IPL Acne Therapy

Acne can be caused by hormonal changes (often an overproduction of androgens), stress, environmental pollutants, and other factors that stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil.

The light energy targets porphyrins produced by Cutibacterium acnes. These are light-sensitive molecules that, when activated, produce oxygen radicals that help destroy acne-causing bacteria and reduce active breakouts. The light is also absorbed by superficial blood vessels supplying the sebaceous glands. This gentle heating effect helps to calm inflammation and regulate excess oil production. In addition, the heat stimulates collagen production, supporting skin healing and improving the overall appearance of the skin, including post-acne marks. Benefits include: Neutralising acne-causing bacteria Calming inflamed lesions and breakouts Reducing excess oil production ​

A course of 6–8 treatments is typically recommended for optimal results, with more severe cases sometimes requiring up to 12 sessions, aiming for up to 80% improvement. We usually begin with an initial course of 6 treatments, after which your skin will be reviewed to determine if additional sessions are needed. Treatments are performed at 2–4 week intervals to ensure consistent and effective results. Once your course is complete, some clients may not require further treatment, while others may benefit from occasional maintenance sessions. This could be on an “as needed” basis or approximately every 6–8 weeks for more persistent acne—depending on your individual skin condition. ​ Photos are taken before and after each session. As the course progresses, it's good to review photos to check on progress.

A mild redness and slight swelling may be experienced immediately after treatment, which typically subsides within a few hours or by the following day. ​

We do not charge for IPL consultations. It is important to check you are suitable for treatment, to explain the safety protocols, to answer your questions, to establish machine parameters for you and to check for no adverse reaction from the patch test. Please note - your skin does not need to be at its worst for the consultation appointment. But photos showing this are useful. If you are taking antibiotics, please let us know beforehand, as you may not be suitable for a patch test - some antibiotics are photosensitising and will need to be completely cleared from your system first. Email photos or antibiotic query: info@westfieldclinic.co.uk

Suitable for skin types up to and including Fitzpatrick Type IV. Westfield Clinic requires clients to complete a short medical questionnaire prior to their initial consultation. This allows us to assess suitability and ensure adequate time for patch testing where required. Certain medical conditions and medications may make laser or IPL treatments unsuitable or unsafe. It is important that clients are generally fit and well, and that the immune system is not compromised at the time of treatment. The medical questionnaire will ask you to list all current medications, including dosage, as some medications can be photosensitising. Please include all medications, even short-term courses such as antibiotics. In some cases, medical conditions or medications may require written GP approval before patch testing can proceed. For example, regarding thyroid conditions, we need confirmation from your GP that your thyroid condition is well-managed and stable. This is a standard safety measure, as thyroid conditions can sometimes affect how the skin heals and responds to treatment. Once we have this confirmation, we’ll be able to move forward with your consultation and patch testing. You may be able to get your GP to write in your notes this confirmation which you can then screenshot on your NHS app. ​ During the consultation, the treatment will be fully discussed and a series of three small patch tests at varying energy levels will be performed. This allows the correct treatment parameters to be established and ensures your skin’s tolerance to light. Full treatment can then begin 3–14 days later, provided there are no adverse reactions. ​ For more information on contraindications that could prohibit you from treatment, click here...

4 weeks before treatment, avoid tanning the face. 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 remove the thickened horny layer of skin. Our peels are very effective and gentle on the skin and great to have regularly for an acne skin type. Prescription retinoids such as Adapalene must be stopped 2-3weeks prior. Products containing 'active ingredients' such as retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or vitamin C on the treatment area for 7 days prior to treatment. Fake tan should not be applied to the area for 10-14 days prior. Do not use any photosensitising creams or medications. Do not use essential oils 48 hrs prior. Do not take Ibuprofen or Aspirin 48 hours prior to treatments. Do not apply skin products, moisturising cream, or make-up (if treating face) or perfume on the day. Inform your practitioner before your next appointment either by email or direct message if any of the following apply, otherwise treatment may not be able to go ahead on the day. Any change in medications (including herbal remedies). If you have been exposed to strong sunlight without any SPF. If you have applied fake tan products to the area 2 weeks prior.

If your acne is no longer active but you have scarring, a course of microneedling treatments is recommended to help reduce the appearance of scarring and rejuvenate the skin click here.

VERY IMPORTANT Avoid sun exposure for 48 hours post-treatment and wear SPF 50 or higher throughout the duration of your course. Following this advice is important because the skin is more sensitive after IPL treatments and has increased risk of irritation and pigmentation changes. Sun exposure within the first 48 hours can trigger inflammation or unwanted darkening of the skin, while daily use of SPF 50 helps protect the treated area, supports healing, and ensures the best possible results throughout your course.

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.

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.