Intense pulsed light (IPL): what it is

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a technology that emits broad-spectrum light in short pulses. Unlike a laser, which uses a single wavelength, IPL works with a range of wavelengths, filtered according to the goal. The energy is absorbed by target structures in the skin, such as pigment (melanin) and the hemoglobin in blood vessels, and converted into heat.

What is IPL usually considered for?

In the office, it is described for skin quality concerns, such as:

• sun spots and lentigines;
• diffuse redness and visible small vessels (telangiectasias);
• signs of photoaging, such as uneven tone;
• support in managing conditions such as rosacea, at the professional's discretion.

The indication, the parameters and the number of sessions depend on an individual assessment. There is no single protocol.

Why do skin type and sun matter so much?

Because IPL is absorbed by melanin, more pigmented or tanned skin absorbs more energy at the surface, which raises the risk of burns and color changes. For that reason, recent sun exposure and skin type are part of the decision before any session.

Melasma deserves special mention: light and heat can make it worse in some people. The approach in these cases requires careful assessment, and the professional may choose a different option.

How does IPL relate to HOF?

Harmonization deals with volume, contour and support. IPL deals with the surface: tone, spots and redness. They are different layers of the same face. A patient with good volume and blotchy skin may benefit more from a skin treatment than from filler, and the opposite also holds.

In a combined plan, the order and the interval between procedures are set by the professional. The skin may be sensitive after the light, which affects when to schedule injectables. Other skin technologies, such as fractional laser and microneedling, follow the same planning logic.

What not to promise

Avoid phrases such as "renewed skin", "spots disappear" or "rejuvenates". The response varies with the type of spot, the depth of the pigment and home care. Spots can come back with sun exposure, and some lesions require a dermatological diagnosis before any treatment.

In Harmy

The app simulates the marked areas by volume in ml. It does not simulate skin tone, spots or redness, and the prompt forbids skin retouching. So the projection does not represent any IPL effect, and this must be made clear when presenting the result.

Also called: IPL, pulsed light.