Frequently asked questions about Intense Pulsed Light (ILP) treatments

IPL systems use hand held flash lamps to emit micro pulses of light across a broad band of visible wavelengths.

By using gentle pulses of light momentarily to create heat, IPL can permanently disable hair follicles, preventing future growth.

Similarly, IPL also achieves excellent long term results when treating thread veins, skin pigmentation, acne and other skin complaints.

On your first visit, your personal clinician will carry out a detailed consultation and assessment before recommending a treatment plan to suit your individual requirements. Your clinician will also demonstrate the equipment and answer any questions.

How much does IPL cost?

This will vary depending on the area you are having treated and the number of treatments you need. Please click here to view our price lists.

Is IPL safe?

IPL is safe, non-invasive, has minimal side effects and requires no recovery time. IPL is gentler than laser and much faster as a larger area can be treated with each flash. We believe it is the most advanced hair removal and skin treatment system available.

We value the comfort and safety of the client very highly and will take the greatest care to ensure that you feel at ease about every aspect of the treatment.

What are the risk factors of IPL treatments?

What regulations cover IPL clinics?

It is a Government requirement that all IPL clinics are registered with the Healthcare Commission, the body responsible for ensuring that private healthcare businesses operate safely and with full regard for client care. Registration with the Healthcare Commission is recognition that a company is using safe and appropriate equipment, has all the necessary treatment policies, procedures and protocols and is employing properly trained staff.

We follow best practice and only employ highly trained clinicians and nurses, operating under the clinical supervision of our medical director, and we maintain the highest standards of clinical excellence.

How will information be stored?

We will create a confidential personal file for you with electronic and written records. This will include any personal details you give us and clinical before and after photographs. Your file will be retained for three years after your most recent visit.

The Skin Clinic is registered under the Data Protection Act to keep detailed records for each client.

Who can have IPL treatments?

Does IPL hurt?

Not really, although the treatment sensation will vary from client to client. Most of our clients say that it feels like a hot pinprick or the flicking of an elastic band on their skin. Any discomfort is momentary and there is no lasting sensation.

Are there any side effects?

Immediately after IPL treatment you may notice a slight reddening of the skin around the hair follicles or slight local swelling which may last for up to a few hours (or in very rare cases, a few days). These are positive indications that the IPL treatment was effective and no cause for concern.

How does IPL work on the hair?

The melanin in the hair (which gives hair its colour) absorbs the light, which is momentarily converted into heat. This heat is transferred to the growth cells in the root of the hair, permanently disabling them. Most colours of unwanted hair can be removed from all parts of the body, except very sensitive areas such as the inside of the nose and ear.

Can I have IPL hair treatments if I have blonde, red, grey or white hair?

In simple terms, the greater the contrast between your hair colour and your skin colour, the better.

If you have blonde or red hair you will need to have a consultation with a clinician to determine whether there is enough pigment in the hair for you to have a successful treatment.

Grey or white hairs are usually not suitable for this type of treatment, as they usually do not contain sufficient melanin to absorb light. Some people find a number of grey or white hairs remain visible after a course of IPL treatments. Research is being carried out to find ways to boost the melanin in grey and white hair for long enough to allow successful IPL treatments and we are following these developments. Early melanin enhancement products appear to us to be prohibitively expensive.

Can I have IPL hair treatments if I have dark Afro-Caribbean skin?

Yes you can, but you will need to have a consultation with a clinician to assess properly how effective this treatment will be for you, and how long it may take.

Why do some of the hairs grow back?

Hair goes through a 3-stage cycle, and IPL treatment is only effective when the hair is in the growing phase. Since only about 30% of hairs are in the growing phase at any given time, some new hairs will grow after each treatment. These are then successfully removed during subsequent treatments. This is why a course of 6 treatments is normally recommended, after which the number of remaining hairs is very small.

Can The Skin Clinic help with PCOS?

Yes. One of the side effects of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can be enhanced hair growth, for which IPL is a suitable treatment.

How does IPL work on the skin?

When treating unwanted areas of pigmentation, targeted areas momentarily absorb the light and become hot, but not for long enough to burn. This heat breaks down the pigmentation into tiny particles which then either rise to the skin’s surface as scabs which are exfoliated away naturally within 1-2 week, or the particles are filtered away through the lymphatic system in your body.

When treating thread veins (or other vascular conditions), the light is absorbed by the oxyhaemoglobin in the blood within the vein, causing the blood to coagulate and the thread vein to break up into particles that can be filtered away naturally through the lymphatic system in your body.

When treating fine lines and wrinkles, the light stimulates the growth of collagen which makes the skin feel plumper and more youthful.

How does IPL treat acne?

Areas of acne respond well to IPL. Our IPL system emits pulses of filtered light to the affected area, with yellow light destroying the bacteria that cause acne and red light targeting the production of sebum in the sebaceous glands, reducing inflammation and swelling. People are researching into the detailed reasons but it is likely to do with causing tiny amounts of oxygen in blocked pores which activates the body’s natural immune system.

For optimum results, The Skin Clinic recommends alternating IPL treatments with a gel peel on a fortnightly basis.

Acne treatments are not permanent and should not affect subsequent hair growth, as the fluence levels are very low.

Do I have to have a consultation and a patch test, even if I have had a previous IPL treatment some where else?

Yes. We need to assess your medical history and current skin condition to check that you are (still) suitable for treatment and we determine the correct settings for your particular treatment from the patch test.

We also ask you to sign a consent form that confirms we have explained the IPL treatment process, allows us to carry out treatments and store your personal data.

During your initial consultation, your clinician will devise an individual course of treatments suited to you, and will discuss your treatment expectations.

Do I need to do anything before my treatment?

No major preparations are necessary, but you may want to read the guidelines offered on the before your treatment sheet which is available at your clinic or on this website.

How long does a treatment take?

The consultation and patch test take about 30 minutes.

The IPL treatment itself can take as little as 15 minutes or as long as 2 hours, depending on the area(s) being treated. This will be discussed with you during your consultation.

Do I need to do anything after my treatment?

No major action is necessary, but you may want to read the guidelines offered on the after your treatment sheet which is available at your clinic or on this website.

Frequently asked questions about IPL treatments

What is Intense Pulsed Light?