IPL acne treatment
Learn about IPL acne treatment at Dr Sknn, including suitability, treatment planning, the procedure, recovery, material risks, aftercare and frequently asked questions. Your clinician will confirm whether this treatment—or another treatment—is appropriate for you.
Compare current Single and Subscription prices, book an exact treatment directly, or add several treatments to one visit plan. Suitability is confirmed before treatment.

What treatment planning should establish.
These four points support treatment planning. The detailed guide below covers this treatment.

About IPL acne treatment.
At Dr Sknn we have a wide range of medical-grade devices and skincare regimes to allow us to effectively and safely treat grade 1 to 3 Acne and mild, moderate and severe acne scarring. Click here to explore other Acne treatments available at Dr Sknn
One of our available acne treatments involves using the Lynton Lumina which is a state-of-the-art Intense Pulsed Light System, which is also used by theNHS and private hospitals across the UK, to treat mild and moderate acne (grade 1 to 3) by utilising a broadband source of light of wavelengths targeting the major bacterial cause of acne, Propionibacterium Acnes through both superficial bacterial destruction whilst also targeting deep-seated bacteria existing in pustules and papules. Additionally IPL heats the overactive sebaceous glands thus reducing sebum output while also gentle heating of the skin promotes fibroblast activity and stimulates collagen tightening pores improving discolouration and mild acne scarring. Ultimately this treatment helps reduce redness, spots, skin tone, texture, pore size, improve inflammation and frequent breakouts with short treatment times and same day recovery.
Acne is a disorder of the skin that affects over 80% of thepopulation aged 14-30. Although commonly considered to be a problem ofadolescence, 25% of those affected by acne in their teens will go on to developpermanent scars. Acne can occur over the face, neck, chest and back areas. Whenthe hair follicles become blocked, the sebaceous glands, which are tiny glandsfound in the skin that lubricate the hair and skin, secrete an oil named sebum,in acne, the glands begin to produce excess sebum (become over active) whichmixes with dead skin cells forming a plug in the hair follicle. If the plug isclose to the surface of the skin it creates a whitehead, otherwise, if the plugis open to the skin it creates a blackhead. Normally we have harmless bacterialiving on the surface of the skin however they can contaminate and infect theplugged hair follicles resulting in pustules, papules, nodules or cysts. Theeffects of acne on personal appearance caused by acne and acne scarring cancause significant psychological and social problems. Current treatments caninvolve long term use of antibiotics, or isotretinoin administration, which canhave side-effects.
Before, during and after your treatment.
Your exact experience and recovery are individual. Your clinician will explain what applies to you.
01 · Before Who is unsuitable for the treatment?
Some of the contraindications are listed below. Please note that during the consultation we will assess suitability for the treatment Individuals with a Sun tan (up to 4 weeks followingexposure) or use of sun beds (up to 4 weeks following exposure) or fake tan(minimum of 10 days delay) or any other tanning products (minimum of 10 daysdelay) Individuals with Cancer, including any history of malignantmelanoma. Pregnancy or breastfeeding
02 · During What should I expect during the Consultation?
At Dr Sknn, during the consultation a medical history including a physical examination will be performed including photographs additionally a detailed skin analysis will be performed in order to provide you with a patient centered personalised tailor-made skincare regime. Furthermore during the consultation a discussion will occur as to what treatments are available for acne in order to ensure the safest, most efficacy treatment is proposed as no one size fits all approach is taken at Dr Sknn. During the consultation there will be an opportunity to discuss any concerns, expectations, results, or questions you may have. If found IPL - Light Assisted Acne Treatment is found suitable then prior to the treatment any post treatment advice and risks associated with the treatment are discussed ensuring you fully understand them and a consent form is signed. Furthermore, if it is a new area being treated a small patch test will be performed in order to ensure suitability.
03 · After What should I expect after the Treatment?
Post treatment the area will be cooled and a Soothe Serumwill be applied to further cool the area, provide antibacterial effects reduceirritation while stimulating cell regeneration for faster recovery, you shoulduse sun-block and avoid any sun exposure on the treated area for 2 weeks inaddition to avoiding perfumed protects, hot baths, hot environments such assaunas, steam rooms for 48 hours. Post treatment you may experience general redness and slightswelling of the treated area. Due to the wavelengths used hair loss may occur in thetreated area such as the beard.
Watch the treatment explained.
Watch Dr Sknn clinicians explain the treatment, suitability and what to expect.
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Photographs show individual patients. Results vary and do not guarantee a particular outcome.
Browse the complete Before & After StudioEverything to know about this treatment.
Treatment information covering suitability, what to expect and aftercare.
Treatment benefits and aims
Propionibacterium Acnes
Pustules
Papules
Inflammation
Breakouts
Overactive Sebaceous Glands
Sebum Output
Pore Size
Mild Acne Scaring
Stimulates Collagen
NHS Approved
Discolouration
Redness
Skin Tone
Texture
Grade 1 to 3 Acne Treatment
What is Acne
Acne is a disorder of the skin that affects over 80% of thepopulation aged 14-30. Although commonly considered to be a problem ofadolescence, 25% of those affected by acne in their teens will go on to developpermanent scars. Acne can occur over the face, neck, chest and back areas. Whenthe hair follicles become blocked, the sebaceous glands, which are tiny glandsfound in the skin that lubricate the hair and skin, secrete an oil named sebum,in acne, the glands begin to produce excess sebum (become over active) whichmixes with dead skin cells forming a plug in the hair follicle. If the plug isclose to the surface of the skin it creates a whitehead, otherwise, if the plugis open to the skin it creates a blackhead. Normally we have harmless bacterialiving on the surface of the skin however they can contaminate and infect theplugged hair follicles resulting in pustules, papules, nodules or cysts. Theeffects of acne on personal appearance caused by acne and acne scarring cancause significant psychological and social problems. Current treatments caninvolve long term use of antibiotics, or isotretinoin administration, which canhave side-effects.
What should I expect during the Treatment?
Post treatment the area will be cooled and a Soothe Serumw ill be applied to further cool the area, provide antibacterial effects reduce irritation while stimulating cell regeneration for faster recovery, you should use sun-block and avoid any sun exposure on the treated area for 2 weeks in addition to avoiding perfumed protects, hot baths, hot environments such as saunas, steam rooms for 48 hours.
Post treatment you may experience general redness and slight swelling of the treated area.
Due to the wavelengths used hair loss may occur in the treated area such as the beard.
Additional treatment and aftercare information
Is there any downtime following treatment?
The treated area may feel warm for a few hours. Slight swelling may be experienced for up to 48 hours along side redness. There is a rare possibility of bruising, a small blister forming, temporary lightening or darkening of the skin. Hair loss may occur in the treated area such as the beard.
Frequently asked questions.
Preparation, treatment, recovery, suitability and aftercare guidance to support your consultation.
How Does IPL - LightAssisted Acne Treatmentwork?
What should I expect during the Consultation?
What should I expect after the Treatment?
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
How many Treatments are required?
Every how long can I have a treatment session?
How can I maintain my results?
Are there any Side Effects with IPL?
Who is unsuitable for the treatment?
Who is suitable for the treatment?
How does the Treatment feel?
What is Acne
Is there any downtime following treatment?
Ready to choose your next step?
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