At Kent Skin & Laser Clinic, our consultant dermatologist-led team plans every course of IPL after a consultation and patch test, so the settings suit your skin type and your concern. Based in Canterbury, we welcome patients from across Kent, including Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Ashford, Folkestone, Dover, Deal and the surrounding areas.
What is IPL Treatment?
IPL uses broad-spectrum light, rather than a single wavelength of laser light, to target pigment and blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin. The light is absorbed by the target, which is then gradually cleared by the body.
Because it can address both pigment and blood vessels, IPL is commonly used for:
- Facial redness and flushing
- Thread veins and visible blood vessels
- Sun damage
- Pigmented marks, such as age spots and freckles
- Rosacea symptoms that are not fully controlled by other treatments
IPL is not suitable for every skin type or every concern, which is why a consultation and patch test always come first. Our dermatology consultation is also available if you would like a diagnosis before choosing a treatment.
What Can IPL Treat?
Your clinician will recommend IPL where it is the most suitable option for your skin.
Redness and Rosacea
IPL can help reduce the appearance of persistent facial redness and small visible blood vessels. It is often used as part of a wider plan for our rosacea treatment service, which may also include prescription medication and skincare.
Thread Veins
Fine thread veins on the face can be targeted with IPL. Where veins are larger or more concentrated, our thread vein removal service may be more suitable, and we will advise you at consultation.
Pigmentation and Sun Damage
IPL can help fade brown marks and uneven skin tone caused by sun exposure. If a single mark is your main concern, laser may be recommended instead, and you can read more on our age spot removal and pigmentation treatment pages.
Why Choose Kent Skin & Laser Clinic?
Our clinic offers medical assessment and light-based treatment in a clinical setting. Patients choose us because we provide:
- Consultant dermatologist-led care, with laser and IPL treatment overseen by Dr Mark Hudson-Peacock, Consultant Dermatologist and the clinic's Laser Protection Supervisor
- Medical-grade laser and IPL systems
- A consultation and patch test before every course, so settings are matched to your skin
- A cooling system used throughout treatment for comfort
- Experienced laser practitioners, many of whom have been with the clinic for years
Based in Canterbury, we welcome patients from across Kent, including Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Ashford, Folkestone, Dover, Deal and the surrounding areas.
What Happens at the Appointment?
Your first visit is a consultation. During the appointment, we will:
- Review your concern and medical history
- Examine your skin
- Confirm that IPL is suitable for you
- Carry out a patch test on a small area
- Explain the treatment plan and what to expect
During treatment, pulses of light are applied to the treatment area while a cooling system is used throughout. Most patients describe a warm sensation with a brief snapping feeling against the skin, which is generally well tolerated.
Afterwards, most people have some temporary redness, similar to mild sunburn, which typically settles within a day or two. Most concerns need 1 to 3 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, and your clinician will plan this with you. Daily sun protection is advised throughout your course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can IPL treatment help with?
IPL is commonly used for facial redness, thread veins, sun damage and pigmented marks, because it targets pigment and blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. Your clinician will confirm whether it is right for your concern.
Why do I need a patch test first?
A patch test confirms that your skin responds safely to treatment and helps determine the right settings. It is an important safety step before your first full session.
How many sessions will I need?
Most concerns respond well to 1 to 3 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, although this varies depending on what is being treated. Individual results vary, and we will agree a plan with you after your patch test.
Is IPL treatment painful?
Most patients describe a warm sensation with a brief snapping feeling, which is generally well tolerated, especially with the cooling system used during treatment. If you have any concerns about comfort, please tell your clinician.
Is there any downtime after IPL treatment?
Most people experience some temporary redness, similar to mild sunburn, which typically settles within a day or two. This usually allows a quick return to normal activities.
What is the difference between IPL and laser?
IPL uses broad-spectrum light, while a laser uses a single wavelength. Both are used to target pigment or blood vessels, and your clinician will recommend whichever suits your skin and concern.
Book this treatment
Price
£250 to £350 per session
Fees
Vary by area and are confirmed at your consultation
Appointment
30 minutes
Downtime
Minimal, some temporary redness
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“Very friendly, professional and knowledgeable service that doesn’t make you feel as if you are being upsold on treatments for no reason. The IPL treatment for rosacea is incredibly effective and has drastically improved my skin in just two sessions.”
Flora · Patient review
“I have been getting IPL from Dr Alice @ Kent skin and laser to help with my type 1 rosacea. After trying many creams, antibiotics and holistic methods this is the only thing I can say that has made a true and real difference. I’ve had 4 sessions, spaced every 2 weeks and am honestly so pleased with how I am looking after the start of my IPL. I will return in a few months for a maintenance session but the results so far have exceeded my expectations by a long way. Couldn’t recommend this enough ☺️”
Alex · Patient review
“I have, over many years, visited the Skin & Laser Clinic and have always found the staff extremely skilled and friendly, explaining clearly throughout what can be achieved when I’ve requested treatment for pigmentation, rosacea etc. I have the utmost trust in all the clinicians as I know they have had thorough training and I wouldn’t go anywhere else for treatments. Thank you for many years of “being there”.”
Tiggy · Patient review