IPL Acne Therapy

Acne can happen at any age and is a common skin condition that develops when hair follicles become blocked by excess sebum (natural skin oil) and dead skin cells. Bacteria naturally present on the skin, particularly Cutibacterium acnes, can contribute to inflammation, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps and pus-filled spots.Several factors can contribute to acne, and the causes can vary from person to person.Hormonal changesHormones called androgens can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, increasing the likelihood of blocked pores and breakouts. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, around menstrual periods and at other stages of life can contribute to acne. However, acne does not necessarily mean that someone has a hormonal imbalance.GeneticsAcne can run in families. If your parents experienced acne, you may be more prone to developing it yourself.StressStress does not directly cause acne, but it may aggravate existing breakouts in some people.Skincare and environmental factorsCertain oily or pore-blocking skincare products and cosmetics can contribute to blocked pores. Friction, sweating and some environmental conditions may also aggravate symptoms in susceptible individuals.FoodDiet may influence acne in some people, although there is not enough evidence to recommend a specific diet as a treatment for acne.Research suggests that high-glycaemic foods, such as sugary drinks, sweets and refined carbohydrates, may worsen breakouts in some individuals. Some studies have also found an association between acne and cow’s milk, particularly skimmed milk. Whey protein supplements may aggravate acne in some people, although further research is needed.Food triggers vary from person to person. If you suspect a particular food is affecting your skin, keeping a simple food and symptom diary may help you identify patterns. There is no need to eliminate entire food groups without a clear reason, and a balanced diet is recommended.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) acne treatment uses controlled pulses of light at selected wavelengths to target structures and substances within the skin that may contribute to acne.One proposed mechanism involves porphyrins produced by Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes), a bacterium associated with acne. When these light-sensitive substances absorb suitable wavelengths of light, reactive oxygen species can be generated, which may help reduce bacterial activity and improve inflammatory breakouts.The light energy may also interact with superficial blood vessels, helping to reduce the appearance of redness associated with inflammation. As breakouts settle, some clients may notice improvements in overall skin tone and texture. IPL may also help improve the appearance of certain superficial post-acne marks and mild textural scarring, although results depend on the type and severity of scarring. Deeper or more established acne scars may require a different treatment approach (ie microneedling once the acne has cleared)Benefits of IPL acne treatmentMay help reduce inflammatory breakouts: Light-based treatment may improve certain types of mild to moderate inflammatory acne in suitable clients.May help calm visible redness: Treatment may reduce the appearance of redness associated with inflamed spots.May improve skin tone and texture: Some clients may notice smoother-looking skin and a more even complexion.May improve the appearance of some acne scarring: Selected superficial marks and mild textural irregularities may improve, although IPL is not suitable for every type of acne scar.IPL is an option for selected clients rather than a guaranteed treatment or cure for acne. A course of treatments is usually recommended, depending on your skin and response. During your consultation at Westfield Clinic, we will assess your suitability and do the mandatory patch tests.

We usually recommend an initial course of 6 IPL acne treatments, with each session typically spaced 2–4 weeks apart. The exact number of treatments required depends on the type and severity of your acne, your skin’s response and your individual treatment goals.After your initial six sessions, we will review your progress and determine whether further treatments may be beneficial. More persistent or severe acne may require additional sessions, and results vary from person to person.Will I need maintenance treatments?Following your initial course, some clients may not need further IPL treatment for a while, while others may benefit from occasional maintenance sessions if breakouts return. The timing will depend on your skin and how it responds, and we will discuss this with you during your review.How do you monitor my progress?We take photographs before and after each session, allowing us to compare changes in your skin throughout the course. Reviewing these photographs helps us assess your progress and decide whether your treatment plan needs adjusting.

A mild redness and slight swelling may be experienced immediately after treatment, which typically subsides within a few hours or by the following day. Please follow the aftercare advice, for which you will be given a copy (also available on this page).​

Consultations at Westfield Clinic are free of charge.Yes, your consultation is an important first step before IPL or laser treatment. It allows us to assess your suitability, discuss your skin concerns and desired results, explain the treatment and safety protocols, and answer any questions you may have.We will also review your medical history, establish appropriate treatment parameters and carry out patch testing where required. This allows us to assess how your skin responds before proceeding with a full treatment.Do I need to have visible symptoms on the day?No. Your skin does not need to be at its worst for your consultation. However, if your symptoms fluctuate, such as rosacea flare-ups or intermittent redness, photographs showing your skin when symptoms are more noticeable can be very helpful.Do I need to disclose my medications?Yes. When completing your medical questionnaire at the time of booking, you must list all current medications, including dosages, as well as any recently completed courses of medication (please state the date you finished).Some medications can increase your skin's sensitivity to laser or IPL light, and their effects may persist even after you have finished taking them. This could mean your patch test or treatment needs to be postponed to ensure your safety.

Consistent, consecutive IPL treatments deliver the best results by progressively reducing acne, calming inflammation, and improving overall skin clarity with each session. If you take a break, for example, you want to get a tan during the summer months, additional treatments may be needed to regain optimal results. Or, if treatment continues on a slightly tanned skin, settings may need to be adjusted for safety, which can sometimes reduce the intensity and overall effectiveness of the results.

Improvements are usually gradual as your skin responds to treatment over the course. Some clients may notice a reduction in inflammatory breakouts and redness early on, while others may require more sessions to see a noticeable difference. IPL does not guarantee complete clearance of acne, and new breakouts may still occur.

IPL Acne Therapy at Westfield Clinic is generally suitable for skin types up to and including Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV, subject to an individual assessment. Suitability depends on your skin type, medical history, medications and the concern being treated.Medical questionnaire and suitability assessmentBefore your initial consultation, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire. This allows us to review your medical history, assess your suitability and allocate sufficient time for patch testing where required.Certain medical conditions and medications may make IPL or laser treatments unsuitable or require additional precautions. It is important that you are generally well and that any relevant medical conditions are appropriately managed.Please list all current medications, including dosages, on your questionnaire. This includes short-term medication courses, such as antibiotics, as some medicines can increase sensitivity to light.In certain circumstances, we may require written confirmation from your GP before proceeding with patch testing. For example, if you have a thyroid condition, we may ask your GP to confirm that it is stable and well managed. You may be able to obtain this confirmation through your GP surgery and share a screenshot of the relevant information from your NHS App, where appropriate.Consultation and patch testingDuring your consultation, we will discuss the treatment, assess your skin and carry out three small patch tests at different energy levels. This helps us establish appropriate treatment settings and assess how your skin responds to the light energy.Following patch testing, the waiting period before your first full treatment depends on your Fitzpatrick skin type (we will tell you this):Fitzpatrick Skin Types I–III: You must wait at least 3 days after patch testing.Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV: You must wait 14 days after patch testing.Your skin must be assessed for any adverse reactions before proceeding with treatment. If a reaction occurs, your appointment may need to be postponed and further assessment may be required.Your safety is our priority, and treatment will only proceed when we are satisfied that it is appropriate for you.For further information, please read our Contraindications Guidance.

To help ensure your IPL treatment is as safe and effective as possible, please follow these preparation guidelines before your appointment:Avoid sun exposure and tanning: Avoid direct sun exposure and artificial tanning throughout your course of treatments. Always use SPF 30 or higher when exposed to sunlight. Avoid fake tan on the treatment area for at least 2 weeks before your appointment.Avoid active skincare ingredients: Stop using retinol, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, bleaching creams and other potentially irritating products for at least 1 week before treatment. Topical retinoids may need to be stopped 3 weeks beforehand.Avoid certain treatments: Do not have electrolysis, microneedling or chemical peels on the area being treated for 1–2 weeks before your appointment.Avoid essential oils: Do not apply essential oils to the treatment area for 48 hours before treatment.Avoid certain medications: Avoid ibuprofen or aspirin for 24 hours before treatment - unless prescribed or advised by your healthcare professional. Always check with us before stopping or changing any prescribed medication.On the day of treatment: Arrive with clean skin, free from skincare products, moisturiser, makeup (if treating the face) and perfume on the treatment area.Review medications and supplements: Inform your practitioner of any changes to your medications, including herbal remedies. Some substances, including St John’s Wort, may increase sensitivity to light.Please also let us know before your appointment if you have had significant sun exposure without SPF or have applied fake tan to the treatment area within the previous 2 weeks, as your treatment may need to be postponed.Following these guidelines helps reduce the risk of irritation, burns and pigmentation changes. Your practitioner will assess your skin before treatment and advise you if any additional precautions are needed.If you are unsure whether a skincare product or medication is suitable before your appointment, please contact us before making any changes.Tip: Before you begin your IPL Acne treatments it's a great idea to have a couple of chemical peels two weeks prior, for very congested skin to help soften the thickened horny/outer layer of skin. Our peels are very effective and gentle on the skin and great to have regularly for an acne skin type.

Yes, it can sometimes improve acne scarring.However, if your acne is no longer active/pustular but you have some scarring remaining, a course of microneedling treatments is recommended to help reduce the appearance of scarring and rejuvenate the skin - click here for microneedling.

Strict Sun Protection After IPL is ImportantYou must avoid direct sun exposure for at least 48 hours after every IPL treatment and use a broad-spectrum SPF 50 or higher every day throughout your treatment course. Reapply sunscreen as directed, particularly when outdoors, and after sweating or washing your face. Avoid sunbeds, intentional tanning and unnecessary UV exposure.This advice is essential because IPL makes the treated skin more sensitive, and UV exposure can increase the risk of irritation, inflammation, burns and unwanted pigmentation changes, including dark patches. These effects can compromise your skin’s recovery and affect your treatment outcome.If you cannot avoid sun exposure or protect the treated area adequately, contact the clinic for advice before proceeding with your next session. Consistent sun protection is a vital part of your aftercare and helps reduce the risk of complications throughout your IPL acne treatment course.

As a safety precaution, we advise that fake tan is not applied for 2 weeks prior to treatment. This timeframe is a precautionary measure, as there are several factors that affect how long fake tan lasts, including the product used and individual skin cell turnover rates. For example, some fake tan products fade more quickly than others, and regular cleansing or exfoliation can also accelerate fading.

Aftercare Form for IPL Acne TherapyFollowing aftercare advice is crucial to achieving the best results and minimising any risks or complications. Please carefully follow the guidelines below and contact your practitioner if you have any concerns. 1. Immediate AftercareCooling the Skin: Apply a cool, damp cloth or a cold gel pack to the treated area for 10-15 minutes every hour as needed to reduce redness and swelling. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin.Sun Protection: Avoid direct sunlight and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily. This reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation or skin irritation.Avoid Touching: Do not pick, scratch, or rub the treated area, as this may cause irritation or scarring.No Makeup: Refrain from applying makeup to the treated area for at least 24 hours. 2. Skin CareGentle Cleansing: Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to gently wash the treated area. Avoid hot water; instead, use lukewarm water for cleaning.Moisturise: Keep the treated area moisturised with a non-comedogenic, fragrance-free moisturiser to support healing and prevent dryness.Avoid Harsh Products: Discontinue the use of products containing retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), benzoyl peroxide, or any other exfoliating agents for at least 7 days post-treatment. 3. Activities to AvoidAvoid Heat and Sweating: Refrain from activities that generate excessive heat, such as hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and intense workouts, for at least 48 hours.No Swimming: Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or saltwater for 48 hours, as this may irritate the treated skin.Avoid Tanning: Do not use tanning beds or apply self-tanning products for at least four weeks after treatment. 4. Potential Side EffectsRedness and Swelling: Mild redness and swelling are normal and should subside within a few hours to a couple of days.Temporary Discomfort: You may experience a slight burning or sunburn-like sensation for several hours after treatment. This can be alleviated with cool compresses.Pigment Changes: Slight hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening) may occur but typically resolves within 2-6 months with proper care.Crusting or Scabbing: In rare cases, small crusts or scabs may form. Allow them to heal naturally and do not pick at them. 5. Follow-Up TreatmentsIPL Acne Therapy often requires multiple sessions for optimal results. Your practitioner will advise you on the recommended schedule for follow-up treatments. Typically, sessions are spaced 2-4 weeks apart.Stop Topical Retinoids 3 weeks prior to laser, recommence if needed after your course of IPL Laser treatments. Examples include: tretinoin (Retin-A, Aknemycin Plus, Renova), isotretinoin (Isotrexin), adapalene retinoid. Differin. 6. When to Contact Your PractitionerContact your practitioner immediately if you experience any of the following:Severe or prolonged redness, swelling, or blistering.Signs of infection, such as pus, increased warmth, or fever.Any unexpected or concerning reactions. Patient AcknowledgementI acknowledge that I have received and understood the aftercare instructions provided above and have signed this on my informed consent during my consultation. I agree to follow these instructions to ensure optimal results and reduce the risk of complications. I understand that failure to adhere to the aftercare guidelines may impact my treatment outcome.