IPL stands for 'intense pulsed light'. Depending on the wavelength setting, this technology is used to reduce hair growth and skin pigmentation. The light is attracted to dark areas so this suits fairer skinned people the best. This is a suitable way to treat both brown skin pigmentation (sun damage and hormone related melasma) as well as red skin pigmentation (eg rosacea and fine thread veins).

After an initial consultation to determine if IPL is the most suitable treatment, the consultant will advise that IPL shouldn't be undertaken two weeks prior to a holiday in the sun and at least 4 weeks after sun exposure.

After skin has been cleansed, a cold gel is applied to the skin to help improve conductivity. The therapist will then apply the IPL Crystal to the skin and fire a short burst of light onto each patch of skin. The crystal in the head of the IPL machine is the size of school rubber, After the treatment, skin will be cleansed and protected with a UV protection cream. Consultations and skin tests are mandatory at least 1 week before treatment.