Can IPL be used on keratosis pilaris?

Author: Baby Okuneva  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Intense Pulsed-light Therapy Significantly Improves Keratosis Pilaris: A Randomized, Double-blind, Sham Irradiation-controlled Trial - PMC.

Can you laser over keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris can be treated with vascular lasers. 2-3 sessions spaced 4-12 weeks apart.

Which hair removal method is best for keratosis pilaris?

Best hair removal method for keratosis pilaris

Of all the hair removal methods, laser hair removal is the best option for keratosis pilaris. This is because the treatment targets hair follicles, which can be a significant contributor to the development of keratosis pilaris.

When should you not use IPL?

That being said, you should avoid using your IPL on extra-sensitive areas such as the genitals, nipples, or anus, as this could cause inflammation.

What is the most effective treatment for keratosis pilaris?

Creams containing alpha hydroxy acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid or urea help loosen and remove dead skin cells. They also moisturize and soften dry skin. These creams are called topical exfoliants. Depending on their strengths, they are available with a prescription or as a nonprescription products.

How to treat Keratosis Pilaris with IPL

How do I get rid of keratosis pilaris ASAP?

How do you get rid of keratosis pilaris?
  1. Over-the-counter moisturizing lotions. Dry skin can make keratosis pilaris worse. ...
  2. Medicated creams. Your healthcare provider can tell you if prescription-strength moisturizers may be right for you. ...
  3. Exfoliating. ...
  4. Laser treatments. ...
  5. Gentle skin care. ...
  6. Home remedies.

What is the downside of IPL treatment?

Although side effects of IPL are typically rare and minimal in severity, the most common adverse events include pain and erythema. Other reported side effects include edema, bullae, hematoma, crusting, hyper- or hypopigmentation, leukotrichia, scarring, keloid formation, and infection.

Can you use IPL if you have moles?

Acne: In dermatology, IPL is often used to treat acne and acne scars. However, you should not treat acne with an IPL device on your own. Consult a doctor to find out if you can use IPL when considering your permanent facial hair removal options. Moles and freckles: You should never use IPL on or near a mole or freckle.

Who should avoid IPL?

1. **Photosensitivity:** As discussed, individuals who are taking medications that cause photosensitivity or have conditions that make them sensitive to light should avoid IPL. 2. **Skin cancer:** Patients with skin cancer or with a history of skin cancer in the treatment area are usually advised against IPL therapy.

Can I use IPL on keratosis pilaris?

IPL therapy is also beneficial for KP-associated erythema and hyperpigmentation, as reported here. It is easy to deliver and covers large treatment areas within a reasonable treatment time. In terms of safety, our study demonstrated safety, with no major adverse events, using IPL therapy.

What not to use on keratosis pilaris?

Avoid scrubbing your skin, which tends to irritate the skin and worsen keratosis pilaris. Apply a product called a keratolytic. After exfoliating, apply this skin care product. It, too, helps remove the excessive buildup of dead skin cells.

What is the root cause of keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is caused by the buildup of keratin — a hard protein that protects skin from harmful substances and infection. The keratin blocks the opening of hair follicles, causing patches of rough, bumpy skin. It's not clear why keratin builds up in people with keratosis pilaris.

What is the new treatment for keratosis pilaris?

Hyaluronic Acid Compound Demonstrates Effective Improvement of Keratosis Pilaris. Researchers observed significant improvements in roughness and redness in patients treated with the non-cross-linked compound.

Does microneedling help keratosis pilaris?

Insulated-microneedle radiofrequency is an effective treatment for KP with no significant side effects. The most common follicular condition in children is keratosis pilaris (KP).

Does IPL remove peach fuzz?

IPL face treatment works best on terminal hair, as there is more melanin for the light to target. Vellus hair is the fine, light hair we have on most of the body. It's also known as peach fuzz, especially on the face.

Why can't you laser over moles?

Moles and Skin Lesions: Moles, especially darker ones, contain high concentrations of melanin, making them susceptible to damage during laser treatments. In some cases, moles can also be cancerous, and it's important not to disturb them with laser energy.

Can I use IPL over razor bumps?

The Benefits of IPL

Say goodbye to unsightly razor bumps, rashes and painful ingrown hairs, a common problem with shaving and waxing. Long-lasting results: IPL offers permanent hair reduction.

Who is not a good candidate for IPL?

Who's not a good candidate for IPL photofacials? People with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick Skin Type 4-6) or tanned skin and people with deep wrinkles, scars or severe acne or active rosacea.

When should you not do IPL?

We cannot treat IPL if there's any type of tan on your skin (self-tanner, spray tan, tan from sun exposure). If you have a tan, we must wait two weeks before treating with IPL. IPL treatments are more effective when you're at your baseline skin tone (your lightest complexion).

Can IPL damage lymph nodes?

No. The light generated by laser is not able to penetrate beyond the skin. It is not able to reach organs, lymph-nodes or any other structures beneath the skin.

How I cured my keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris treatment options
  1. topical preparations containing lactic acid, ammonium lactate, salicylic acid, urea, or a combination of these ingredients. Topical treatments are applied to the skin.
  2. topical retinoids such as tretinoin and adapalene.
  3. topical steroids to help with redness or itching.
  4. laser therapies.

What flares up keratosis pilaris?

With keratosis pilaris, there is a build-up of keratin in the skin. This is a hard protein that is perfectly normal within the skin. But too much can block the hair follicles, leading to keratosis pilaris. We do know that it tends to be worse when the weather is drier and there is less humidity.

What can be mistaken for keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris may resemble the following uncommon skin conditions:
  • Lichen spinulosus.
  • Pityriasis rubra pilaris.
  • Ulerythema ophryogenes (ulerythema)
  • Ichthyosis vulgaris.
  • Eruptive vellus hair cysts.
  • Erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli.
  • Keratosis follicularis (Darier disease)
  • Kyrle disease.

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