Treatment times range from 30 to 45 minutes depending on the area treated. A patch test is required before your first session and takes approximately 25 minutes.

Yes. A 25-minute patch test is required before your first IPL session. This allows us to assess how your skin responds to the light energy, check for any allergic or inflammatory reactions, and confirm the treatment is appropriate for you. Your patch test can be booked as a separate appointment.

Most clients describe the sensation as a quick flicking feeling on the skin. Sensation varies between individuals and treatment areas. Protective eyewear is worn throughout every session.

Most clients require a minimum of 4 treatments to see meaningful improvement, with sessions typically spaced 3–4 weeks apart. For redness concerns, follow-up treatment within 7–14 days after initial sessions is recommended to maintain efficacy. Individual results vary — your clinician will discuss an appropriate treatment plan at consultation.

A mild warmth or sunburn-like sensation is normal and typically settles within 2–24 hours. Temporary redness and mild swelling may also occur. If targeting pigmentation, the treated area may appear darker or develop slight crusting over 2–3 days as the skin heals — this is an expected part of the process. Less commonly, prolonged redness or blistering may occur. Your clinician will explain what to expect for your specific treatment type at your appointment.

In the 4 weeks before treatment, avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanning products. Do not wax, pluck, or use depilatory creams for at least 1 week prior. Prescription-strength exfoliants including Retin-A and AHA/BHA products should be paused 2 weeks before your appointment. If treating an area with fine hair, shaving the night before is recommended. Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup and active skincare.

Recovery depends on the concern being treated. For skin rejuvenation, most clients resume normal activities the same day. For pigmentation concerns, treated areas typically heal within 7–10 days and continue to fade over 2–4 weeks. A soothing post-treatment gel is applied and recommended for 3–5 days following your session. Avoid sun exposure to treated areas and apply SPF30+ daily. Active skincare — including AHAs, BHAs, vitamin A, and vitamin C — should be avoided until redness has fully resolved.

IPL is not suitable for everyone. Treatment is not recommended during pregnancy, or if you have used Roaccutane within the last 6 months, had laser resurfacing within 6 months, or had a chemical peel within 2 weeks. Clients taking photosensitising medications, with active skin infections, open lesions, or a history of keloid scarring should advise their clinician before booking. A current tan — including fake tan — or unprotected sun exposure within 4 weeks will also delay treatment. A consultation and patch test are required to confirm suitability.

IPL uses broad-spectrum light across multiple wavelengths, which allows it to address a range of concerns — including pigmentation, redness, and acne — in a single treatment. Laser uses a single focused wavelength and is typically directed at one specific concern. IPL is generally considered a more versatile option for overall skin rejuvenation, while laser may be preferred for more targeted issues.

Yes. IPL Hands treats the same sun damage and pigmentation concerns as our facial IPL, using a dedicated 35-minute session designed for the hands. It can be booked as a standalone treatment.