IPL therapy can be a great solution for all kinds of skin types. However, it typically works best on light to medium skin tones. IPL treatments can occasionally cause burns or discoloration in darker skin tones and tanned skin. Your provider will advise you on your best treatment option.

Treatment Length
30 minutes
Number of Sessions
3 to 5
Initial Results Seen:
7 to 10 days
Let’s Revive Your Look
Many of our patients arrive at Brightside Aesthetics by Ducharme Dermatology looking for a solution for skin issues like sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and skin aging. Our answer? Intense pulsed light (IPL) phototherapy. Performed by only our most experienced providers, this advanced treatment has been clinically shown to significantly reduce or eliminate unwanted pigment in the skin, and, with regular treatments, enhance and stimulate collagen and elastin production for firmer and more youthful glowing skin.
What/Where It Treats:



The Brightside Process
Consultation
Our skilled aesthetic team will assess your skin’s needs and discuss how getting a photofacial in Des Moines can work for you and your goals. Since we can not perform the IPL on tanned skin, we will advise you to avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning beds in the weeks prior to your appointment.
Treatment
You’ll experience pulses of light that target your specific skin concerns. These short pulses can feel like a rubber band snapping on your skin. While the treatment is typically very well tolerated, we will ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
Results
With our powerful Lucent IPL, patients often see significant improvement in unwanted pigmentation after a single treatment. Most times, it requires 3-5 treatments to get optimal results. With regular treatments, you will notice dramatic long-term improvements as your skin starts to gradually increase its collagen production, promoting a smooth, firm new look.

Ready to Book With Us?
Book your appointment online when you’re ready to speak with our expert providers.

Frequently Asked Questions
In the weeks leading up to your IPL photofacial in Des Moines, avoid tanning beds and prolonged sun exposure. It’s also important that you communicate any current medications or supplements with us during your consultation.
After your treatment session, make sure to keep your skin hydrated and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly. Implement a gentle skincare routine, and avoid excessive sun exposure for at least a week.
It is safe to wear makeup after your IPL treatment, but we recommend waiting until your skin has healed.
How It Works
IPL therapy uses a range of light wavelengths to reach deep within your skin’s layers. Your body then absorbs the light energy as heat. This heat is an important aspect of our IPL photofacial in Des Moines. It damages the unwanted cells and stimulates your natural healing processes.

We Love IPL Because…
Our team (and our patients) love this treatment not only because of its effectiveness in clearing unwanted pigmentation. Moreover, regular photofacials (quarterly or twice a year) have been clinically shown to reverse skin aging by stimulating collagen and elastin production in the skin.
Lucent IPL Technology
We use the Lucent IPL platform for our IPL photofacials. It’s a powerful and highly customizable broad-spectrum laser. We are able to aggressively target pigmented areas of the skin with certain wavelengths, while also using lighter, toning wavelengths to stimulate anti-aging collagen and elastin production. It offers a refreshing solution that can significantly enhance your complexion while also targeting a variety of concerns.
What to Expect During Treatment
During your IPL session, we apply a cooling gel to protect your skin. After preparation, the treatment is relatively quick—each session lasts less than 30 minutes. You may feel a slight sting as the light works to stimulate the healing processes within your skin. Once we are finished with your photofacial in Des Moines, you are free to resume your daily activities with SPF protection.
Payment Options
Looking for alternative payment options? No problem! Because we partner with Cherry, we can work with you to make sure your treatment aligns with your budget.
Visit our Insurance & Financing page to learn more.