IPL Treatment for Redness & Pigmentation

What Is IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is an intensed pulsed light-based technology used to treat a range of vascular and pigmented skin concerns, including rosacea, facial redness, broken capillaries, sun damage, freckles, age spots, red scars and uneven skin tone. IPL delivers controlled pulses of broad-spectrum light that selectively target hemoglobin (for red vascular lesions) and melanin (for brown pigmentation), helping to visibly reduce discoloration and improve overall skin clarity.  To learn more, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Comprehensive Skin Assessment

At Hagen Health & Absolute Aesthetics, IPL treatments are provided by Elizabeth Hagen, DNP, ARNP, AGPCNP-BC. Care begins with a thorough skin assessment to evaluate your skin type, specific concerns (vascular vs. pigmented lesions), depth of discoloration, and any underlying conditions such as rosacea or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This ensures that IPL is used safely and appropriately, particularly for patients with more sensitive or melanin-rich skin types.

IPL for Rosacea and Red Vascular Lesions

IPL is commonly used to treat rosacea red vascular lesions which cause facial redness, flushing, telangiectasias (broken capillaries), cherry angiomas, and diffuse erythema associated with rosacea. The light energy targets hemoglobin within dilated blood vessels and rehoming them.

IPL for Pigmentation & Sun Damage

IPL is also effective for treating brown pigmentation, including sun spots and uneven tone caused by photoaging (sun damage). By targeting melanin in the upper layers of the skin, IPL helps break up excess pigment, allowing it to naturally clear as the skin renews. Over time, this leads to a more even, brighter complexion and improved skin clarity.

Treatment Plan & What to Expect

Most patients require a series of IPL treatments spaced several weeks apart for optimal results. Treatment plans are individualized based on the type and severity of redness or pigmentation being treated. Temporary redness, swelling, warmth, or darkening of pigmented spots occur after treatment as part of the normal healing response. Strict sun protection and adherence to pre- and post-treatment care instructions are essential to maximize results and minimize the risk of complications.

Safety, Results & Long-Term Maintenance

IPL treatments are performed using evidence-based protocols with careful attention to skin type and energy settings. While IPL can significantly reduce the appearance of redness and pigmentation, maintenance treatments and consistent sun protection are often necessary to preserve results, particularly for conditions influenced by sun exposure or chronic vascular reactivity.

Schedule Your IPL Consultation

If you’re concerned about facial redness, broken capillaries, or sun-related pigmentation, contact us today to schedule a consultation at Hagen Health & Absolute Aesthetics in Mukilteo, WA.

‍Elizabeth Hagen, DNP, ARNP, AGPCNP-BC will assess your skin and develop a personalized IPL treatment plan to safely restore a clearer, more even complexion.

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