Combined facial care package

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is one of the most popular non-surgical ways to improve the look of your skin. The device emits a broad spectrum of light wavelengths at once — and that is the main thing setting it apart from a laser, which works with a single, narrowly focused wavelength. Because of this, a single session can often address several skin concerns at the same time, rather than just one.

The light works within the deeper layers of the skin, leaving the surface untouched. As it reaches the tissue, it converts into heat energy, which prompts the skin's own renewal and clearing processes. Since nothing is cut and no needles are involved, you can return to your usual routine almost immediately after a session.

What the light acts upon is decided by what absorbs it — in the skin, that means pigment particles (melanin) and the haemoglobin in the blood vessels. As these structures take in the light energy, it turns into heat, and several things then happen in parallel:

• excess pigment breaks down into smaller particles, which the body later clears away by itself;
• fine, visible capillaries are "sealed", and the skin looks less red;
• the number of acne-causing micro-organisms falls, which also reduces breakouts;
• the skin's supporting structures — collagen and elastin — are encouraged to renew, which over time makes the skin denser and more even.

On the face, neck and décolletage, IPL is most often chosen for the following reasons:

• pigment spots caused by the sun or by age, and an uneven complexion;
• visible capillaries, persistent redness or signs of rosacea;
• oily, breakout-prone skin and the dark marks left behind by spots;
• noticeable pores and a rough, uneven texture;
• the first signs of ageing — fine lines, reduced firmness, a tired-looking complexion.

Clients who complete a full course of treatments most often notice three kinds of change. First, the complexion becomes more even — pigment spots and redness fade or become far less noticeable. Second, the texture improves: pores appear smaller and the surface smoother, as the skin's natural collagen renewal is activated. Third, the face takes on a fresher, well-rested look, since the treatment also works preventively against new breakouts and dullness.

1. A conversation and a skin assessment. Before your first treatment, the specialist looks at your skin and asks about your health history and any medication you take, to make sure IPL is a safe choice for you right now.
2. Preparation. Your skin is cleansed of make-up and a cooling contact gel is applied, helping the light reach the skin evenly.
3. The session itself. The device delivers flashes of light zone by zone; each one is accompanied by a brief wave of warmth or, at most, a light snapping sensation on the skin.
4. Finishing up. The gel is removed and a soothing product is applied to ease any sensitivity.

Depending on how large an area is treated, a visit takes anywhere from a quarter of an hour to three quarters of an hour. Discomfort during the session is minimal and the surface of the skin stays intact — there is no particular recovery period afterwards.

• For the first few hours or days, your skin may look slightly pink or a little swollen — this usually settles on its own.
• For at least a fortnight after your visit, remember high-protection sunscreen and stay out of direct sunlight and away from sunbeds.
• For about a week, it is best to avoid saunas, hot baths, intense exercise and stronger skincare treatments such as chemical peels.
• Wait a few hours before applying make-up, giving your skin time to settle.

Small changes in the skin usually appear after the third to fifth visit, but a lasting effect builds gradually — a full course generally takes 4 to 6 treatments spaced about a month apart. Once the course is complete, the result can be maintained with occasional top-up sessions — once or twice a year is usually enough, though the exact schedule depends on your individual skin.

A consultation before your first session is essential for every client. There are situations in which the treatment must not or should not be carried out, and it is worth knowing about them in advance:

• pregnancy or breastfeeding;
• a recent tan, whether from the sun or a sunbed — it is better to wait until your skin returns to its usual tone;
• unusual skin growths that have not been checked, or a known skin cancer;
• fresh wounds, rashes or active inflammation in the exact area to be treated;
• the use of certain medication that makes the skin more sensitive to light, including a recently completed course of isotretinoin — agree a suitable interval with your specialist;
• a tendency to thickened scarring (keloids) or a diagnosed autoimmune, light-sensitive condition;
• a very deep or freshly tanned skin tone — in such cases the decision on whether the treatment is safe is made only after a detailed individual assessment, as the likelihood of burns or pigmentation changes increases.

No, it does not cause any real pain. As the light touches the skin you feel a brief wave of warmth or a light snap, but most clients tolerate this easily and without any additional pain relief.

It depends on how large an area is being treated — a single zone usually takes 15–45 minutes, including preparation and the finishing care.

No, you can go back to work or to your other plans the same day. Your skin may look slightly pink or a little swollen for a few hours or days, but this does not get in the way of everyday life.

The first positive changes are usually noticed around the third to fifth visit, while a stable, lasting effect settles in once the full course is complete — on average 4 to 6 sessions, a month apart.

The method gives the best results and carries the lowest risk for lighter and medium skin tones. For deeper or freshly tanned skin, the safety of the treatment is always assessed individually, as the likelihood of unwanted skin reactions is higher.

You can, but extra care is needed — avoid a session straight after intensive sun exposure, and always protect your skin with a high-factor sunscreen afterwards.

For about a month beforehand, avoid sunbathing and self-tanning products. At the consultation it helps to tell your specialist about any medication you take, any long-term health conditions and any previous skin treatments.

Use sunscreen regularly and avoid direct sunlight, and put off saunas, hot baths, intense workouts and other stronger skin treatments such as peels for a while.

Yes — the light acts on the micro-organisms behind breakouts, helps calm overactive oil glands and, over time, also evens out the dark marks left once spots have healed.

Yes, this is one of its most commonly mentioned uses — the light acts directly on the surface blood vessels, making them less visible and reducing overall facial redness.

Yes, in practice it is often paired with other options, such as radiofrequency lifting, for a more pronounced overall effect. Your specialist will recommend the most suitable combination and order, taking your particular skin needs into account.

In the hands of an experienced specialist, serious complications are rare. You may experience short-lived redness, slight swelling or increased sensitivity, which usually passes within a few days. The risk rises if the treatment is carried out without assessing the contraindications, or if the aftercare instructions are not followed.

Once the full course is complete, the result can usually be maintained with occasional top-up visits — once or twice a year is often enough, depending on your individual skin.

A laser device works with a single, narrowly focused light wavelength, so it addresses one specific concern very precisely. IPL emits a broader spectrum at once, so it can tackle several skin concerns within a single visit.

The surest way to find out is an in-studio consultation — your specialist will look at the condition of your skin and your goals, and will either confirm that IPL is right for you or suggest another option or combination.