Active Acne (420 nm IPL)

Best for teens and adults with mild-to-moderate inflammatory or comedonal acne (face, chest, back), including sensitive skin. It also helps with post-inflammatory redness and some pigmentation. Severe nodulocystic acne typically needs a dermatologist-led medical plan (and IPL may be used as a complement later).

Dual-filter IPL (Dye VL + ~420 nm) targets two drivers of acne: (1) blue light interacts with porphyrins produced by Cutibacterium acnes, helping to reduce bacterial activity, and (2) vascular-targeted wavelengths reduce inflammation and can down-regulate overactive sebaceous glands. The result is calmer skin, fewer active lesions, and more even tone over a series of sessions.

A typical plan is 4–6 sessions spaced every 2–4 weeks, depending on severity and skin type. Early improvements (reduced redness and active lesions) can appear after 1–2 sessions, while texture and tone continue to refine over 6–12 weeks. Maintenance sessions every 2–3 months (or seasonally) help sustain results.

Your skin is cleansed, protective eyewear is provided, and a cooling gel is applied. The practitioner delivers a series of light pulses that feel like a quick warm ‘snap’. Treatment areas (face/chest/back) usually take 10–20 minutes. A soothing product and SPF are applied at the end and you can return to normal activities immediately.

Downtime is minimal. Temporary redness or mild swelling can last a few hours. Less common effects include dryness, flaking, temporary darkening of spots as pigment lifts, or small crusting. Rarely, hypo/hyperpigmentation can occur—especially in darker skin tones—so parameters, test spots, and sun protection are key.

Avoid IPL if you are tanned or using self-tanner, have active skin infections/open wounds, light-triggered seizures, or a history of keloids in the area. Delay treatment if you used isotretinoin recently (follow medical advice; many clinics wait up to 6 months). Photosensitizing drugs (e.g., doxycycline) require caution. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: IPL is generally deferred. Fitzpatrick V–VI may need modified settings, test spots, or alternative modalities—your clinician will guide you.

Yes. It pairs well with dermatologist-guided routines: benzoyl peroxide, topical/oral retinoids (usually paused 3–5 days before/after), azelaic acid, or hormonal/antibiotic therapy as indicated. It can also be alternated with gentle chemical peels or extractions (spaced appropriately). Always follow your clinician’s protocol.

Before: avoid sun/solarium for 2 weeks, stop self-tanner for 10–14 days, and pause strong exfoliants/retinoids 3–5 days unless advised otherwise. Arrive with clean skin. After: use gentle cleanser and moisturizer, apply SPF 50+ daily, avoid hot showers/sauna/gym and very spicy alcohol for 24–48h, don’t pick lesions, and reintroduce actives gradually (typically after 3–5 days).