Photorejuvenation with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a non-invasive medical-aesthetic treatment that uses broad-spectrum light pulses to simultaneously correct sun spots, redness, couperose, and signs of skin aging. At Beldon Beauty Madrid, it targets three biological areas at once: it fragments the excess melanin that causes spots, coagulates the dilated capillaries responsible for redness, and stimulates collagen production to improve the skin's texture, firmness, and radiance.
It is the benchmark treatment for overall photoaging: in a protocol of 3 to 5 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart, the skin regains a more uniform tone, a finer texture, and a luminosity that reflects its true healthy state. No surgery, no significant recovery time, and visible results from the very first session.
How does IPL photorejuvenation work?
IPL emits broad-spectrum light pulses (generally between 515 and 1200 nm) that penetrate the skin and are selectively absorbed by chromophores—structures with an affinity for certain wavelengths—without damaging the surrounding tissue. Its mechanism of action is threefold:
- On spots (action on melanin): light energy is absorbed by excess melanin. The generated heat fragments the pigment deposits, which are naturally eliminated by the immune system in the following days. The spots temporarily darken before flaking off and disappearing.
- On redness and couperose (action on hemoglobin): the light is absorbed by the oxyhemoglobin in the dilated capillaries. The heat coagulates and closes these vessels, which are progressively reabsorbed by the body.
- On texture and fine lines (thermal action in the dermis): heat in the deep dermis activates fibroblasts, stimulating the synthesis of new collagen and elastin. The result is firmer skin with smaller pores and a visibly more refined texture.
What sets IPL apart from a conventional laser?
Unlike lasers, which emit a single wavelength aimed at a specific target, IPL emits a broad, filterable spectrum of light. This allows for the global treatment of several issues in a single session, making it the most efficient option when the patient presents with mixed photoaging (spots + redness + loss of texture simultaneously).
What skin problems does IPL treat?
IPL photorejuvenation is the most comprehensive solution for skin photoaging. It is especially indicated for:
Spots and irregular pigmentation
- Solar and senile lentigines: dark spots caused by cumulative sun exposure
- Irregular skin tone and diffuse sun damage
- Mild post-inflammatory pigmentation and superficial dyschromias
Vascular lesions and redness
- Couperose (visible capillaries on cheeks and nose)
- Rosacea in the vascular phase (diffuse erythema and telangiectasias)
- Facial telangiectasias (spider veins)
- Diffuse redness and cherry angiomas
Overall rejuvenation and texture
- Dull skin lacking radiance
- Dilated pores and irregular texture
- Fine lines and initial loss of firmness
- Overall photoaging with multiple simultaneous signs
What is the photorejuvenation process like at Beldon Beauty?
- Personalized medical assessment: the specialist analyzes your phototype (Fitzpatrick scale), the type and depth of the lesions, and defines the session plan and equipment parameters adapted to your skin.
- Session preparation: cleansing of the skin and application of cooling conductive gel to the area to be treated. Protective eyewear is provided for both the patient and the specialist.
- IPL application: the device's handpiece is moved over the skin, emitting pulses of light. Session duration varies between 20 and 45 minutes depending on the extent of the treated area (face, neck, décolletage, or hands).
- Immediate post-treatment: application of a soothing serum and SPF 50+ photoprotector. The skin may show mild redness that resolves within a few hours.
- Protocol follow-up: sessions are spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart to respect the tissue's response cycle. The specialist evaluates results before each session and adjusts parameters if necessary.
Expected results per session
| Session | Evolution of lesions | What you will notice |
|---|---|---|
| 1st session | Temporary darkening of spots, initial closure of capillaries | More radiant skin, first spots lightened after 7-10 days |
| 2nd-3rd session | Progressive elimination of fragmented pigment, vascular reduction | More uniform tone, redness noticeably reduced |
| 4th-5th session | Active collagen stimulation, continuous texture improvement | Finer pores, firmer and visibly rejuvenated skin |
Safety and side effects
IPL is one of the safest photonic procedures available in aesthetic medicine when applied by a qualified specialist with the proper equipment. Common side effects are mild and transient:
- Mild redness in the treated area: disappears in a few hours
- Temporary darkening of spots: this is a sign that the treatment is working; the fragmented pigment rises to the surface and flakes off in 7-10 days
- Sensation of heat during the session, similar to a light pinch
The treatment is not suitable for very tanned skin or high phototypes (VI on the Fitzpatrick scale) during periods of high sun exposure. Prior medical assessment ensures that the treatment is applied under optimal safety conditions.
Price of IPL photorejuvenation in Madrid
The price for an IPL treatment at Beldon Beauty Madrid starts from €300 per session. The final cost depends on the extent of the work area (face, neck, décolletage, hands, or a combination of areas) and the number of sessions included in the personalized plan.
| Treatment area | Approximate price per session |
|---|---|
| Face | From €300 |
| Face + neck | Inquire at assessment |
| Face + neck + décolletage | Inquire at assessment |
| Hands | Inquire at assessment |
The exact price is determined during your personalized, no-obligation assessment consultation.
Frequently asked questions about IPL photorejuvenation
Is IPL effective for sun spots?
Yes, IPL is one of the most effective treatments for sun spots (solar lentigines) and diffuse photoaging damage. After the session, spots temporarily darken for 7-10 days as a sign that the fragmented pigment is being eliminated; they then flake off and lighten progressively. Best results are obtained on skin phototypes I to III with well-defined spots.
Does IPL treatment hurt?
The sensation is usually described as a very brief, hot snap or pinch, comparable to a rubber band against the skin. At Beldon Beauty, we apply cooling gel and adjust the equipment parameters to your sensitivity threshold. The vast majority of patients consider it perfectly tolerable without the need for anesthesia.
When will I see results from IPL?
Results are progressive and cumulative. Improvements in radiance and the beginning of the lightening of superficial spots can be seen from the very first session (after 7-10 days, when the pigment flakes off). Redness and couperose reduction consolidate between the second and third sessions. Effects on texture and collagen—finer pores, firmer skin—mature throughout the entire protocol and continue to improve up to 3 months after the final session.
How many IPL sessions do I need?
The standard protocol for an optimal and lasting result is 3 to 5 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart. The exact number depends on the intensity of the photoaging, the type of predominant lesions (spots, redness, or texture), and your individual response to the treatment. The specialist will determine this during the prior assessment consultation.
Can IPL be done in summer?
IPL is not recommended on tanned skin or during periods of intense sun exposure, as the additional melanin in the epidermis can increase the risk of superficial burns and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The ideal time to start an IPL protocol is autumn-winter, when the skin is at its lightest tone and subsequent sun protection is easier to maintain.
What care do I need after IPL?
The most important care is strict sun protection: broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every day (even if it is cloudy), starting from the first day post-treatment and throughout the entire protocol. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid direct sun exposure for 48 hours following each session, not to exfoliate the skin until pigment crusts fall off on their own, and to keep the skin well-hydrated.
Can I combine IPL with other Beldon Beauty facial treatments?
Yes. IPL complements treatments that act on other skin layers very well. A common combination at Beldon Beauty is IPL + facial mesotherapy (to boost hydration and collagen synthesis) or IPL + gentle chemical peel (in alternating sessions, never simultaneously). The specialist will design the most appropriate combined protocol according to your goals.
At Beldon Beauty Madrid, we combine the most advanced IPL technology with the experience of our medical team to design a protocol perfectly tailored to your skin. If you have sun spots, redness, or simply want to regain the radiance that time and the sun have taken away, start with a no-obligation assessment consultation.
