Intense Pulsed Light Therapy in Pensacola, FL | Sandy Key Medical
IPL is a diverse, multitasking skin treatment that targets common skin imperfections like age spots, sunspots, and texture with the added benefit of boosting the collagen in your skin. It can also help reduce unwanted hair.
Between hours spent in the sun, harsh skincare products, free radical pollutants, genetics, stress, and the inevitable aging process, skin can become wrinkled, tired, dull, and splotchy, starting as early as in a person’s late twenties. Fortunately, with IPL or Intense Pulsed Light therapy, you don’t have to accept skin imperfections.
The exceptional nurse practitioners, Krystal Overly and Tiffany McGinnis, at Sandy Key Medical offer IPL as an effective and safe solution for patients looking for a more even complexion and a way to slow the aging process for younger, healthier, glowing skin.
Excited to learn about the skin-revitalizing possibilities of IPL treatments? When you’re ready, contact us at (850) 602-0828 to schedule your IPL consultation. We are located in Pensacola, FL, and serve clients throughout the area, including Perdido Key, FL, and Orange Beach, AL.
What Is Intense Pulsed Light Therapy, and How Does It Work?
IPL therapy is a skin rejuvenation procedure that uses specific wavelengths of light energy to target and treat skin issues. The advanced technology used to create IPL therapy is non-invasive, delivering rapid pulses of energy to the skin without damaging the surface of the skin.
As light energy penetrates the skin layers and absorbs the targeted irregularities, it aids in the overall improvement of the skin’s tone and texture. This innovative approach has earned its popularity as an effective and gentle way to reverse skin damage, slow signs of aging, and invigorate your skin.
Main Benefits of IPL
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a revolutionary skin revitalization treatment that can help you reverse years of damage to your complexion and help you achieve a smoother, even-toned base. Some of the main benefits that IPL offers include:
- Beautiful, flawless skin: Our custom IPL treatment can reduce the visibility of wrinkles and blemishes to give you smoother, youthful skin.
- Long-Lasting Results: The result from a single IPL treatment can last for many years, so you won’t have to worry about touch-up treatments or your skin concerns returning for a long time.
- Little-to-No Downtime: After an IPL treatment, the recovery process is typically quick and simple, so you won’t need to worry about taking time off work or your normal activities.
- Focused Skin Improvements: IPL plays a critical role in treating skin conditions, especially those caused by damage from years of sun exposure. It quickly and effectively addresses common skin issues by evening out skin imperfections and eliminating sun damage.
- Treats Vascular and Pigmentation Lesions: The capabilities of IPL extend past skin imperfections to treating vascular and pigmentation lesions as well. Its intense pulse of light addresses dark spots, age spots, and spider veins while rejuvenating and improving the appearance of blood vessels.
- Boosts Collagen Production: Another positive effect of IPL is that it stimulates collagen production in the skin. This natural protein is the key to having firm and elastic skin. Increased collagen production aids in healthier, more youthful-looking skin, highlighting IPL’s capacity for rejuvenation.
IPL Candidates in Perdido Key, FL
IPL is a safe and effective treatment for nearly anyone, but results will vary from person to person. If you are pregnant, we encourage our patients to wait until after they deliver before undergoing their IPL therapy session. Additionally, those with active sunburns or open sores must wait until their skin has healed before undergoing IPL.
To ensure that IPL therapy is a safe treatment for you, provide your Sandy Key Medical specialist with your medical history, a list of current medications, and any current use of retinol.
Preparing for Your IPL Session
A week prior to your IPL session, we encourage our patients to avoid all forms of tanning, including direct sunlight, tanning beds, and self-tanners. Additionally, stop all other facial treatments that could compromise your skin’s top layer. If you regularly use any physical or chemical exfoliants on your skincare, you should discontinue these treatments. Focus on gently cleansing your skin and providing plenty of moisturizer. This will help expedite the healing process after your IPL treatment and encourage optimal results.
What to Expect from an IPL Treatment in Pensacola, FL
On our team at Sandy Key Medical, we have two highly skilled nurse practitioners, Krystal Overly and Tiffany McGinnis, who will perform your IPL therapy session. Before your appointment, you’ll consult with your skin therapist to discuss your goals and construct a treatment plan.
After cleansing your skin, you’ll be given protective eyewear, and a cooling gel will be applied to your face. Once you’re fully prepared, your IPL provider will use the handheld IPL device that delivers light energy at various wavelengths to different layers of the skin. This pulsed light improves a wide range of skin imperfections without causing any harm to the skin’s surface. Most patients find the experience tolerable and report only a slight stinging sensation, similar to how a rubber band might snap against the skin, which quickly goes away. Treatment times typically take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
We encourage consistency with IPL therapy treatments to help achieve optimal results. Typically, we recommend 2 to 3 treatments scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart.
What to Expect After an IPL Treatment?
One thing we love about IPL treatments is that they require minimal recovery. Some patients experience slight stinging for a few hours after treatment, similar to how their skin feels after sunburn. The area may remain red and slightly swollen for a day or two afterward. Cold packs can be applied to offer relief.
During your brief recovery, wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup, and use a moisturizing lotion at least twice daily. Avoid hot showers, baths, saunas, or any direct heat on your skin for at least 48 hours after treatment. When going outside for any time, apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing to stay out of direct sunlight.
Encourage To Enhance
By working closely with you, we ensure that every step of your skincare journey is customized to meet your individual desires, leaving you with healthy, radiant skin and a renewed sense of confidence.
Why Choose Sandy Key Medical for Your IPL Therapy?
When it comes to IPL treatments, it’s essential to find a trustworthy provider like the experienced and talented team of nurse practitioners, Krystal Overly and Tiffany McGinnis, at Sandy Key Medical. Their vast knowledge and training allow them to provide successful procedures to ensure reliable and long-lasting skin rejuvenation results. You’ll receive an individualized therapy plan during your consultation and treatments tailored to meet your specific needs.
Schedule Your Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Consultation at
Sandy Key Medical Today!
At Sandy Key Medical, you can trust that your comfort and satisfaction are in the hands of experienced skin experts. Our nurse practitioners have undergone thorough training using the IPL device to confidently deliver smooth, transformative results. Let us help you prioritize your skin’s health and experience the wonder of IPL with an expert guide.
To learn about IPL therapy and how patients can reverse sun damage, treat signs of aging, and brighten your overall complexion, call Sandy Key Medical today at (850) 602-0828 to request your consultation.
IPL FAQs
Do you want to learn more about IPL at Sandy Key Medical? Read our FAQs and complete our online form to meet the team today.
IPL treatments are not typically painful, and the laser energy is very tolerable. During your IPL treatment, you may experience some mild stinging. The sensation is often compared to a slight snapping sensation with light heat. We can ensure your comfort throughout your treatment by applying topical numbing cream 30 minutes prior to your treatment.
Results from your IPL treatment can typically be seen 7 to 10 days after your session. Full results are typically visible after two weeks. Since the IPL stimulates new collagen production, your skin will continue to improve over the next six months after your initial treatments and last for years.
While IPL treatments are an easy and effective skin rejuvenation method, it’s unfortunately not suitable for darker skin tones. If IPL is used on melanin-rich, dark skin tones, the IPL device could transfer heat energy onto the skin cells, causing discoloration, burns, or blisters.
The IPL laser treatments at Sandy Key Medical can be used nearly anywhere on the body. The most common areas for treatment are the face, neck, chest, arms, and hands.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy is a versatile treatment that can improve a wide range of skin concerns. It’s especially effective for reducing sun damage, brown spots, redness, rosacea, and broken capillaries. IPL can also stimulate collagen production, which enhances your skin’s overall texture and tone. Many patients notice a brighter, even complexion, fewer fine lines, and smoother skin after a series of treatments. It’s an excellent option for those looking to rejuvenate their skin without the downtime associated with more invasive procedures.
The longevity of IPL results varies from person to person, but many people enjoy their improved skin for six months to a year after a full treatment series. Sun exposure, aging, and lifestyle habits all factor into how long the benefits last. To maintain your results, periodic maintenance treatments are often recommended, usually once or twice a year. Wearing sunscreen daily and following a good skincare routine will also help preserve your smoother, more radiant complexion.
While IPL primarily targets pigment issues and redness, it can offer mild skin-tightening benefits. By stimulating collagen production, IPL helps improve skin texture and elasticity over time. However, if skin laxity is a concern, other treatments, like microneedling, might deliver more noticeable tightening effects. Many patients choose to combine IPL with microneedling or other similar treatments for comprehensive rejuvenation.
IPL isn’t technically a laser—it uses broad-spectrum light rather than a single wavelength like traditional lasers. It’s one of the best treatments for targeting multiple skin issues simultaneously, especially pigmentation and redness. However, whether IPL is “best” for you depends on your skin type, tone, and goals. A consultation with a skincare specialist at Sandy Key Medical can help determine which option is ideal for your specific needs.
IPL works best on lighter skin tones because the light targets pigmentation, which can include melanin in darker skin. On medium to deep skin tones, IPL can pose a higher risk of burns, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation. That said, newer IPL technologies and skilled providers can sometimes treat a wider range of skin tones safely. If you have a deeper complexion or tan easily, your provider might recommend alternative treatments that offer similar benefits with lower risks.
Yes! IPL is highly effective at reducing or even eliminating brown spots caused by sun damage, age, or melasma. The light energy targets excess pigment in the skin, breaking it down so the body can naturally eliminate it. Initially, brown spots may darken after treatment, but they gradually flake off or fade over the following week or two, leaving clearer, more even-toned skin behind.
Right after an IPL session, your skin may appear slightly red or flushed—similar to a mild sunburn. Brown spots might look darker or more pronounced at first, but this is a good sign that the treatment is working. These areas will gradually slough off within 7 to 10 days. Swelling is usually minimal, but sensitive skin may experience slight puffiness for a day or two. Makeup can typically be applied the next day to cover any temporary redness, and most people find it comfortable to return to work or social activities quickly.
After IPL, it’s essential to protect your skin to ensure optimal healing and results.
- Do: Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily, keep your skin moisturized, and follow any post-treatment care instructions from your provider.
- Don’t: Pick at darkened spots, exfoliate aggressively, or use harsh skincare products (like retinol or glycolic acid) until your skin has fully healed. Avoid hot showers, saunas, and sun exposure for at least 48 hours to prevent irritation or complications.
Most people feel comfortable returning to work immediately after IPL, especially since makeup can be applied the next day to cover any redness. Exercise, however, is a bit different. It’s best to avoid strenuous activities for 24 to 48 hours as sweat and heat can irritate the skin and prolong redness. Light walking or gentle movement is typically fine, but intense cardio, heavy lifting, or hot yoga should wait until your skin has settled.