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If you’ve been thinking about doing something for your skin maybe you’re noticing sun spots, redness, or uneven tone. You’ve probably heard about Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). But what exactly is it, and how does intense pulsed light work? Let’s make it simple.
IPL isn’t a laser, though a lot of people think it is. It’s a powerful light treatment that uses multiple wavelengths to target specific skin problems. Think of it as controlled flashes of light that reach the deeper layers of your skin to repair damage and boost collagen.
At our Torrance, CA office, we’ve been using the Sciton BroadBand Light (BBL) system since 2013. It’s one of the most trusted IPL technologies out there, and we use it to help patients treat sun damage, redness, and early signs of aging.
Here’s what happens during treatment:
The device sends short bursts of light into your skin. That light turns into heat when it hits the pigment (in dark spots) or the blood vessels (in redness). The heat breaks down unwanted pigment or closes tiny visible veins, and over time, your body naturally clears away those damaged cells.
At the same time, the light stimulates your skin to produce more collagen, the protein that keeps your skin firm, smooth, and youthful.
After treatment, you might notice some redness or mild peeling for a few days, but once your skin settles, it looks clearer, fresher, and more even.
Laser treatments use one specific wavelength of light to target one thing like tattoo ink or deep scars. IPL is broader. It uses many wavelengths, so it can treat multiple skin issues in one go.
It’s not about being better or worse, just different. Think of a laser as a sniper and IPL as a multitasker. IPL can handle pigmentation, redness, and texture all at once.
We use IPL for several common concerns:
Some people come in every few months just for maintenance because regular treatments keep their skin bright and youthful.
Sunspots and brown patches form when melanin collects in your skin. IPL targets that pigment directly with filtered light that’s absorbed by the dark spots. Over several days, the treated areas darken slightly, then flake or fade away, revealing clearer skin underneath.
If redness or visible veins are your main issue, IPL can help there too. It uses a different filter that targets the red color in your blood vessels. The light gently heats and closes those tiny vessels, evening out your skin tone without harming surrounding tissue.
Besides treating visible damage, IPL also kickstarts your skin’s collagen production. During each session, the heat from the light triggers your body’s natural healing process, building fresh collagen that makes your skin firmer and smoother over time.
Some studies even show that regular IPL sessions can improve how your skin cells behave essentially helping them act like younger, healthier cells.
We’ve been performing IPL treatments at our Torrance office for over a decade and using lasers since the 1990s. Our team of doctors and nurses brings more than 50 years of combined experience.
That means you’re not just getting a treatment, you’re getting expert care from people who understand how light-based technology can truly change your skin.
Whether you’re dealing with brown spots, redness, or just want to refresh your complexion, IPL is one of the most reliable, proven ways to get clearer, younger-looking skin.
