IPL: The Glow-Up Treatment You Didn’t Know You Needed

Posted by PCMC

Let’s be honest — the New Zealand sun can be brutal. With one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, and a tendency to age faster than our Northern Hemisphere counterparts, many Kiwis are on the lookout for skin solutions that go beyond sunscreen.

If you’re noticing sunspots, redness, pigmentation, or just want your skin to look fresher and more radiant — IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) could be your new favourite treatment.

So, what exactly is IPL?

IPL uses controlled bursts of light to treat unwanted pigment and redness in the skin. It’s non-invasive, non-surgical, and offers a multi-tasking approach to skin rejuvenation.

Unlike lasers (which use a single wavelength), IPL delivers multiple wavelengths of light. That means it can target several concerns in one go — including sun damage, fine lines, broken capillaries, acne, and more.

Why we love it: The skin benefits of IPL

Here’s how IPL helps your skin from the inside out:

Fades pigmentation and redness: IPL targets the melanin in sunspots and freckles, as well as visible blood vessels, breaking them down so your body can naturally flush them out.
Stimulates collagen and elastin: The controlled heat from IPL triggers a wound-healing response, encouraging your skin to produce more collagen and elastin. The result? Firmer, smoother, glowier skin.
Rejuvenates at the cellular level: IPL kickstarts processes that boost mitochondrial function and gene expression, helping skin act (and look) younger.
Improves overall skin texture: With regular sessions, skin becomes clearer, more even-toned, and plumper.

What can IPL treat?

IPL is a powerful, versatile treatment for a range of concerns:

Sunspots, freckles, and pigmentation
Redness and rosacea
Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne and acne scars
Enlarged pores
Broken capillaries
Stretch marks
Unwanted hair
Dull, tired skin

What’s the process like?

Each session takes about 25–50 minutes, depending on the area being treated. After cleansing the skin, a cooling gel is applied and a series of light pulses are delivered using the IPL device.

You’ll wear protective glasses, and while you might feel a warm ‘flick’ or sting (like a rubber band snap), it’s generally well tolerated. There’s little to no downtime, although you may feel sunburned for a few hours post-treatment.

A course of 3–6 sessions spaced about a month apart is usually recommended for best results.

Who’s it best for?

IPL works best on lighter skin tones and is ideal for people with sun damage, pigmentation, redness, or early signs of aging. It’s not suitable if you’re pregnant, taking certain medications (like Roaccutane or Isotane), or have darker skin tones — as there’s a higher risk of pigment changes. Our team will always assess your skin to ensure it’s safe and suitable for you.

How to prep before your appointment

Stay out of the sun (and use SPF daily) for at least 4 weeks before treatment.
Avoid Vitamin A (retinol or tretinoin) for 2–4 weeks beforehand.
Discontinue blood-thinning supplements (like St John’s Wort or Ginkgo) as recommended by your clinician.
If you’re taking medication like aspirin or blood thinners, let us know so we can tailor your care.

Autumn through spring (April to November) is the ideal time to begin IPL treatments.

Aftercare 101

After your session:

Avoid heat, sun, saunas, and exercise for 48 hours
Use a gentle moisturiser and SPF 30+ (no actives like Vitamin A until your skin settles)
Apply cool flannels if your skin feels hot or flushed

Your skin may feel a little pink or warm post-treatment, and pigmentation can darken before it fades. Trust the process — the glow is coming.

Ready to treat your skin to something special?

IPL is one of our go-to treatments for improving skin clarity and reversing sun damage — and with the right guidance, it’s a powerful way to refresh your complexion. If you’re curious about whether it’s right for you, book a consultation with one of our trained laser nurses or clinicians.

Let’s get you glowing.

IPL: The Glow-Up Treatment You Didn’t Know You Needed