Sun spots or redness
IPL targets melanin and hemoglobin in the skin, clearing sun damage, rosacea, and broken capillaries with broad-spectrum light.
Devices
IPL Photofacial
IPL photofacial treatment that clears pigmentation, broken capillaries, redness, and sun damage with no downtime in Cherry Creek, Denver.
Concerns
You might consider this if these apply to you
Sun spots, redness, broken capillaries, or uneven tone from years of sun exposure
Uneven skin tone
Brown spots, freckles, and redness respond well to IPL, evening out your complexion over a series of treatments.
Want minimal downtime
IPL requires little to no downtime. Dark spots may temporarily darken before flaking off, revealing clearer skin beneath.
Timeline
Results and how long they last
Dark spots darken and flake off within 7-14 days. Full correction with 3-5 treatments.
3-7 days
Dark spots darken and surface
7-14 days
Spots flake off, skin clears
6-12 months
Results with maintenance
6-12 months
Maintenance recommended
What it is
IPL photofacial uses broad-spectrum light filtered to target melanin (brown pigment) and hemoglobin (red blood) in the skin. The light converts to heat: pigmented cells break up and rise to the surface, and dilated blood vessels constrict and collapse. As a sun damage treatment, it addresses age spots, freckles, and uneven tone caused by cumulative UV exposure - concerns that are particularly common in Colorado's high-altitude, high-UV environment.
IPL treatment is also an effective broken capillaries treatment, reducing the diffuse redness and visible vessels that characterize rosacea and general facial flushing. Unlike a single-wavelength laser, IPL's broader spectrum allows it to address multiple targets - both brown and red discoloration - within the same session. It works best on lighter skin tones with strong contrast between the pigmented targets and the surrounding skin.
Our Cherry Creek studio at 36 Steele St, Suite 100 sees photofacial Denver clients from across the metro - Cherry Creek North, Country Club, Congress Park, Belcaro, Hilltop, Hale, Capitol Hill, Washington Park, and beyond. Most clients arrive within a 10-minute drive. Each IPL treatment plan is tailored by our providers to your specific skin concerns and tone, ensuring the right fluence and filter for your needs.
Many clients weigh related options like CO2 Laser Resurfacing and Laser Hair Removal. For dosing, longevity, and aftercare in depth, see our IPL Guide.
What to expect
An ipl photofacial appointment takes 30 to 45 minutes for a full face. Each pulse delivers a sharp, warm snap of light. Over the following days, brown spots darken noticeably - that darkening is the process working. They flake off on their own within 7 to 14 days. Do not pick at them.
A series of 3 to 5 treatments spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart delivers the most comprehensive correction. Avoid sun exposure before and after each session - tanned skin increases the risk of a burn. Maintenance every 6 to 12 months keeps the skin clear and even. Our providers will advise on spacing and the number of sessions based on your specific concerns and skin tone.
Your Expertise
Our provider(s)
Each treatment at Luxe Forté is performed by a trained clinical specialist, under medical oversight, with protocols tailored to your skin.
Brooke Stark
Spa Owner & Lead Esthetician
LE, certified laser specialist, entrepreneurship and design background.
Tasha Green
Licensed Esthetician
LE, certified in laser, microneedling, chemical peels, and manual resurfacing.
Service FAQs
If you don't see your question, just reach out
Can IPL treat both brown spots and redness at the same time?
Yes. IPL uses broad-spectrum light that targets both melanin (brown pigment) and hemoglobin (red blood in vessels) simultaneously. That makes it one of the most efficient treatments for clients dealing with a mix of sun damage and redness or broken capillaries.
What should I do before and after IPL treatment?
Avoid sun exposure, self-tanners, and retinoids for two weeks before treatment. After your session, wear SPF 30 or higher daily, avoid direct sun for at least a week, and skip exfoliating products for a few days. Let any darkened spots flake off naturally - don't pick at them.
Can IPL help with rosacea?
IPL is actually one of the gold-standard treatments for rosacea-related redness and visible blood vessels. The light energy targets and collapses dilated blood vessels beneath the skin's surface, reducing diffuse redness and flushing. Most rosacea patients see significant improvement after a series of treatments.
Is IPL the same as laser treatment?
Not quite - IPL uses broad-spectrum light that covers multiple wavelengths, while lasers use a single, focused wavelength. IPL is more versatile for addressing multiple concerns in one session, while lasers offer more precision for specific targets. Your provider can explain which approach best suits your goals.
Can I get IPL if I have darker skin?
IPL works by targeting contrast between pigmented areas and surrounding skin, so it works best on lighter to medium skin tones. For darker skin tones, the risk of unwanted pigmentation changes increases. Your provider will assess your skin and may recommend alternative treatments if IPL isn't the safest option.
What's the downtime after IPL?
Pigmented spots will darken over the first two to three days and then flake off naturally over the following week. You may have mild redness similar to a light sunburn for a few hours. Most patients feel comfortable going about their day immediately, though you'll want to avoid direct sun.
Does IPL hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as a quick snap of a rubber band combined with a warm flash. It's brief and tolerable without numbing, though we can apply a topical anesthetic if you prefer. The discomfort varies by area - the face is generally well-tolerated while the chest can be more sensitive.
How many IPL sessions do I need?
Most patients see significant improvement after three to five sessions spaced three to four weeks apart. Sun damage and pigmentation concerns typically respond within the first two treatments, while redness and rosacea may take the full series. Maintenance treatments once or twice a year keep results fresh.
What does IPL treat?
IPL - Intense Pulsed Light - targets pigmentation issues like sun spots, age spots, and freckles, as well as redness from rosacea and broken capillaries. It also improves overall skin tone and texture by stimulating collagen. It's one of the most versatile light-based treatments available.
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