What Your Skin Looks and Feels Like After IPL Photofacial

If you’re looking for a quick treatment to rejuvenate your skin, an intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacial checks all the boxes. This quick, noninvasive treatment can enhance your skin’s tone, texture, and overall radiance with little to no downtime. It’s a great choice for anybody hoping to boost their skin’s appearance without surgery, needles, or lengthy recovery time.

At Empowerment Med in College Station, Texas, Dr. Chloe Ntaimo can help you prepare for IPL therapy, so you know what to expect before, during, and after treatment.

What is an IPL and why would I want one?

Using broad-spectrum light to target pigmentation and other skin concerns, IPL therapy delivers multiple wavelengths, unlike lasers, which focus on a single wavelength, to penetrate the skin’s deeper layers without damaging the surface. This makes it versatile and effective for a range of issues, like:

Hyperpigmentation, brown spots, and freckles
Acne
Redness and rosacea
Broken capillaries
Acne scars
Uneven skin tone and texture
Fine lines
Enlarged pores

With IPL, Dr. Ntaimo can target multiple skin concerns in a single session for complete facial rejuvenation.

What to expect after an IPL photofacial

Here’s what you can expect your skin to look and feel like in the days and weeks following an IPL photofacial:

Immediately after treatment

Your skin may feel warm, almost like a mild sunburn. This sensation is completely normal and typically fades in just a few hours. You might notice some redness, but it typically subsides by the end of the day.

In some cases, you’ll see dark spots start to darken. Don't be startled; this is a good sign! These dark spots will flake off naturally over the next week, revealing clearer skin beneath.

To ensure the best results, apply a soothing moisturizer and avoid touching your face too much right after treatment. Stick to gentle, hydrating products.

Days 1-3

By now, your skin might still feel a bit dry or tight. You may notice the treated areas darkening as pigmentation rises to the surface. This is your skin’s way of clearing out unwanted spots.

To protect your skin during this phase:

Avoid exfoliating or using harsh products
Keep moisturizing to help with any dryness
Wear sunscreen religiously

Days 4-7

During these days, the dark spots start to flake away. Resist any urge to pick at them. Let them fall away naturally to avoid irritation or scarring.

Your skin may still have some redness, but it’s generally subtle. Your skin’s texture and tone may already be smoother and more even at this point.

Week 2 and beyond

Once the initial shedding phase is over, your skin feels softer and looks more radiant. Pore size may appear smaller, and redness or discoloration should start to fade. If you’ve been dealing with acne scars or sun damage, these areas usually look lighter and more refined after a couple of weeks.

Tips for long-lasting IPL photofacial results

Our goal is for you to enjoy your results for as long as you can. Here’s how to maintain that post-treatment glow:

Stay on top of SPF

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure can undo your results, so use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.

Hydrate inside and out

Drink water, and use hydrating skincare to keep your skin plump.

Consider a series of treatments

For more dramatic improvements, multiple sessions spaced a few weeks apart can deliver even better results.

Before and After Results

Take a look at the real-life results of IPL Photofacials at Empowerment Med.

Before/After

Book an IPL photofacial in College Station, Texas

An IPL photofacial is your ticket to clearer, more radiant skin. To schedule your consultation at Empowerment Med, call our office or use the online booking tool.