Even Your Skin Tone with IPL
Tired of sun damage, uneven skin tone, or frustrating pigmentation issues? At Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery, our IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments offer a proven, non-invasive way to refresh your skin with minimal downtime. From Granite Bay and Roseville to Folsom, Rocklin, and Fair Oaks, our patients trust us for safe, effective rejuvenation performed by experienced providers in a welcoming, state-of-the-art setting.
What is IPL?
Also known as a photofacial, IPL (intense pulsed light) is a versatile form of light-based therapy that targets sun spots, redness, and signs of aging without damaging surrounding skin. Unlike traditional laser treatments that rely on a single wavelength, IPL uses a broad spectrum to treat multiple skin concerns—making it a go-to option for overall
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Current Trends in Intense Pulsed Light
JCAD
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skin rejuvenation.
The Benefits of IPL Treatments
Our IPL treatments are designed to provide noticeable improvements in skin clarity and tone with minimal disruption to your routine. Benefits include:
- Visibly fades sun damage, brown spots, and
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Photorejuvenation: using intense pulsed light technology in a cosmetic surgery practice
Kulick MI
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pigmentation
- Reduces facial redness and visible blood vessels
- Enhances skin texture and minimizes
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Skin rejuvenation using intense pulsed light: a randomized controlled split-face trial with blinded response evaluation
Hedelund L, Due E, Bjerring P, Wulf HC, Haedersdal M
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pore size
- Helps even out skin tone and improve overall radiance
How to Prepare for IPL
Getting your skin ready can improve your results and reduce the chance of side effects. Here’s how to prep:
- Avoid tanning and unprotected sun exposure for at least four weeks
- Discontinue retinoids or other active skincare products one week prior
- Share any medications or supplements you take with your provider
- Come to your appointment with clean, product-free skin
What Happens During Treatment
Your IPL session is simple and comfortable:
- We’ll apply a gel and give you protective eyewear
- A handheld device delivers controlled pulses of light to your treatment area
- Most patients describe the feeling as a light snap or mild warmth
- Sessions typically take 30 minutes, depending on the area treated
What to Expect After IPL
One of the biggest advantages of IPL is minimal downtime. Most patients experience:
- Mild redness or swelling that fades within a few hours
- Darkening of pigmentation spots that flake away over the next couple of weeks
- No need to pause your usual activities—just be sure to use daily SPF 30+
- Avoid harsh skincare or active ingredients until your skin calms
IPL FAQs
Most patients benefit from 3–6 sessions, spaced about a month apart. Your plan will be customized for your skin type and goals.
The sensation is brief and tolerable, and no topical anesthetic is required.
IPL works best for fair to medium skin tones with concerns like sun damage, brown spots, redness, and blood vessels. We’ll assess your skin to ensure it’s the right fit.
IPL is safe when performed by experienced providers. Mild redness, darkening of spots, or sensitivity are the most common effects. Serious complications are rare.
Schedule Your IPL Consultation
If you’re in Granite Bay, Roseville, Sacramento, or the surrounding California communities, we’re here to help you achieve your skin goals. Whether you’re treating pigmentation, targeting signs of aging, or just want a refreshed, even skin tone, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan that works for your skin—and your schedule.
Request your appointment online today. Let’s get glowing.
The content on this site has been medically reviewed by the doctors at Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery.
1 JCAD. Current Trends in Intense Pulsed Light. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3390232/. Accessed July 7, 2025.
2 Kulick MI. Photorejuvenation: using intense pulsed light technology in a cosmetic surgery practice. Aesthet Surg J. 2001 May;21(3):255-8. doi: 10.1067/maj.2001.116243. PMID: 19331901. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19331901/. Accessed July 7, 2025.
3 Hedelund L, Due E, Bjerring P, Wulf HC, Haedersdal M. Skin rejuvenation using intense pulsed light: a randomized controlled split-face trial with blinded response evaluation. Arch Dermatol. 2006 Aug;142(8):985-90. doi: 10.1001/archderm.142.8.985. PMID: 16924047. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16924047/. Accessed July 7, 2025.