In-clinic treatment
IPL photorejuvenation
Broad-spectrum pulsed light targeted at visible pigment and vessels in the skin.
Indicative cost
£90.00–£300.00 per session
Downtime
Redness for a few hours to two days; darker spots may temporarily look more visible before fading.
Typical course
Often 3-5 sessions, 3-4 weeks apart.
Keeping it up
Annual top-ups.
How it works
Pulsed light is absorbed by darker pigment and blood vessels, which converts to heat in those targets while surrounding skin is less affected.
What a session actually involves
Cold gel and eye shields, then bright flashes with a snapping sensation for 15-30 minutes.
What people usually consider it for
- Redness
- Pigmentation
- Uneven tone
- Dullness
This reflects what the treatment is commonly used for — not a claim that it will work for you.
When it may not be suitable
- You have a deeper skin tone that the device is not suited to
- You are tanned or recently sun-exposed
- You are pregnant
- You take photosensitising medication
This list is not exhaustive. A qualified practitioner should assess you before any treatment.
Things to weigh up
- — Higher risk of burns and pigment change on deeper skin tones
- — Always insist on a patch test
- — No sun exposure before or after
What the evidence looks like
Established for redness and sun-related pigment in lighter skin tones; suitability narrows considerably on deeper tones.
Questions worth asking first
A patch test and a proper skin-tone assessment are essential — ask which device settings they will use for your tone.
What tends to sit alongside it
- Azelaic acid or niacinamide
- Daily SPF 50
Others people compare it with
Treatments and devices are listed for information only. Nothing here is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a promise of a result. Suitability depends on your health, skin and the specific device or practitioner — always check with a qualified professional first.