IPL Photofacial in Santa Barbara
Reduce sun damage, brown spots, and redness for clearer, more even-toned skin.
Book ConsultationWhat is IPL Photofacial?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Photofacial is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that uses broad-spectrum light to target pigmentation, redness, and signs of sun damage beneath the skin's surface.
Living in sunny Santa Barbara means our skin often bears the marks of California sun exposure. Brown spots, age spots, freckles, and redness from broken capillaries can make skin look older and uneven. IPL treatments effectively address these concerns.
The light energy penetrates the skin and is absorbed by either the pigment (melanin) in brown spots or the hemoglobin in blood vessels. This breaks down the pigment and coagulates the vessels, which your body then naturally eliminates.
Unlike laser treatments that use a single wavelength, IPL uses a broad spectrum of light that can be customized to your specific skin concerns, making it versatile and effective for multiple issues in one treatment.
What IPL Can Improve
Sun Damage
Reverse years of sun exposure and UV damage
Brown Spots
Age spots, liver spots, and hyperpigmentation
Redness
Facial redness, flushing, and rosacea
Broken Capillaries
Spider veins and visible blood vessels
Freckles
Reduce unwanted freckles and discoloration
Uneven Tone
Create a more uniform complexion
What to Expect
Before Treatment: Avoid sun exposure and self-tanners for 2 weeks. Discontinue retinoids and exfoliating acids 3-5 days prior. Come with clean skin.
During Treatment: A cooling gel is applied to protect your skin. You'll wear protective eyewear. The handpiece delivers pulses of light - most describe it as a warm snap. Treatment takes 30-45 minutes.
Immediately After: Mild redness similar to a light sunburn. Brown spots may appear darker initially - this is normal and means the treatment is working.
Recovery: Over 3-7 days, darkened spots will rise to the surface and flake off naturally. Avoid picking at the skin. Use gentle skincare and SPF 30+ daily.
Book Your IPL TreatmentCommon Questions
IPL effectively treats sun damage, age spots, brown spots, freckles, redness, rosacea, broken capillaries, and uneven skin tone. It can also improve overall skin texture.
Most clients see optimal results with 3-5 treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart. The number of sessions depends on the severity of your concerns and your skin's response to treatment.
Minimal downtime. You may experience redness and darkening of pigmented spots for 3-7 days. Brown spots will darken and flake off naturally. Most clients return to normal activities immediately.
Most clients describe the sensation as a warm rubber band snap. A cooling gel helps protect the skin and increase comfort. The treatment is very tolerable.
IPL works best on fair to medium skin tones. Those with active tans or darker skin may not be candidates. During your consultation, we'll assess your skin and recommend the best treatment.
Reveal Your Clearest Skin
Undo sun damage and achieve a more even complexion with IPL.