Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses broad-spectrum light to address various skin concerns. It is widely used to improve skin tone and texture, targeting issues such as sun spots, freckles, age spots, facial redness, rosacea, and unwanted hair. IPL delivers flashes of light to the skin, which are absorbed by specific chromophores like melanin or hemoglobin, leading to their selective heating and destruction without harming surrounding tissue.
IPL and Skin Cancer: The Science
Based on current scientific understanding, Intense Pulsed Light therapy does not cause skin cancer. IPL devices emit a broad spectrum of light, typically 400 to 1200 nanometers, with filters that block harmful ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. This is a significant distinction, as UV radiation from sources like the sun is known to damage cellular DNA, leading to skin cancers.
IPL light falls within the visible and infrared spectrum. Studies show IPL treatment does not induce thymine dimer production, a key marker of DNA damage linked to skin cancer risk. Over 25 years of clinical use and long-term studies have not established a credible link between IPL procedures and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Research, including studies on mice, has found no tumor formation from IPL treatment alone. The wavelengths used are outside the carcinogenic UV range. Extensive clinical experience and research indicate that IPL, when used correctly, does not contribute to skin cancer development.
Common Side Effects of IPL
While IPL does not pose a risk for skin cancer, it can result in several temporary side effects. Immediately following treatment, it is common to experience temporary redness and swelling, similar to a mild sunburn, which usually subsides within a few hours to a few days. Some individuals may also feel mild discomfort during the procedure, often described as a rubber band snapping against the skin.
Other common, transient reactions include light bruising, itching, or a sensation of mild burning. For those treated for pigmented lesions, spots may temporarily darken before flaking off within a few weeks. Hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening) can occur, particularly with darker skin tones or improper settings.
Rare, more severe side effects can occur, such as blistering, crusting, or scarring. These typically result from improper treatment settings, insufficient skin cooling during the procedure, or inadequate post-treatment care. Infections are uncommon but can arise if proper aftercare is not followed, especially if the skin barrier is compromised.
Steps for Safe IPL Treatment
To ensure a safe IPL experience, selecting a qualified and experienced practitioner is important. This includes dermatologists, licensed aestheticians, or other medical professionals trained specifically in IPL and laser treatments. A thorough skin assessment should be conducted before treatment to determine suitability and appropriate device settings for your skin type and concerns.
Performing a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of skin before a full treatment session helps gauge individual skin reaction. It is also important to discuss your complete medical history and any medications you are taking with your practitioner, as certain conditions or drugs can affect treatment outcomes. Following pre-treatment instructions, such as avoiding sun exposure and tanning beds for 4-6 weeks prior to the session, is essential to minimize risks like burns or pigmentation changes.
After treatment, strict adherence to post-care instructions is crucial for proper healing and to prevent complications. This includes consistently using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, avoiding direct sun exposure, and keeping the treated area moisturized. Avoiding excessive heat from hot baths, saunas, or strenuous exercise for a couple of days post-treatment can also aid in recovery.