Consultation & patch test
We assess pigmentation, redness, skin type, tanning history, medication, previous reactions and whether IPL is the right technology for the concern.
IPL photofacial · South Kensington
IPL Skin Rejuvenation London
Intense Pulsed Light uses carefully selected bands of light to target visible sun damage, freckles, brown spots and diffuse facial redness — helping create a clearer, more even-looking complexion with relatively little downtime.
30–45 minutes
Patch test before treatment
Sun spots & redness
Minimal downtime
SessionUsually around 30–45 minutes, depending on area
DowntimeTemporary redness; pigmented spots may darken before shedding
CourseOften several sessions, commonly 4–6 weeks apart
SeasonBest planned around low UV exposure and untanned skin
What IPL is
Broad-spectrum light, selectively filtered for your concern
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Unlike a laser, which uses a relatively narrow wavelength or wavelength range, IPL emits a broad spectrum of light. Filters and treatment settings are selected so that light energy is preferentially absorbed by targets such as melanin in brown pigmentation and haemoglobin in superficial vessels.
Absorbed light is converted to heat in the target. Over time, treated pigment may darken and gradually shed, while visible vascular redness may soften as treated vessels become less apparent.
What happens during an IPL course
Targeted light pulses
Protective eyewear is used and pulses of filtered light are delivered across the treatment area using parameters selected for your skin and target.
Cool, protect & review
Skin is cooled and protected afterwards. Daily SPF and avoiding excess heat or UV exposure are central to the recovery period and subsequent treatment planning.
The concerns we most often use IPL for
Sun spots
Selected lentigines and superficial brown spots may darken temporarily before becoming less visible.
Freckles & photodamage
Broad areas of accumulated sun damage can often be treated more efficiently than spot-by-spot approaches.
Diffuse redness
IPL can be useful for widespread background redness and selected superficial facial vessels.
Overall clarity
By reducing visible red and brown irregularities, skin can appear brighter and more even across a course.
Suitability & safety
Who IPL is — and is not — suited to
IPL works by heating pigment and vascular targets, which means skin tone, tanning, pigmentation pattern and sun exposure matter considerably. The safest treatment is sometimes a different laser or a non-light-based option.
Often suitable for:
- Lighter, untanned skin with visible sun damage
- Freckles and superficial brown spots
- Diffuse facial redness
- Selected superficial telangiectasia
- Clients able to maintain diligent sun protection
May need another approach:
- Recent tan, sunburn or sunbed use
- Darker skin types with higher risk of pigment change
- Melasma or heat-sensitive pigmentation
- Active infection or inflamed skin in the treatment area
- Photosensitising medication or relevant medical conditions
- Pregnancy
A note about melasma: IPL is not our default treatment for melasma.
Melasma can be heat- and light-sensitive and may recur or worsen after inappropriate energy treatment.
If pigmentation looks consistent with melasma, we assess it separately and discuss safer alternatives.
Can IPL help rosacea?
IPL may improve some of the visible vascular features associated with rosacea, particularly diffuse background redness and selected superficial vessels. It does not cure the underlying tendency to rosacea, and not every flare pattern is suitable for light treatment.
Active inflammatory disease, significant sensitivity and skin-barrier disruption may need to be controlled before treatment. Where discrete vessels are the main concern, a targeted vascular laser such as Nd:YAG may sometimes be a better choice.
IPL vs vascular laser vs CO₂ laser vs peels
| Treatment | Best suited to | How it differs | Typical downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPL photofacial | Broad sun damage, freckles and diffuse redness | Filtered broadband light treats relatively large areas and can address both red and brown targets. | Usually mild redness; pigment can darken and flake |
| Vascular / pigment laser | Discrete vessels or focal lesions | Specific wavelengths can target individual vascular or pigment concerns more precisely. | Usually low, depending on lesion and settings |
| Fractional CO₂ | Texture, acne scars, deeper photodamage and fine lines | Resurfacing treatment that creates controlled columns of thermal injury to remodel skin. | Several days or more depending on intensity |
| Chemical peels | Surface dullness, congestion and selected pigmentation | Uses controlled chemical exfoliation rather than light energy. | Varies from none to several days |
Preparing for IPL and looking after your skin afterwards
Before treatment
- Avoid deliberate tanning and sunbeds before your appointment.
- Tell us about recent sun exposure, fake tan and any change in skin colour.
- Tell us about prescribed medication and supplements, especially anything photosensitising.
- Avoid strong retinoids, acids or irritating products if advised before treatment.
- Do not attend with sunburn, broken skin or active infection.
- A patch test is required before a first treatment where appropriate.
After treatment
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 daily and minimise direct UV exposure.
- Avoid excessive heat, steam rooms, saunas and strenuous exercise for the advised period.
- Use gentle cleanser and moisturiser while skin feels warm or sensitive.
- Do not pick darkened pigment or micro-crusting; allow it to shed naturally.
- Pause scrubs, strong acids and retinoids until skin has settled.
- Contact us if you develop unexpected blistering, marked swelling or increasing pain.
What the first week can look like
Skin may feel warm and look pink or mildly flushed. This commonly settles over hours.
Brown spots can look darker or more obvious before they begin to lift. Mild sensitivity may persist.
Darkened superficial pigment may gradually flake or fade. Do not scrub or pick at treated areas.
How many IPL sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number. Many photorejuvenation plans involve a short course spaced several weeks apart, but the right number depends on the amount and depth of pigmentation, degree of redness, skin type, seasonal UV exposure and how you respond to the first session.
For some focal concerns a laser may achieve more with fewer treatments; for broader photodamage, IPL may be more efficient. We reassess rather than automatically completing a predetermined course.
IPL in a wider skin and laser clinic
Patch-tested
Skin response is assessed before treatment rather than relying on a one-setting-fits-all protocol.
Multiple technologies
If IPL is not the best choice, we can consider vascular laser, CO₂ resurfacing, peels or another approach.
Skin Lab support
Objective imaging and measurements can help document pigmentation, redness and broader skin quality concerns.
South Kensington
Our clinic is at 33 Thurloe Street, directly opposite South Kensington Underground Station.
Explore IPL, laser and skin treatment options
IPL Photofacial Guide
A focused guide to IPL for sun damage, redness and uneven tone.
Read the IPL guide →Laser & IPL Clinic
Compare hair removal, vascular laser, IPL, CO₂ resurfacing and related treatments.
Explore the laser clinic →Thread Vein Treatment
When targeted laser may be more appropriate than broad-area IPL.
Explore vessel treatment →Chemical Peels
Controlled exfoliation for tone, texture and selected pigment concerns.
Explore skin peels →Skin Lab Analysis
Objective skin imaging and measurements to support treatment planning.
Explore Skin Lab →Prices
View current treatment pricing and consultation information.
View price list →IPL photofacial FAQs
Is IPL the same as laser?
No. IPL uses a broad spectrum of filtered light, whereas a laser produces a much narrower wavelength or wavelength range. Both can target colour in the skin, but their indications and safety profiles differ.
Does IPL hurt?
Most people describe brief heat or a sharp elastic-band-like sensation with each pulse. Comfort depends on the treatment area, settings and individual sensitivity.
Can IPL remove sun spots?
IPL can reduce selected superficial sun spots and freckles. Treated pigment often becomes temporarily darker before gradually fading or shedding.
Can IPL treat redness or rosacea?
IPL may reduce diffuse facial redness and selected superficial vessels associated with rosacea. It does not cure rosacea itself, and active inflammatory disease may need other management first.
Is IPL suitable for melasma?
Not routinely. Melasma can be heat- and light-sensitive and may worsen or recur after inappropriate treatment. We assess suspected melasma separately and may recommend non-IPL approaches.
Is IPL suitable for darker skin?
Suitability becomes more complex as background melanin increases because light absorbed by normal skin pigment can increase the risk of burns or post-inflammatory pigment change. We assess skin type individually and may recommend another technology.
Can I have IPL with a tan?
No treatment should proceed over recently tanned or sunburnt skin. A tan increases competing melanin in the skin and can raise the risk of unwanted thermal injury or pigmentation changes.
How many sessions will I need?
Many people have a short course spaced several weeks apart, but the number depends on your concern, skin type, response and whether another modality may be more efficient.
Can I wear makeup afterwards?
Often yes once heat and redness have settled and the skin surface is intact. Use clean, gentle products and avoid vigorous rubbing.
What happens to brown spots after IPL?
They may become darker for several days before fading or lightly flaking. This can be a normal part of the response. Do not pick or exfoliate treated pigment prematurely.
When is the best time of year for IPL?
Courses are easiest to plan when UV exposure is low and the skin is untanned. Autumn and winter are therefore popular, although treatment timing ultimately depends on your individual sun exposure and lifestyle.
Book an IPL consultation in South Kensington
We will assess whether IPL is the right treatment for your pigmentation or redness, discuss alternatives where appropriate and arrange a patch test before treatment.
IPL outcomes vary and treatment is not appropriate for every skin type or pigmentation pattern. Consultation and patch testing are required before treatment. This page is educational and does not replace medical assessment.