Are IPL Results Permanent?

If you’re exploring ways to improve your skin tone, reduce redness, or target pigmentation, you’ve probably come across IPL laser treatment— short for Intense Pulsed Light. It’s a popular treatment known for its ability to rejuvenate the skin without needles, harsh chemicals, or invasive procedures. But are IPL results permanent? How long do they last?

Let’s take a closer look.

What is IPL and How Does it Work?

IPL is a light-based technology that delivers pulses of broad-spectrum light into the skin. Unlike lasers, which use a single wavelength, IPL targets multiple chromophores — including melanin (pigment) and haemoglobin (blood vessels) — to treat a variety of concerns such as sunspots, broken capillaries, redness, and age-related discolouration.

When the light is absorbed, it breaks down pigment or damaged vessels, while also stimulating collagen production. The result? Brighter, smoother, and more even-toned skin.

Are IPL Results Permanent?

While IPL can produce dramatic improvements, the results aren’t technically permanent. The treatment clears existing pigmentation, redness, and sun damage — but it can’t prevent future changes to the skin caused by sun exposure, ageing, or hormonal fluctuations.

Think of it as giving your skin a reset. You’re treating what’s already there, but without ongoing maintenance and care, similar issues may return over time. That’s why many people opt for periodic top-up sessions to keep their results looking fresh.

A More Advanced Option: The illumiFacial®

For those looking for an enhanced IPL experience, the illumiFacial is a powerful upgrade. It combines multiple steps into one treatment for maximum skin rejuvenation:

Step 1: Deep Cleanse – to remove oil, dirt, and surface debris
Step 2: Tri-Fruit Acid Peel – gently exfoliates dead skin cells and preps the skin
Step 3: IPL Skin Rejuvenation – targets pigment, redness and dull tone
Step 4: Hydration Mask and LED Therapy – to soothe, calm, and nourish the skin

This multi-step protocol addresses not only pigmentation and redness, but also skin texture and hydration, making it ideal for anyone seeking an overall glow-up.

How to Maintain Your Results

While illumiFacial and IPL offer long-term benefits, it’s important to take steps to maintain them:

• Apply SPF daily, even on cloudy days — sun exposure is the top cause of pigmentation returning
• Use antioxidant-rich skincare to protect against free radicals and pollution
• Avoid tanning beds and harsh exfoliants

Follow your practitioner’s aftercare advice, and book maintenance sessions every 6–12 months

Is IPL Worth it?

IPL can provide long-lasting improvement to your skin, but the results aren’t set in stone forever. With the right lifestyle, skincare, and occasional maintenance, you can extend the glow for months — even years. For those looking for a more intensive option, the illumiFacial® offers added exfoliation and hydration for beautifully refreshed skin.