How Often Should You Get IPL Therapy for Maintaining Results?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy — sometimes referred to as a photofacial — is a popular skin treatment among patients looking to improve the appearance of sun damage, age spots, redness, and other common skin concerns. While many people see visible improvements after just one session, maintaining long-term results with IPL therapy typically requires ongoing treatments. After an initial round of IPL treatments, the appropriate frequency of photofacials will depend on the patient's skin type, their response to therapy, and other factors, with some patients having IPL therapy every month and others getting maintenance treatments just once or twice per year.

At Limitless Me Wellness in Jacksonville, FL, double-board-certified physician Dr. Kia Mitchell and our knowledgeable aesthetic team are here to answer questions you may have about what IPL photofacials can do for your skin, how often you may need IPL, and more.

How does IPL therapy work?

IPL therapy uses pulses of light energy to target pigment-producing cells below the skin's surface. This light energy is absorbed by the pigment, which causes the cells to break down and allows your body to naturally get rid of the damaged tissue, promoting a smoother, more even, youthful-looking complexion overall. IPL is particularly effective for treating issues like:

Sun spots
Redness and rosacea
Uneven skin tone
Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne scars

How many IPL sessions do you need for optimal results?

The number of IPL sessions needed varies from patient to patient, depending on the severity of their skin concerns and other factors. On average, we typically recommend a series of 3 – 6 IPL treatments, spaced about four weeks apart, for optimal results. This allows skin to gradually improve and heal between sessions as it regenerates and responds to the light energy. After the initial series of treatments, periodic IPL maintenance sessions may be recommended to help preserve your results over time.

How often can you get IPL therapy?

Most patients benefit from touch-up IPL treatments about once or twice a year, depending on their skin type, lifestyle, and specific skin concerns. However, your individual maintenance schedule will be determined based on how your skin responds to the treatment and your long-term goals, which our team will monitor throughout your course of therapy.

What should you do for skincare between IPL treatments?

While IPL therapy is an effective treatment, it's also important to practice good skincare habits between sessions to maintain consistent results. Some skincare tips after IPL and between photofacials include:

Use sunscreen daily
Stay hydrated
Avoid tanning beds and direct sun exposure
Follow a gentle skincare routine
Avoid harsh exfoliants and other skincare products

Do I need regular IPL treatments?

Sticking to a regular photofacial plan offers several benefits that go beyond just improving your skin's appearance. Some of the long-term benefits of ongoing IPL treatments include:

Long-lasting skin clarity
Reduced hyperpigmentation
Fewer signs of aging
Smoother, more even texture
Continuous collagen stimulation
Slow the progression of certain signs of facial aging

By staying consistent with IPL treatments, you can ensure that your skin continues to look refreshed and rejuvenated for years to come.

Achieve and maintain glowing skin with IPL therapy in Jacksonville, FL

At Limitless Me Wellness, double board-certified physician Dr. Kia Mitchell and our caring team are committed to helping patients achieve clearer, more radiant skin with a complete range of aesthetic skin treatments, including IPL therapy. Whether you're looking to reduce the appearance of sun damage or smooth out fine lines, a personalized IPL treatment plan can help meet your aesthetic goals. To learn more about Jacksonville, FL IPL therapy and how often to schedule your treatments, contact us today to schedule a consultation and comprehensive skin evaluation tailored to your unique needs.