What Is IPL and Why Everyone's Talking About It

If you've been hearing about IPL treatments but aren't quite sure what they are or how they work, you're not alone. At Sunset MedSpa, we take pride in helping our clients understand the "why" behind every treatment we offer. Let's break down what IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy is, how it works, and why it might be your new favorite skin solution.

What Is IPL?

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, and it is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes light energy to target skin imperfections. Think of it as a super bright light that can gently treat things like:

• Sun damage

• Age spots

• Freckles

• Redness or rosacea

• Broken capillaries

• Uneven skin tone

• Acne scars

• 
  

Although IPL is often referred to as a "laser treatment," it technically does not use a laser — it employs a broad spectrum of light rather than a focused beam. That's what makes it so versatile.

How Does IPL Work?

During an IPL session, pulses of light are delivered to the skin. That light is absorbed by pigment (like dark spots) or blood vessels (like redness), heating them and breaking them down. Your body then naturally removes the treated cells, leaving you with clearer, smoother, more even-toned skin over time.

Most people compare the sensation to a quick rubber band snap — it's tolerable and fast, with minimal downtime.

What Areas Can IPL Treat?

One of the best aspects of IPL is its ability to treat a wide range of areas. It's commonly used on the:

• Face

• Neck

• Chest

• Hands

• Shoulders

• Arms

  
  

Anywhere you have signs of sun damage or uneven pigmentation, IPL can help.

What to Expect After IPL Treatment

After your IPL session, your skin may feel slightly warm, pink, or sensitive, similar to a mild sunburn. That usually fades within a day or two.

If you're targeting brown spots, they will initially darken, then flake off over the next several days. This is normal and part of the process! The result? Clearer, more radiant skin.

For the best results, we usually recommend a series of 3–5 treatments spaced a few weeks apart, depending on your skin goals.

Is IPL Safe?

Yes — IPL is safe when performed by trained professionals, such as our team here in Beaverton. We will conduct a thorough skin analysis and consultation to ensure you are a suitable candidate. (It's not ideal for everyone, especially those with darker skin tones, but we have other options if that's the case!)

Why Our Clients Love IPL

• Fast treatment time (usually 20–30 minutes)

• No needles, no downtime

• Treats multiple concerns at once

• Noticeable improvements in skin clarity and tone

• Safe and non-invasive

Glow Smarter with IPL at Sunset MedSpa

Whether you're dealing with sunspots, redness, or simply want a clearer complexion, IPL photofacial therapy may be your skin's new best friend.

Conveniently located in Beaverton, serving Portland, Tigard, and Hillsboro.