IPL Photo Rejuvenation Southampton
Medical-grade IPL for brighter, clearer and more even-looking skin
Is your skin beginning to look dull, uneven or sun damaged? Our advanced IPL Photo Rejuvenation treatment is designed to improve multiple visible signs of skin ageing and sun damage within one treatment programme. Using professional medical-grade intense pulsed light, we can target selected colour irregularities within the skin while supporting an overall clearer and more even-looking complexion.
- Medical-grade IPL
- MHRA-registered device
- Full face treatments
- Face, neck and décolletage
- Individual parameters
- Consultation and patch test
- Over 15 years’ experience
- Level 5 practitioner
- Clients aged 18+ only
From £79 per session
Consultation, medical history review, skin assessment and patch test – £10
- Over 15 years’ laser and IPL experience
- Level 5 qualified laser practitioner
- Qualified assessor and IQA
- UK Responsible Person, MHRA
- Medical-grade equipment
- Individual patch testing
IPL can improve existing visible sun damage. It cannot stop you developing new sun damage. We do not perform IPL vascular treatment directly over the nose, and we do not intentionally treat suspicious or unexplained pigmented lesions.
What is IPL photo rejuvenation?
IPL Photo Rejuvenation is an advanced light-based treatment designed to improve the overall visible quality and tone of the skin.
Unlike a single-wavelength laser, IPL delivers a broad spectrum of controlled light. Different components of this light can be absorbed by specific chromophores within the skin, particularly melanin, associated with pigmentation, and haemoglobin, associated with superficial vascular redness.
This allows suitable pigmentation and redness to be targeted while also creating a more balanced and refreshed appearance across the treated area.
Photo rejuvenation is ideal for clients who have a combination of concerns rather than one isolated problem.
What can photo rejuvenation improve?
Sun damage
Years of UV exposure can lead to brown spots, freckles, uneven pigmentation, mottled skin tone and visible signs of photoageing. IPL can selectively target suitable superficial pigment.
Uneven skin tone
Many clients do not have one specific skin condition but simply feel their complexion has become uneven or dull. IPL can help produce a clearer and more uniform-looking skin tone.
Superficial pigmentation
Suitable areas may absorb IPL energy and temporarily darken before gradually fading or shedding.
Mild facial redness
Suitable diffuse vascular redness may also respond to selected IPL wavelengths. IPL vascular treatment is not performed directly over the nose.
Dull and tired-looking skin
By reducing visible colour irregularities, the skin can appear brighter, fresher, clearer, more even and more radiant.
Early signs of sun ageing
Particularly popular with clients noticing multiple mild changes to their complexion rather than deep wrinkles or severe skin laxity.
IPL photo rejuvenation prices
Your consultation includes a medical history review, skin assessment, Fitzpatrick skin typing, discussion of your concerns, review of medication, treatment suitability assessment, patch test and a personalised treatment plan.
| Treatment area | Single treatment | Course of 3 | Course of 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full face | £79 | £215 | £399 |
| Full face, neck and décolletage | £120 | £325 | £612 |
| Consultation and patch test | £10 | – | – |
Full face suits
Clients wanting to improve overall skin tone, sun damage, superficial pigmentation, mild redness, uneven complexion and dull-looking skin.
Face, neck and décolletage suits
Clients experiencing visible sun damage or uneven tone extending beyond the face. Treating these areas together creates a more balanced result rather than stopping abruptly at the jawline.
How photo rejuvenation differs from other treatments
It is not a facial
Traditional facials primarily work at the surface of the skin using skincare products, exfoliation and topical treatments. IPL uses controlled light energy to target specific colour irregularities within the skin.
Versus pigmentation treatment
IPL pigmentation treatment is more specifically targeted at individual concerns such as age spots, sun spots and freckles. Photo rejuvenation takes a broader whole-skin approach for clients with several concerns at once.
Versus rosacea treatment
IPL rosacea treatment focuses on suitable vascular redness and superficial visible vessels. If persistent rosacea-related redness is your primary concern, we may recommend our dedicated rosacea consultation instead.
What happens to pigmentation and redness afterwards
Pigmentation
If superficial pigmentation is treated, it may temporarily become darker. Immediately after, pigmented areas may appear darker or more obvious. Over the following days the pigment can develop a slightly darker or peppered appearance. Over approximately seven to fourteen days, suitable superficial pigmentation may gradually fade or naturally shed.
Do not pick or scrub the pigmentation away. Allow your skin to release it naturally.
Redness
Your skin can temporarily appear redder immediately after treatment. This does not necessarily mean the treatment has made your underlying redness worse.
Temporary reactions may include redness, warmth, mild sensitivity and slight swelling. Suitable superficial vessels may also temporarily appear darker before becoming less noticeable.
IPL is primarily a light-based colour correction treatment. The controlled thermal effect may also support collagen-remodelling processes, contributing to a smoother appearance. We would not position IPL as our strongest treatment for deep wrinkles, significant skin laxity, deep acne scars or severe textural damage.
How many treatments will I need?
Some clients notice visible improvement following their first session. However, for more comprehensive photo rejuvenation, approximately three to six treatments may be recommended.
Your programme will depend on
For many clients, treatments may be performed approximately every three to four weeks. Your skin must have settled appropriately before another IPL treatment is performed.
A course of 3 may suit
- Mild sun damage
- Mild pigmentation
- Slightly uneven tone
- Dull complexion
- Early photoageing
- General skin maintenance
A course of 6 may suit
- More widespread sun damage
- Multiple pigmentation areas
- More significant uneven tone
- Combination concerns
- Face, neck and décolletage
- Clients who respond gradually
You will not automatically need six treatments simply because a course is available. Your skin is reviewed throughout your programme.
What IPL photo rejuvenation cannot treat
IPL is an excellent treatment for suitable colour irregularities and photodamage, but it does not treat every skin concern. IPL is not our first-choice treatment for:
Melasma requires particular care
Melasma is different from ordinary sun damage and can be influenced by hormones, pregnancy, contraception, genetics, heat, UV exposure and visible light. IPL is not automatically suitable for melasma and in some clients heat and light-based treatments may aggravate it or cause pigmentation to return darker. If we suspect melasma, we will assess your skin carefully. If IPL is not appropriate, we will tell you.
We do not IPL every brown mark
Your safety is more important than performing a cosmetic treatment. We will not intentionally treat suspicious moles, unexplained lesions, changing lesions, lesions with irregular borders, lesions with unusual colour changes, or areas requiring medical assessment. If we have concerns, we may recommend you speak with your GP or dermatologist first.
Skin types, patch testing and age
Our current IPL photo rejuvenation protocols are generally intended for suitable Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV, following individual consultation and patch testing.
IPL treatment requires careful consideration of natural melanin within the skin. We assess your Fitzpatrick skin type, natural skin colour, recent sun exposure, pigmentation, treatment concerns, medical history and patch-test response. If we do not believe IPL is appropriate for your skin, we will not perform the treatment.
A patch test enables us to assess your skin response, pigment response, vascular response where relevant, treatment parameters, unexpected sensitivity and suitability. Your full treatment is only performed after the required interval has passed and your response has been assessed.
IPL Photo Rejuvenation is available to clients aged 18 and over only, in accordance with our insurance requirements.
What happens during treatment
Skin preparation
The skin is cleansed and prepared for treatment.
Protective eyewear
Appropriate IPL protective eyewear is worn throughout.
Individual parameters
Settings are selected according to Fitzpatrick skin type, pigmentation, redness, treatment area, patch-test response and previous treatment response.
IPL treatment
Controlled pulses of light are delivered systematically across the suitable treatment area.
Endpoint assessment
Your practitioner continuously monitors the skin response.
Cooling and post-treatment care
Cooling may be provided where appropriate. A post-treatment mask may also be applied according to your protocol. Detailed aftercare instructions are provided before you leave.
What it feels like
Does it hurt?
Most clients describe IPL as a brief warm snap or elastic-band-like flick. Areas containing stronger concentrations of pigmentation may feel slightly more noticeable. The sensation is brief and your comfort and skin response are monitored throughout treatment.
Is there downtime?
Generally relatively limited. Temporary reactions can include redness, warmth, mild sensitivity, slight swelling, darkening of pigmentation and temporary peppering of pigmented areas. Some clients return to their normal routine quickly, but because individual reactions vary we recommend avoiding scheduling your first treatment immediately before an important event.
Preparing for treatment and protecting your results
Before your treatment
- Avoid deliberate sun exposure
- Avoid sunbeds
- Do not use fake tan
- Tell us about medication changes
- Tell us about prescription skincare
- Follow instructions regarding retinoids and active skincare
- Avoid irritating the treatment area
- Tell us if any pigmented lesion has changed
After your treatment
- Protect your skin from UV exposure
- Use appropriate high-factor SPF
- Avoid excessive heat initially
- Avoid very hot showers as advised
- Avoid saunas and steam rooms as advised
- Avoid aggressive exfoliation
- Avoid irritating active skincare until advised
- Do not pick darkened pigmentation
- Allow pigmentation to shed naturally
If you are investing in photo rejuvenation, protecting your skin from further UV damage is essential. Never stop prescribed medication without discussing this with your prescribing clinician.
Why choose SkinTastic for photo rejuvenation?
IPL treatment requires far more than simply passing a handpiece over the skin. Correct assessment, skin typing, treatment selection and appropriate parameters all matter.
Your treatment is not based on a generic preset. Parameters are selected according to your skin type, your pigmentation, your redness, your treatment area, your medical history and your individual patch-test response. The quality of the equipment matters. The training and experience of the person operating it matters too.
Frequently asked questions
What is IPL photo rejuvenation?
It uses controlled intense pulsed light to improve suitable pigmentation, sun damage, mild redness and uneven skin tone.
How many treatments will I need?
Many clients benefit from approximately three to six treatments. Your exact course depends on your skin concerns and individual response.
How often should I have it?
For many clients, approximately every three to four weeks. Your individual schedule is confirmed following assessment.
Can IPL make my skin look younger?
IPL can improve visible sun damage, uneven tone and colour irregularities, which can give the skin a clearer and fresher appearance. It does not provide the same degree of resurfacing or tightening as more intensive procedures.
Does IPL help fine lines?
The thermal effects may contribute to an overall improvement in skin appearance, but IPL is primarily used for colour irregularities and photoageing. Clients with deeper lines or more significant textural concerns may require another treatment.
Does IPL help pigmentation?
Yes, suitable superficial pigmentation can respond. Pigmentation treatments require individual assessment.
Does IPL help redness?
Suitable mild facial redness may improve. If vascular redness or rosacea is your main concern, our dedicated redness treatment may be more appropriate.
Can you IPL the nose?
We do not perform vascular IPL treatment directly over the nose. Your treatment area will be assessed during consultation.
Can IPL treat freckles?
Suitable freckles can respond, although they can return with future UV exposure.
Can IPL treat age spots?
Suitable benign sun-related age spots may respond well following assessment.
Will pigmentation become darker after IPL?
It can. Suitable pigmentation can temporarily darken before gradually fading or shedding.
Can I pick the dark pigment off?
No. Allow treated pigmentation to shed naturally.
Does IPL treat acne scars?
IPL may improve some colour irregularity associated with previous acne, but it does not resurface deep acne scars.
Can IPL treat melasma?
IPL is not automatically appropriate for melasma and may aggravate it in some clients. Suspected melasma requires careful assessment.
Is IPL photo rejuvenation permanent?
Improvements to existing pigmentation and redness can be long lasting, but IPL cannot prevent future sun damage, ageing, pigmentation or vascular changes. Maintenance treatments may sometimes be beneficial.
Do I need a patch test?
Yes. Consultation, medical history review, skin assessment and patch testing are required before IPL.
How much is the consultation?
£10.
What is the minimum age?
You must be 18 or older. We cannot provide IPL treatment to clients under 18 due to our insurance requirements.
Book your IPL photo rejuvenation consultation in Southampton
If your skin is looking dull, uneven or visibly sun damaged, the first step is determining what is actually causing the changes you can see. We will assess your skin type, pigmentation, redness, sun damage, medical history, medication and treatment goals before recommending treatment. If another treatment would give you a better result, we will tell you.
Consultation, medical history review, skin assessment and patch test – £10
SkinTastic Aesthetics Southampton
26 The Avenue
Southampton
SO17 1XL
Telephone: 02381 946394
