IPL therapy uses broad-spectrum light to address various skin concerns, such as sun damage, pigmentation, and hair removal. The device emits light energy absorbed by specific targets in the skin, converting the light into heat to stimulate cell turnover or destroy the target structure. While generally safe when performed correctly, this process risks thermal injury or burns if settings are too high or the skin is overly sensitive. Understanding how to assess, treat, and prevent these complications is important for managing expectations.
Determining the Severity of an IPL Burn
Whether an IPL burn is permanent depends directly on the depth of the thermal injury. A superficial burn, similar to a mild sunburn, affects only the epidermis and typically results in temporary redness, swelling, and heat. These mild reactions usually resolve completely within a week without leaving a lasting mark.
Deeper injuries compromise the dermis and are characterized by blistering, indicating substantial tissue damage. While true scarring from IPL is rare, it is a risk when deeper layers are involved and when infection or improper healing occurs. The most common long-term effects are changes in skin color, specifically post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or hypopigmentation.
PIH appears as darkened patches caused by excess melanin production triggered by inflammation. Conversely, hypopigmentation is the loss of skin color, resulting in lighter patches due to damage to melanocytes. These pigmentation changes are often long-lasting, sometimes taking months or longer to fade, but are usually not considered true permanent scars.
Immediate Steps Following an IPL Burn
If a burn is suspected during IPL treatment, the procedure must stop immediately to prevent further thermal damage. The most helpful action is to cool the affected area quickly to dissipate residual heat. Apply a clean, cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
After cooling, keep the skin clean and protected to support healing. Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or a protective barrier ointment, such as petroleum jelly, to keep the injured skin moist. Maintaining moisture prevents the surface from drying out and cracking, which reduces the risk of infection and minimizes potential scarring.
Avoid certain activities and products in the initial 24 to 48 hours. Do not apply harsh topical treatments, exfoliating products, or makeup to the affected site. Avoid activities that generate heat, such as vigorous exercise, hot showers, saunas, or prolonged sun exposure, as these can exacerbate inflammation and increase the burn’s severity.
The Healing Timeline and Long-Term Outlook
The healing trajectory for an IPL burn varies depending on its initial severity. A reaction limited to redness and mild swelling should begin to subside within 48 to 72 hours, with the skin feeling normal within a week. If the burn resulted in the darkening of pigmented spots, these areas will typically rise to the surface and slough off within 7 to 14 days, often resembling coffee grounds or scabs.
Long-term discoloration, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, often takes the longest to resolve, sometimes persisting for several months. While the body naturally works to rebalance melanin levels, this process can be slow and may require prescription creams or subsequent gentle treatments to accelerate fading. Sun protection is necessary for managing pigmentation issues, as ultraviolet exposure can darken the treated area and prolong recovery.
Professional medical attention is required if the burn shows signs of a deeper injury or infection. Indicators such as blistering, open wounds, oozing, increasing pain, warmth, and extensive redness should prompt an immediate consultation with a dermatologist. Blistering signifies a second-degree burn, which requires specialized wound care and prescription treatment to prevent infection and reduce the chances of permanent scarring.
Minimizing Risk in Future IPL Treatments
Future IPL treatments can be performed safely by taking proactive steps to mitigate recurrence risk. The most fundamental step is ensuring the technician performs a mandatory patch test on a small, inconspicuous area before a full session. A patch test allows the provider to gauge the skin’s reaction to the proposed energy settings and make necessary adjustments.
Skin type is a large determinant of risk, as individuals with darker complexions (Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI) have more epidermal melanin. This higher melanin content absorbs more light energy, increasing the likelihood of thermal injury and pigmentation changes. Technicians treating darker skin must use specialized settings, such as longer wavelengths and appropriate cooling systems, to bypass surface pigment.
Selecting an experienced professional is paramount, as incorrect settings are the most common cause of burns. Clients should strictly adhere to pre-treatment guidelines, including avoiding all sun exposure and tanning for several weeks. Certain topical products, including retinoids, glycolic acids, and other chemical exfoliants, must be discontinued in the week leading up to the appointment, as they increase the skin’s sensitivity to light.