Home › Guides › IPL photofacial

Treatment guide

IPL Photofacial: What It Treats, Downtime and Aftercare

An IPL photofacial uses intense pulsed light to treat sun spots, blemishes, wrinkles and scarring. Downtime is usually minimal: redness lasts about 4 to 8 hours and mild swelling a few days.

What IPL treats

  • Sun spots
  • Blemishes
  • Wrinkles
  • Scarring
[1]

Before your treatment

  • Avoid sunbathing and tanning beds for two weeks.
  • Avoid waxing, chemical peels and collagen injections for two weeks.
  • Ask your provider about stopping aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, which can raise the risk of bleeding.
  • Skip perfume, deodorant and other irritants on the area.
[1]

Downtime and aftercare

The area may stay pink or red for four to eight hours or longer, with stinging like a mild sunburn for four to six hours. Mild swelling usually goes within several days. Avoid makeup and lotion for 24 hours, and moisturize twice a day during the course and for at least three months after the last session. Changes may take several weeks to show. [1]

Side effects and risks

Possible side effects include pain, swelling, discoloration, bleeding, infection, scarring and crusting. [1]

How to choose a provider

  • Ask whether IPL suits your skin tone, and who adjusts the settings.
  • Ask how many sessions they recommend and what the full course costs.
  • Ask who operates the device and which medical provider supervises.

Looking for a med spa? See the top rated med spas in 30 cities, ranked from public reviews.

Find one near you

Questions

What does an IPL photofacial treat?

Sun spots, blemishes, wrinkles and scarring, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

How long is the downtime after IPL?

Usually minimal. Redness can last four to eight hours, and mild swelling usually clears within several days.

What should I avoid before IPL?

Sunbathing, tanning beds, waxing, chemical peels and collagen injections for two weeks beforehand.

Sources

  1. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Aging Skin, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery

This guide is general information, not medical advice. It summarizes the sources above, which were last checked on October 22, 2026. Talk to a licensed provider about your own situation.

Top rated med spas by city