IPL skin rejuvenation at CoLaz clinics

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Unlike a laser, which uses a single wavelength, IPL emits a broad spectrum of light wavelengths in controlled pulses. Filters allow the clinician to target specific structures in the skin: melanin in pigmented spots, and haemoglobin in small blood vessels. The light energy is absorbed by these targets and converted to heat, which breaks down the pigment cluster or coagulates the small vessel without damaging the surrounding skin. Over the following days, the body clears the treated structures naturally.

IPL is one of the most versatile light treatments in aesthetics. It is excellent for sun damage and age spots on the face, chest and hands; for diffuse redness, flushing and early rosacea; for broken capillaries and small visible blood vessels; and for overall photo-ageing where the skin has lost its evenness and glow. Because one session can target both pigment and vascular concerns at the same time, IPL is often the most efficient route for patients with mixed concerns.

A standard course is three to six sessions spaced four weeks apart. Most patients see noticeable improvement after the first or second session, with the full result building over the course. Three sessions are often enough for mild sun damage and early redness; six sessions are recommended for more established rosacea, dense age spots or broader photo-ageing. The exact protocol is agreed at your free consultation after a patch test.

Downtime is minimal. The skin is pink and feels warm, like mild sunburn, for a few hours to a day. Pigmented spots typically darken to a coffee-ground appearance over forty-eight hours before flaking off over seven to ten days; this is normal and means the treatment is working. Most patients return to work the next day with light makeup. Saunas, sun exposure and heavy exercise are out for forty-eight hours.

IPL is not suitable for very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick five and six) because of the higher risk of pigment change, for tanned or recently sun-exposed skin, for pregnant or breastfeeding patients, for anyone on photosensitising medication, or for skin with active infection, cold sores or recent isotretinoin use. Skin type, hair colour and medication are reviewed at consultation, and a small patch test is always performed before a full session is booked.

Early changes show within a week as the treated pigment darkens and flakes away. Vascular concerns such as redness fade more gradually over two to four weeks. The full result builds over the course, with the strongest improvement visible four to six weeks after the final session. Annual maintenance sessions are recommended to keep sun damage from re-accumulating, especially on the face and chest.

IPL skin rejuvenation for the face is £120 for a single session, £599 for a course of three (working out at £200 per session) and £759 for a course of six (working out at £127 per session). The course of six is the most popular protocol because it gives the strongest and most lasting result and works out cheaper per session. Pricing for other areas, including chest, hands and back, is confirmed at your free consultation after a patch test.