Is IPL bad for your skin long term?

Author: Mrs. Karianne Moore PhD  |  Last update: Saturday, June 21, 2025

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. IPL has proven itself over years of development, showing improvements in both safety and efficacy.

Does IPL have long-term effects?

Research shows that IPL is safe and does not cause cancer. IPL has been used for over 30 years without raising concerns about increasing the risk of skin or other types of cancer.

Can IPL damage the skin?

It is important to be aware of the health risks associated with laser and IPL services. Incorrectly performed services using laser and intense light devices can result in serious injury and adverse outcomes, including: permanent scarring. burns.

What are the negatives about 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.

What happens if you use IPL too often?

Hey! It is because every use of the IPL could potentially irritate your skin, so if you use it more frequently than what we recommend, you will not increase the efficacy but technically the risk of your skin getting irritated in response as you use it more.

What is IPL? Is it better than a laser? Dr Davin Lim, Dermatologist explains

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 IPL cause nerve damage?

However, permanent side effects can occur. Some of the complications are laser related but many of them are caused by an operator error or mismanagement. In this work, we report a clinical case of a patient that developed a chronic neuropathic facial pain following IPL hair removal for unwanted hair in the upper lip.

What is the biggest controversy in IPL?

The most infamous controversy in IPL history occurred in 2013 when three players - Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan - were arrested for spot-fixing during the tournament. The players were allegedly involved in deliberately underperforming in specific parts of the match in exchange for money from bookmakers.

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.

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.

Can IPL cause skin to sag?

Regardless of what these so called doctors say, it is not mere coincidence that so many patients are experiencing adverse effects such as nasty skin texture, funky ugly lines, sagging skin, fat loss, enlarged pores... everything we never had prior to being zapped by these machines that rob us of the face we once knew.

Why should I not use IPL on face?

You could experience discomfort or even a burn if you treat a freckle or mole directly. Permanent makeup or tattoos: If you have permanent makeup then you should avoid using IPL. Face tattoos also need to be avoided. This is because it can result in a burn and a change in skin colour.

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.

Do you have to use IPL forever?

Eventually, you may only need treatments once every few months to maintain results. Of course, how well IPL works also depends on factors like skin type, hair colour, and the area being treated. Some skin colours are best advised not to use IPL treatments as they may cause discolouration of the skin.

Does IPL cause facial fat loss?

Or after 1 to 2 years it is normal to lose a little more fat due to aging that could then be blamed on the IPL treatment. For all of these reasons, treating patients who have reportedly lost fat after an IPL treatment can be difficult and problematic.

Are there any dangers with IPL?

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.

Does IPL increase collagen?

IPL Treatment Stimulates Collagen

Another benefit to IPL treatment, apart from the many skin problems it can treat, is that it also stimulates collagen production. Collagen helps promote skin's elasticity and firmness.

What are the don'ts of IPL?

IPL Treatment Aftercare Dont's

After your IPL treatments you should avoid the following: Using any physical exfoliating products or ones that contain benzoyl peroxide, Retin-A, Retinol, and glycolic acids: If you use any harsh products too soon, you may end up with hypopigmentation.

Why IPL is losing popularity?

Why the decline? Much of it can be attributed to the availability of alternative sports and entertainment. Globalization has brought the electrifying appeal of football, basketball, and esports into homes around the world.

What is so special about IPL?

The IPL is the most popular and richest cricket league in the world and is held between March and May. It has an exclusive window in the ICC Future Tours Programme, resulting in fewer international cricket tours occurring during the IPL seasons.

Which two teams were banned from IPL?

In the final, the team was again beaten by the Mumbai Indians by 41 runs. On 14 July 2015, the Supreme Court appointed committee headed by RM Lodha, suspended the Rajasthan Royals and the Chennai Super Kings franchises from the IPL for a period of two years due to the association of their owners with illegal betting.

Can I overuse an IPL?

Overusing an IPL device is a major no-no. It can lead to side effects that range from minor irritation to long-term skin damage.

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.

What damage can IPL do to eyes?

Clinically, IPL-induced ocular injuries most commonly present with photophobia and most widely cause iris atrophy. Ocular pain, pupil irregularities, and visual disturbances are additional concerning symptoms.

Previous article
Should I cut my hair 2 weeks before an event?
Next article
How long does it take to repair extremely damaged hair?