history, and expectations. For some issues (for example, deeper vessels or darker skin types), targeted vascular lasers (such as pulsed-dye or Nd:YAG lasers) or alternative energy-based devices may be more appropriate.

Aftercare

Protect treated skin from sun exposure and use broad-spectrum sunscreen. Follow your provider's instructions on topical agents and when to resume regular skincare products.

Photofacial (IPL) remains a widely used, noninvasive option for improving many types of sun-damaged and reddened skin. Discuss realistic expectations and risks with a board-certified dermatologist or licensed laser practitioner before treatment.

1. Verify typical recommended number of IPL sessions and standard spacing between sessions in current clinical practice guidelines or consensus statements. [[CHECK]]
2. Verify quantifiable outcome statistics or common improvement ranges for IPL on sun damage/redness so no unsupported percentages are cited. [[CHECK]]