Benefits of IPL treatment for acne

Acne is a common skin problem that can have a negative impact on self esteem and confidence, as well as being painful and difficult to treat. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment is a powerful tool for combating acne, including stubborn cystic acne. By addressing the root causes of acne and promoting overall skin health, IPL offers a comprehensive solution that goes beyond temporary relief. So what are the benefits of IPL treatment for acne? And what can you expect from an IPL treatment. 

What is IPL Treatment?

So first of all, what exactly is this? Well, IPL treatment involves using a specialised device that emits high-intensity light pulses of various wavelengths. This makes IPL treatment different to lasers, which only use a single wavelength. As such, IPL treatment allows light to spread over a broader spectrum, targeting more than one layer of skin at the same time. As a result, IPL treatment can be the perfect choice for treating a variety of skin conditions including pigmentation issues, fine lines and wrinkles, and acne.

What happens during an IPL treatment?

IPL treatment is a procedure that should always be carried out by professional experts like us here at The Skin and Wellbeing Clinic. This involves using a handheld device to deliver the light pulses to specific areas of the face, for a targeted and effective acne treatment option.

How can IPL treat acne?

IPL treatment is particularly effective against acne due to the multi-targeted approach this treatment can use. The emitted light waves can penetrate the skin, which allows this to target some of the underlying causes of acne, as well as resolving some of the problems caused by acne, like scarring. IPL treatment can:

Kill acne-causing bacteria- One of the most common causes of acne is the overproduction of oil from the skin’s sebaceous (oil) glands. This oil then mixes with dead skin clogging pores and creating the perfect environment for acne bacteria to grow and thrive. IPL’s light energy can destroy this bacteria, helping to clear your skin. 

Reduce sebum production- as well as an overproduction of oil, overactive sebaceous glands are another key factor in the development of acne, especially in cystic acne. This is characterised by painful, deep-seated lesions. IPL helps to regulate the production of oil by targeting and shrinking the sebaceous glands, reducing the likelihood of future breakouts.

Improve skin tone and texture- IPL treatment also stimulates the production of collagen. This is a protein that is essential for skin repair and regeneration. As such, this can promote the skin’s natural healing ability, helping to heal existing acne scars and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin.

Reduce redness and inflammation- For cystic acne sufferers, inflammation and redness are significant concerns. IPL targets blood vessels in the dermis (the skin’s second layer), reducing redness and swelling associated with active breakouts.

What are the benefits of IPL for acne treatment?

There are a number of benefits and advantages to using IPL treatment to treat acne, including cystic acne. These include:

Non-invasive and painless treatment – Unlike more aggressive treatments, IPL is a non-invasive procedure that requires no incisions or injections. 

Treats acne at its source- By targeting multiple acne-causing factors—bacteria, oil production, and inflammation—IPL addresses the root causes of acne rather than just the symptoms. This holistic approach makes it particularly effective for persistent or recurrent acne.

Quick and convenient- Each session typically lasts under an hour, with no significant recovery time required. This means that you can return to your normal activities immediately after treatment.

For IPL treatment from a team you can trust, get in touch with us here at The Skin and Wellbeing Clinic today. We are Preston’s leading aesthetic practitioners. 

The Skin and Wellbeing Clinic is proud to provide professional aesthetics treatments for clients in Preston, Blackpool, Leyland, Chorley, Kirkham, Blackburn and the North West of England. Our key treatments and services include Anti Wrinkle Injections, Dermal Fillers, Laser Hair Removal, Acne Treatments, Injectable Polynucleotides, and much more.