IPL Photofacial in Vancouver

Discover personalized IPL photofacial treatments at Auralia Skin Lab in Kitsilano, Vancouver. Using targeted pulses of light, IPL can help improve the appearance of sun spots, uneven pigmentation, redness and visible small blood vessels, creating a clearer and more even-looking complexion.

What Is an IPL Photofacial?

IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a non-invasive light-based treatment used to improve the appearance of certain pigmentation and vascular concerns. Unlike a laser, which uses a single wavelength, IPL delivers a range of light wavelengths that can be adjusted according to the concern being treated.

The light is absorbed by targeted pigment or visible blood vessels and converted into heat. Over time, the body naturally clears the treated pigment or vascular structures, helping the skin appear clearer and more even.

IPL suitability depends on skin tone, recent sun exposure, medications and the type of pigmentation or redness being treated. A consultation and skin assessment are required before treatment.

How Does IPL Work?

During treatment, controlled pulses of broad-spectrum light are delivered to the skin. Different wavelengths are absorbed by specific targets, including melanin in brown spots and hemoglobin in visible blood vessels.

The absorbed light is converted into heat, which affects the targeted pigment or vascular structure while surrounding tissue is protected. Pigmented spots may temporarily darken before gradually flaking or fading. Visible redness or small blood vessels may improve progressively over a series of treatments.

Treatment settings are personalized according to your skin, concern and treatment area.

Targeted Light Energy:

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or other light-based technologies deliver specific wavelengths of light to the skin. 

Pigment and Vascular Targets:

The light energy is absorbed by melanin (responsible for brown spots and sun damage) and hemoglobin (associated with redness and broken capillaries). 

Damage and Removal:

This absorption converts light energy into heat, damaging the targeted cells. The body then naturally removes these damaged cells and replaces them with new, healthy cells.

Collagen Stimulation:

The light energy also penetrates the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate the production of new collagen, which helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

What Can IPL Photofacial Treat?

IPL photofacial may help improve the appearance of:

• Sun spots and age spots
• Freckles and selected pigmentation concerns
• Redness and visible small blood vessels
• Uneven-looking skin tone
• Signs of sun damage
• Selected facial vascular concerns

The Treatment Experience:

No Anesthetic Needed:

The procedure is non-invasive and generally not painful, though you may feel a sensation like a "snap" or flick against the skin. 

Quick and Convenient:

Treatments are fast, and there is minimal to no downtime, allowing patients to resume normal activities immediately after the appointment. 

Series of Treatments:

A series of treatments, usually spaced about four weeks apart, are typically recommended for the best results. 

Immediate and Gradual Results:

You may notice immediate changes, such as darkened spots, which then fade over 10-14 days.

Deeper lines and veins may take multiple sessions to show significant improvement. 

Potential Side Effects

Temporary Redness and Swelling:

Some mild redness or swelling, similar to a sunburn, can occur but typically resolves within 24 to 72 hours. 

Darkened Pigment:

Brown spots may appear to darken for a few days before sloughing off, a normal sign the treatment is working.