Who is it evaluated for?
It can be evaluated for individuals who have sun-induced spot-tone irregularity, superficial redness-vascular appearance, or general photoaging findings and are seeking a light treatment that does not require ablation.
How is it planned?
Skin phototype, tanning status, pigment and vascular components, medications used, and the target area are evaluated together. Filter, energy, and session intervals are selected according to these findings; if deep wrinkles or advanced laxity are present, combination with different methods may be considered.
Which findings can be targeted?
- Sun-induced color irregularity
- Solar lentigines and superficial pigment
- Superficial telangiectasia and redness
- Fine lines and tissue quality targets
- Photoaging findings on the face, neck, décolleté, and dorsum of the hands
Scientific data
In a 2021 systematic review, 16 studies and 637 participants were evaluated; generally positive results were reported in telangiectasia, erythema, lentigo, pigmentation, texture, pore, and photoaging scores. However, the methodological quality of a significant portion of the studies is low, and the parameters used are heterogeneous.
When is another method required?
In the presence of deep wrinkles, advanced skin laxity, or prominent scar formation, fractional laser, RF microneedling, biostimulants, Endolifting, or surgical options may be more appropriate. IPL/BBL stands out particularly in photoaging accompanied by color and vascular components.
Safety
The procedure may be postponed in recently tanned skin. The risk of pigment alteration is evaluated more carefully in dark phototypes. Suspicious pigmented lesions should not be treated with light without a dermatologic diagnosis.
Our approach at our Bodrum clinic
We do not evaluate photoaging solely as “wrinkles.” We separate the components of pigment, vasculature, elasticity, and tissue quality; when necessary, we compare IPL/BBL with RF microneedling, CO₂ laser, PDRN/PN, or Endolifting.
References
- Intense Pulsed Light on skin rejuvenation: a systematic review. PMID: 34609598.
- Skin rejuvenation using intense pulsed light: randomized controlled split-face trial. PMID: 16924047.
