Sideffects of Intense Pulsed Light for Ethnic Skin

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a type of skin treatment (also known as a photofacial) which uses intense light to erase fine lines, broken capillaries, and brown spots on the skin.

Results are similar to a medium depth laser or chemical peel, without the recovery time, blistering, or burning common in these types of peels.

IPL has been proven to help reduce the flushing associated with rosacea, and to lead to decreased pore size, smoother skin, and wrinkle reduction.

This sounds great, when IPL works as it should. It can have negative side effects on Asian and African American skin, making existing spots too dark or too light. (Definitely a no-no for spots on your face!)

If you are considering IPL, be sure it will give you the skin you want, and no extra spots you don't.