Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), also known as an IPL Photofacial, is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for improving skin clarity, tone, and texture. At Calabasas Med Spa, our providers use FDA-cleared IPL technology to target common signs of sun damage and aging, restoring a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion with little to no downtime.
Unlike traditional lasers that emit a single wavelength of light, IPL uses a broad spectrum of light energy that penetrates just below the skin’s surface. This light is selectively absorbed by unwanted pigment and vascular irregularities such as sun spots, freckles, or dilated blood vessels, causing them to gradually fade and blend in with surrounding skin.
As the skin absorbs the light energy, IPL also stimulates collagen production, which helps improve the appearance of fine lines, pores, and overall texture. The treatment is non-ablative, meaning it does not remove the surface layer of the skin, making it a gentle yet effective option for year-round skin rejuvenation.
IPL Photofacials are highly versatile and effective for treating:
Sun damage and photoaging
Age spots, freckles, and hyperpigmentation
Melasma (the “mask of pregnancy”)
Facial redness and broken capillaries
Rosacea and visible facial veins
Uneven skin tone and enlarged pores
Fine lines and early signs of aging
While IPL is most often performed on the face, it is equally effective on other sun-exposed areas such as the neck, chest (décolletage), shoulders, and hands — all areas prone to visible signs of aging.
Each IPL session typically lasts 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. During the procedure, a handheld device delivers pulses of light to the skin. Most patients describe the sensation as a warm, quick snap, similar to a rubber band, and tolerate the treatment well without the need for anesthesia.
Mild redness or darkening of pigment spots may occur for a few days afterward as the treated pigment rises to the surface and naturally exfoliates. Makeup can typically be worn the next day, and normal activities can resume immediately.
For best results, IPL Photofacials are typically performed as a series of 3 to 5 sessions, spaced about 3 to 4 weeks apart. Each treatment builds upon the previous one, producing gradual yet noticeable improvement in clarity, evenness, and luminosity.
Results continue to improve over several weeks as collagen remodeling occurs and discoloration fades. Many patients choose to schedule maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months to help preserve their results and maintain healthy, radiant skin.
At Calabasas Med Spa, we often recommend combining IPL with other rejuvenating treatments for a more comprehensive transformation:
Microneedling: Boosts collagen remodeling and improves texture and firmness.
Clear + Brilliant: Targets fine lines, uneven tone, and early sun damage for enhanced radiance.
Microdermabrasion: Provides gentle exfoliation to smooth the skin and enhance treatment penetration.
For patients seeking a fully customized rejuvenation plan, IPL is incorporated into our WOW Treatment Package, which allows for a mix of IPL, Microneedling, and Clear + Brilliant sessions based on your evolving needs and provider assessment.
Our team of experienced medical providers and aesthetic specialists customize each IPL Photofacial to your unique skin type and goals. We use medical-grade technology in a comfortable, supervised setting to ensure safe, effective, and natural-looking results.
At Calabasas Med Spa, we focus on progressive results — improving skin quality and tone gradually while maintaining a refreshed, natural appearance.
If you’re ready to reveal brighter, more even-toned skin, schedule your consultation with us by calling 818.225.0122. Our providers will create a personalized plan to help you reverse the effects of sun damage, reduce redness, and achieve long-lasting radiance.
