What is IPL and how does it work?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a non-invasive light-based treatment that targets pigment and blood vessels beneath the skin's surface. Broad-spectrum light pulses break down melanin in sun spots and constrict tiny blood vessels that cause redness. Your body naturally clears the treated pigment over the following 1-2 weeks, revealing clearer, more even skin.

How much does IPL cost at RELUXE?

IPL pricing at RELUXE is per area treated. We offer 6-session packages for the best results and value since IPL works cumulatively. Beauty Bank members ($150 or $250 a month, banked as credit) get package pricing one session at a time, no package needed. Your provider confirms exact pricing for the areas you want to treat before you start.

Most patients describe IPL as a quick snapping sensation, like a rubber band lightly flicking the skin. It's very tolerable — most rate it 2-3 out of 10. We adjust the energy settings for your comfort and skin type. No numbing is needed for most patients.

IPL is excellent for sun damage (brown spots, age spots, freckles), redness and rosacea, broken capillaries, vascular lesions, and overall uneven skin tone. It's most commonly used on the face, neck, chest (decolletage), and hands — areas that get the most sun exposure over time.

How many IPL sessions do I need?

Most patients see best results with a series of 3-6 sessions, spaced 3-4 weeks apart. You'll notice improvement after even one session, but cumulative treatments deliver the most dramatic clearing. Maintenance sessions every 6-12 months help keep new sun damage in check.

What is the downtime after IPL?

IPL has minimal downtime. Treated sun spots will darken and look like coffee grounds for 5-10 days before naturally flaking off — this is completely normal and means the treatment is working. You may have mild redness for a few hours. Most patients return to normal activities immediately. Avoid direct sun and wear SPF daily.

When will I see IPL results?

You'll see darkened spots within 24-48 hours (they rise to the surface), which then flake off over 7-14 days. Redness improvement is often visible within 1-2 weeks. Full results from a series are typically visible 2-4 weeks after your last session. Each treatment builds on the previous one.

Is IPL safe for all skin tones?

IPL works best on lighter to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-IV) because the light targets contrast between pigment and surrounding skin. Darker skin tones have a higher risk of hyperpigmentation with IPL. During your consult, we'll assess your skin type and recommend IPL or an alternative like ClearLift if better suited.

What is the difference between IPL and laser?

IPL uses broad-spectrum light (multiple wavelengths) to treat a range of concerns simultaneously — pigment, redness, and texture. Lasers use a single, focused wavelength for more targeted treatment. IPL is ideal for overall sun damage and tone correction. We may recommend a specific laser (ClearLift, ClearSkin) for more targeted concerns.

Can I combine IPL with other treatments?

Yes — IPL pairs well with many treatments. It's commonly combined with tox (Botox/Dysport) for wrinkles, microneedling for texture, and medical-grade skincare for maintenance. We typically space IPL 2 weeks from other treatments. Your provider will design a comprehensive plan during your consult.

How do I prepare for IPL treatment?

Avoid sun exposure and self-tanner for 2-4 weeks before IPL. Discontinue retinoids 5-7 days prior. Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup and sunscreen. If you have a tan, we'll need to wait for it to fade before treating. Your provider will give you specific prep instructions at your consult.

Who is a good candidate for IPL?

IPL is ideal for patients with sun damage, brown spots, redness, rosacea, or broken capillaries on fair to medium skin tones. It's great for the face, neck, chest, and hands. You should avoid IPL if you're pregnant, have active skin infections, are on photosensitizing medications, or have a recent tan.

All Services

Your goal: Even out tone

IPL Photofacial

A more even-looking tone, with fewer visible sun spots and less redness, using IPL

From $350 · Members from $275See my price

or book a Blueprint consultation

$150 or $250 a month, at member prices.

Package pricing, paid visit by visit. No package to buy.

How it works

Your providers

Pick your person and a time

Everyone here does IPL Photofacial at RELUXE. No prepayment, and booking takes about a minute.

Megan

Medical Aesthetician · Westfield

Anna

Lead Aesthetician · Westfield

FacialsPeelsSkinpen MicroneedlingIPLClearLift

Why choose IPL Photofacial

Is IPL Photofacial right for you?

People often choose it for

Sun damage and age spotsFacial redness and rosaceaBroken capillaries and spider veinsUneven skin tone and textureFitzpatrick skin types I-IV

Treatment Time

30-45 min

Downtime

24-48 hours

Results Seen

7-10 days

Sessions Needed

3-5 treatments

Talk to us first if you have: Recently tanned or sun-exposed skin · Active skin infections or open wounds · Darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick V-VI). Results vary by individual.

Free Blueprint

Not sure it’s your fit?

A provider looks at your skin and your goals, and tells you honestly whether IPL Photofacial is the right next step, or what is. You leave knowing your next step and what it costs, with no commitment.

Book your free Blueprint

Know this is what you want? or .

Find your best price

The Beauty Bank.

$150 or $250 a month, at member prices. Built because our patients asked for it.

How many sessions?

One visit · IPL Photofacial

$350Members $275

A full series · 3 sessions

Pay as you go

$1,050

3 visits at $350

3-session package

$875

Paid up front

Save $175

Best value

Beauty Bank member

$825

3 visits at $275 — no package needed

Pay as you go, visit by visit

Save $225

Your $250/month Beauty Bank covers most of every visit

Each visit is $275 at member price — your $250 covers it, with about $25 at checkout. That’s $225 less than paying as you go for the series.

Skip a month, or your provider spaces visits out? That month’s $250 banks — it’s yours to spend on anything, never lost.

Sessions are typically about every 4 weeks; your provider recommends the number and pace for you, and results vary by individual. Package prices are paid up front; member prices need an active Beauty Bank membership (3-month minimum). How the Beauty Bank works

Transparent Pricing

Simple, Honest Pricing

IPL pricing reflects treatment area size and the number of sessions needed for optimal results.

See the full IPL Photofacial pricing guide →

IPL Photofacial Pricing

Most patients achieve best results with 3-5 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart

Beauty Bank members: $150 or $250 a month, member pricing

Beauty Bank members pay $275 a session, package pricing with no package to buy. No fees. No interest. Every dollar is yours to spend at RELUXE.

See my price

Treatment	Price	Member
Single IPL SessionFull face treatment	$350	$275
Bright & Tight (IPL + ClearLift)Combo treatment in one session	$475	$425
IPL 3-Session PackageRecommended series for optimal results	$875	$825

or book a Blueprint consultation

Beauty Bank

$150 or $250 a month. Member pricing on everything.

Members pay $275 for an IPL Photofacial, not $350. Every dollar you bank is credit you spend on anything here.

From $150/mo, and every dollar banks as credit you spend here. 3-month minimum, then cancel any time with 30 days’ notice.

How it works →

Why RELUXE

IPL Photofacial, done the RELUXE way

Package pricing through the Beauty Bank

Members get package pricing without paying for a package up front — a monthly Beauty Bank payment that stays yours as credit.

No fees. No interest. Every dollar is yours to spend at RELUXE.

See my price

Skin Type Expertise

Our providers perform thorough skin assessments to determine optimal IPL wavelengths and energy levels for your specific pigmentation and vascular concerns, ensuring both safety and efficacy.

Advanced IPL Technology

Our IPL systems use multiple wavelength filters (515-1200nm), allowing precise targeting of different chromophores for customized treatment of sun damage, redness, and pigmentation irregularities.

Comprehensive Treatment Plans

IPL pairs beautifully with our medical-grade peels, HydraFacials, and SkinBetter Science products to accelerate results and maintain your clearer, more radiant complexion between sessions.

How ipl photofacial works

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) delivers precise broadband light wavelengths (515-1200nm) to target melanin and hemoglobin in the skin, effectively treating sun damage, age spots, rosacea, and broken capillaries. The treatment works by heating pigmented lesions and vascular imperfections, causing them to fragment and be naturally absorbed by the body over the following weeks. Each 30-45 minute session delivers controlled light pulses that feel like a rubber band snap, progressively revealing clearer, more even-toned skin with minimal downtime.

At RELUXE Med Spa in Westfield and Carmel, our medical providers and trained aestheticians customize IPL settings based on your specific skin concerns and Fitzpatrick skin type. We provide cooling gel and post-treatment care instructions to maximize comfort and results, plus complimentary 2-week follow-ups to track your progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.

The Process

How It Works

Skin Assessment

Your provider analyzes your skin type, pigmentation patterns, and vascular concerns to select appropriate IPL wavelength filters and energy settings for optimal results and safety.

Light Delivery

Intense pulsed light is applied in controlled flashes across treatment areas, with cooling gel to protect the skin surface while light energy targets melanin and hemoglobin in deeper layers.

Healing Process

Treated pigmented lesions darken initially before flaking off over 7-14 days, while damaged capillaries coagulate and are gradually reabsorbed, revealing clearer, more even skin tone.

FAQ

Common Questions About IPL Photofacial

Your Guide

Prep & Aftercare

Before your visit

Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 4 weeks prior to treatment
Discontinue retinoids, AHA/BHA products 1 week before
Remove all makeup and skincare products on treatment day
Inform your provider of any medications or recent procedures

After your visit

Apply cold compresses for 10-15 minutes if experiencing redness or swelling
Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer and avoid harsh skincare products for 48 hours
Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily and avoid direct sun exposure
Expect treated spots to darken before naturally exfoliating over 7-14 days
Schedule follow-up sessions 3-4 weeks apart for optimal results

Home Care

Extend Your Results at Home

Our providers recommend these medical-grade products to maintain and amplify your IPL Photofacial results between visits.

SkinBetter Science

Tone Smart Vitamin C Serum

Maintain even tone and brighten between IPL sessions

Colorescience

Total Eye 3-in-1

Protect delicate eye area with tinted SPF coverage

Available through our online shop. Browse all skincare →

Helpful Guides

IPL Package Options IPL photofacial pricing guide IPL photofacial guide IPL vs. Laser

Common concerns this treats

Sun damage & pigmentation Rosacea & redness

Where to Book

Available at Both Locations

Westfield, IN

514 E State Road 32

IPL Photofacial in Westfield →

Carmel, IN

10485 N Pennsylvania St

IPL Photofacial in Carmel →

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Individual results vary. A consultation with your provider is required before any treatment to determine the best plan for your specific needs and medical history.

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Your job: Tell us why you’re here. What are your goals? Our job: Everything else.

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