How long does it take for IPL to fade?

Author: Miss Frances D'Amore  |  Last update: Friday, September 26, 2025

Healing times after IPL vary both with individual patients and the condition being treated. For veins, the skin looks slightly redder for 2 to 5 days after treatment. Freckles and age spots after treatment generally turn darker for 3 to 7 days before they begin to fade. Crusting may occur, and can last up to 10 days.

How long does it take for IPL spots to fade?

Answer: Time till brown spots fade after IPL Brown spots or lentigines will fade over several treatments, most people requiring 4-6, but everyone is different. After your treatment, it can take 5-10 days for the flat brown spots to fade or peel off; do not pick at them, they'll come off when they're good and ready.

How long do the results of IPL last?

Typically, the effects last about a year. However, with maintenance sessions, you can significantly extend the longevity of your results.

Does pigmentation come back after IPL?

Indeed, following laser treatments for pigmentation, there is a possibility of the pigmentation returning. This can occur due to various elements like exposure to sunlight, shifts in hormones, and the unique reactions of an individual's skin.

How long does it take for capillaries to disappear after IPL?

As a general rule, the smaller the capillaries, the quicker they are to clear up. Typically, you won't start seeing results until two to four weeks after the first treatment, as it can take the body's lymphatic system that long to remove the dead material.

IPL "Hair Removal" Does More than Just Remove Hair... (Intense Pulsed Light / Home Hair Removal)

How long does purging last after IPL?

In a typical case, the purging period will usually sit anywhere between two to six weeks. However, if you have a lot of closed comedones (which are those small bumps on the skin that are caused by blocked pores) it might take longer, this is why relying on a good exfoliant in your routine is key!

How can I speed up my IPL healing?

Speed up healing after IPL therapy: Use mild cleansers and moisturizers daily on your skin. Apply a sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF. This protects your skin from UVB and UVA rays.

What happens if you use IPL too often?

IPL is most effective while your hair is in the growth phase –if you treat your skin multiple times a week, your hair can become dormant and IPL treatment won't work as well. Additionally, while IPL is a gentle treatment, too much of it can be a bad thing. If you use IPL too frequently, you may irritate your skin.

What are the black dots after IPL?

What Are the Black Dots? The small black dots you may notice post-laser treatment are often referred to as “pepper spots” or “hair cast”. Essentially, they are tiny remnants of hair follicles that remain trapped in the skin as your body works to expel them.

How many sessions of IPL do you need for pigmentation?

IPL treatments work very well to reduce and remove brown and red spots on the skin and create an overall better complexion. However, as this treatment has “minimal or no downtime”, it is necessary to do 3-5 treatments to achieve the very best results.

What is the downside of IPL?

One of the most significant concerns associated with IPL treatment is the risk of burns or skin discoloration, particularly in people with darker skin tones. This risk stems from the procedure's reliance on light absorption, which can lead to excessive heat in areas with higher melanin concentrations.

How long does it take for dark spots to fade?

How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade? Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.

How to tell if an IPL is working?

You will notice that the hair growth after four weeks of IPL treatment will be lesser and thinner. After completing a session of 12 weeks, the hair growth will reduce completely, providing you with silky, smooth skin for a longer time. However, you may have to continue touch-ups as needed.

Can IPL cause more brown spots on the face?

Side Effects of IPL Treatment

IPL treatment is safe when done by a trained technician. But it could cause hormonal brown spots to flare up. You could have other unwanted side effects.

How long does it take for laser marks to fade?

The redness in the laser-treated sites generally fades in two to three months but may take as long as six months to up to a year to disappear.

Which is better, IPL or microneedling?

IPL Photofacial is More Effective at Treating Melasma

Microneedling, on the other hand, promotes collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles—but it's not as effective at treating melasma.

How long does skin look bad after IPL?

Immediately after an IPL photo facial, your skin may look and feel like you have a sunburn. This feeling should go away within a few hours, although some redness may last for a few days. You may see some of your hyperpigmented spots become darker, but only temporarily. They will peel away painlessly within a few weeks.

Are IPL burns permanent?

Laser and IPL treatments can and do cause serious burns, skin discoloration and even permanent scarring. Making matters worse, the procedures produce only temporary results.

Does IPL have permanent results?

Many people report they achieve permanent hair reduction after just a few treatments. However, some people may require touch-ups every few years to keep those hair bulbs from sprouting out new follicles. IPL hair removal treatments are a great way to achieve long-lasting results without the hassle of shaving or waxing.

Is IPL bad for your skin long term?

Since its inception in 1996, IPL technology has undergone significant advancements, supported by extensive research. Numerous studies confirm no evidence of harmful long-term effects on health. The procedure uses focused light energy that is gentle and precise, unlike harmful forms of radiation.

When should I stop using IPL?

Stopping with the IPL treatments after just one or two courses will not result in full results. Usually after the third treatment results become more noticeable but for permanent hair removal, you should continue with the full treatment.

Can I use a nood two days in a row?

How often do I need to use The Flasher 2.0 by Nood ? We recommend using your handset twice per week for the first two months to see permanent results and then once every 3-6 months as needed for touchup. There is no need to use it more than twice a week, as IPL is only effective in the growing phase of your hair cycle.

Should I moisturize right after IPL?

5. Apply a gentle moisturizer immediately after treatment. Use a mild cleanser (such as Cetephil, Aquinil, or Dove) and a mild moisturizer after the treatment for a few days before resuming your normal skin routine.

How much does IPL cost?

IPL session prices can vary widely, from about $200 to $1200 per session. This broad range is due to factors such as the size of the treatment area and the specific skin concerns being addressed. For example, a full-face treatment might cost more than targeting a smaller area like the hands or neck.

How can I maximize my IPL results?

Maximize Your IPL Photo Facial Results With These Five Tips!
  1. Protect yourself from the sun. One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. ...
  2. Don't smoke. ...
  3. Treat your skin gently. ...
  4. Eat a healthy diet. ...
  5. De-stress.

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