IPL Acne Treatment Southampton
Light technology for clearer skin
Non-invasive acne management using advanced IPL technology, delivered by qualified practitioners in a clinical setting.
- Intense pulsed light
- Non-surgical
- Mild to moderate inflammatory acne
- Hormonal acne
- Oily, congested skin
- Post-acne pigmentation
- Face, chest, back and shoulders
- 20–30 minutes per session
- No anaesthesia needed
- Course of 6–8 sessions
- 2–4 weeks apart
- Consultation and patch test required
From £50 per session
Consultation and patch test £10, required before treatment begins
- Over 15 years’ laser and IPL experience
- Level 5 qualified laser practitioner
- UK Responsible Person, MHRA
- Medical-grade IPL technology
- Full consultation and patch test
- Treatment plans tailored to your skin
IPL suits some types of acne better than others. Mild to moderate inflammatory acne tends to respond best; severe, cystic or nodular acne usually needs medical management first, and we will say so at consultation rather than start a course that is unlikely to help.
What is IPL acne treatment?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) acne treatment is a non-surgical therapy that uses broad-spectrum light to treat acne at its source.
At Skintastic Aesthetic Lasers Ltd we use medical-grade IPL equipment intended to reduce breakouts, target acne-causing bacteria and support the skin’s natural healing processes.
The filtered wavelengths penetrate the skin to target Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) bacteria, may help reduce sebaceous gland activity and help calm inflammation, supporting clearer, healthier looking skin.
IPL is light rather than laser, and it is not an overnight fix. Acne is a long-term skin condition, so treatment is planned as a course alongside a suitable skincare routine, and results vary from person to person.
Key benefits
- Targets and helps reduce active acne lesions
- Targets acne-causing bacteria within the skin
- Helps calm inflammation and redness
- May help reduce the frequency of future breakouts
- Improves texture and helps reduce post-acne pigmentation
- Supports collagen stimulation to aid scar healing
- Suitable for face, chest, back and shoulders
Who can benefit?
This treatment is aimed at individuals with:
- Mild to moderate inflammatory acne
- Hormonal acne (chin, cheeks, jawline)
- Oily, congested or acne-prone skin
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring
A full consultation and patch test are required prior to treatment to ensure safety and suitability. IPL is not suitable for all skin tones, is not carried out on recently tanned skin, and certain medications, including oral isotretinoin, mean treatment must be postponed.
Treatment overview
Preparation
Skin is cleansed and prepped for treatment.
Cooling gel
Cooling gel is applied to the treatment area.
Treatment
A medical-grade IPL handpiece delivers filtered light pulses.
Sensation
A tingling or snapping sensation may be felt. No anaesthesia is needed.
Session length
20–30 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
Your course
A course of 6–8 sessions at 2–4 week intervals is recommended for best results.
IPL acne treatment prices, Southampton
| Treatment | Duration | Per session | Course of 4 | Course of 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation and patch test | 30 minutes | £10 | – | – |
| Acne therapy, face | 30 minutes | £50 | £175 | £499 |
| Acne therapy, chest | 30 minutes | £59 | £199 | £589 |
| Acne therapy, shoulders | 20 minutes | £45 | £155 | £449 |
| Acne therapy, back | 40 minutes | £69 | £239 | £689 |
| Acne therapy, back and shoulders | 45 minutes | £79 | £269 | £769 |
| Acne therapy, face and body | 45 minutes | £99 | £349 | £999 |
Four face sessions bought individually would cost £200, so a course of four at £175 saves you £25, and a course of twelve at £499 saves you £101. For face and body, four individual sessions would cost £396, so a course of four at £349 saves you £47, and a course of twelve at £999 saves you £189.
Body areas can be combined, and where more than one area is treated in the same appointment we will quote the combined price at your consultation rather than adding the areas together.
Which course is right for me?
Most people with mild to moderate acne are advised a course of 6–8 sessions, so the course of twelve is usually chosen where acne is more widespread or where the chest, back or shoulders are treated alongside the face. Your consultation will set out what is realistic before you commit to a course.
Pre-treatment advice
To ensure the best outcome and minimise risk, please follow the guidance below.
- No sun exposure, sunbeds or fake tan for 2–4 weeks before treatment
- Cease use of retinoids, glycolic acid and exfoliants 5–7 days prior
- No waxing, plucking or depilatory creams for 1 week before
- Arrive with clean skin, with no make-up, creams or perfumes
- Inform us of any changes in medications or skin condition
Aftercare instructions
Following your treatment the skin may feel warm or appear slightly red. This is a normal response and usually subsides within 24–48 hours.
- Avoid hot baths, steam rooms and strenuous exercise for 48 hours
- Apply a cold compress for comfort if needed
- Use a mild, fragrance-free moisturiser
- Wear SPF 30+ daily, even on cloudy days
- No exfoliants or active skincare products for 5–7 days
- Do not touch, pick or irritate the treated area
Results and maintenance
Visible improvement is often noted after the first few sessions, with the fullest results seen at the end of the complete course.
Skin typically looks clearer, smoother and less inflamed. Because acne is an ongoing condition rather than a one-off event, results are maintained rather than fixed:
- Follow the skincare routine advised for your skin
- Consider maintenance treatments every 2–3 months
- Keep using SPF 30+ daily to limit post-acne pigmentation
Frequently asked questions
How many sessions will I need?
A course of 6–8 sessions at 2–4 week intervals is recommended for best results. Your consultation will confirm what is realistic for your skin.
How long does a session take?
20–30 minutes for the face, and around 45 minutes where the face and body are treated together.
Does it hurt?
Most people describe a tingling or snapping sensation as each pulse is delivered. No anaesthesia is needed.
Can it be used on my back or chest?
Yes. IPL acne treatment is suitable for the face, chest, back and shoulders.
Do I need a patch test?
Yes. A full consultation and patch test are required before treatment, and cost £10.
Can I have it if I am on acne medication?
Tell us about any medication at consultation. Some medications, including oral isotretinoin, mean treatment must be postponed.
Book your IPL acne consultation in Southampton
At Skintastic Aesthetic Lasers Ltd our trained practitioners deliver medical-grade IPL acne treatment in a safe and clinical setting. We take pride in offering skin treatment plans tailored to the individual.
Contact us today to arrange your consultation and patch test. Your journey to clearer skin starts here.
Real Client Results
