IPL for acne
IPL for acne uses light in the 420 to 750nm range, including the blue band absorbed by porphyrins produced by acne bacteria, to reduce bacterial load and calm inflammation. At ALBA Skin & Beauty Clinic in Cirencester it is delivered with the Zemits QuantumPeak alongside prescribed skincare rather than instead of it. A course of four to six sessions is typical.
4 to 6
SESSIONS TYPICALLY NEEDED
XX
PRICE
2 to 3 weeks
SESSIONS INTERVAL
How it works
Cutibacterium acnes produces porphyrins, which absorb light in the blue end of the spectrum and generate free radicals that damage the bacteria. The longer wavelengths in the same pulse reduce inflammation and help fade the red marks left behind, while radiofrequency supports skin repair at depth.
What it treats
Inflammatory acne, papules and pustules, and the post-inflammatory redness left after lesions clear. It does not treat acne scarring, which is textural damage and needs microneedling.
RESULTS TIMELINE
Reduced inflammation within 2 to 3 sessions. Fullest effect by the end of the course.
AVERAGE NR OF SESSIONS
4 to 6
TREATMENT TIME
30 minutes
SESSION INTERVAL
2 to 3 weeks
DOWNTIME
None. Mild redness for a few hours.
After Treatment
Do
✔️ Continue your prescribed skincare unless told otherwise
✔️ Apply SPF 50 daily
✔️ Keep the routine gentle for 48 hours
✔️ Tell us if the skin flares between sessions
Don’t
✖️ No acids or retinoids for 5 day
✖️ No picking or squeezing
✖️ No sun exposure or sunbeds for 4 weeks
✖️ No hot yoga, sauna or steam for 48 hours
Is it right for you?
Suits inflammatory acne that has not responded to skincare alone. Prescribed homecare is addressed first at ALBA, because light treatment does not hold without it. Severe or cystic acne is referred rather than treated here.
NOT SUITABLE IF YOU ARE
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Recent sun exposure, sunbed use or fake tan in the last 4 weeks
Taking photosensitising medication, including isotretinoin within the last 6 months
Active infection, broken skin or an outbreak of cold sores in the area
Photosensitive epilepsy
History of keloid scarring
Tattoos or permanent makeup in the treatment area
Under 18
Currently taking or within 6 months of finishing isotretinoin
Questions people ask
Does IPL work for acne scarring?
No. IPL treats active acne and the red marks left behind, but scarring is a change in skin texture and needs collagen stimulation. SkinPen microneedling is the treatment for that, and the two are often done in sequence rather than together.
Can I have IPL for acne if I am on Roaccutane?
No. Isotretinoin makes skin far more light-sensitive and fragile, and IPL is not carried out within six months of finishing a course. This is checked at your consultation at ALBA.
Will IPL replace my acne skincare?
No, and it should not. IPL reduces bacteria and inflammation, but without the right prescribed homecare the acne returns between sessions. At ALBA the skincare is sorted first and the light treatment supports it.