I'm Trish. I'm 51, and I've spent more than 30 years working in salons. While most people associate IPL and laser with hair removal, they have long been used for skin rejuvenation too: helping to even out skin tone and soften the look of sun spots and redness. It's one of beauty's best-kept secrets, so let me explain.
As featured in the Mirror: the V2 was featured in the Mirror as a life-changing IPL device that helped banish sun spots. Read the Mirror article →
First, what is IPL?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It sends gentle flashes of light into the skin, and that light is drawn to colour: the brown of extra pigment, and the red of tiny blood vessels. That's what makes it so useful for skin tone.
How IPL helps even out skin tone
As we age, years of sunshine catch up with us. Like so many of my clients, I've seen it in my own skin: sun spots, darker patches and a tone that just isn't as even as it used to be. It shows on the face, but also on the chest, hands and legs.
Those brown spots are made of extra pigment, and IPL light is drawn to that pigment too. After a treatment, a sun spot can look a little darker for a few days. Then, over a week or two, it gradually fades and flakes away, leaving skin that looks brighter and more even.
IPL can also help with redness. The light is drawn to the red in tiny broken veins, which can help soften the look of redness over time.
Clinics have offered this for years as a "photofacial". With a device like our V2 IPL Laser, which has a skin rejuvenation mode, you can build it into your routine at home.
My own experience
These are my own before-and-after photos, unfiltered. I had a stubborn sun spot on the side of my face, and I treated it with my V2 IPL Laser. Then, to even out my overall skin tone, I used our LED Face, Neck & Chest Mask. The V2 targeted the spot; the mask brought back an all-over, even glow.
At 51 I'm not interested in chasing a 25-year-old's face. I want skin that looks healthy, even and bright. That's a very different goal from "anti-wrinkle", and I think it's the one most women my age actually care about.
What to expect
- It's gradual. Think weeks, not days. Most people need a few sessions to see a real difference.
- Up to twice a week. For skin rejuvenation, use the V2 up to twice a week. More isn't better.
- Spots may darken first. That's normal. They fade and flake away as skin renews.
- Consistency matters. Follow the instructions and stick to a routine rather than overdoing it.
- Treat in the evening. We recommend using your IPL in the evening, so your skin avoids direct sunlight straight after treatment.
- SPF every single day. The sun that caused the spots can bring them back.
Is it right for me?
IPL works best on lighter to medium skin tones. It isn't suitable for very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick V–VI), over moles or tattoos, or on melasma (hormonal patches), which IPL can make worse. If you're pregnant, on photosensitive medication or unsure about a mark on your skin, check with your doctor first. And always patch test first. I say that to every client.
Why I love it for skin tone
That's what I love about the V2. On its skin rejuvenation setting, it helps even out the look of sun spots and patchy tone, at home, in your own time. Pair it with the LED mask, like I did, for an all-over glow on your face, neck and chest.
If you'd like to know whether the V2 is right for your skin tone, email us at info@bondi-body.com. I'm always happy to help.
Trish, founder, Bondi Body
Discover the V2 for skin rejuvenation →
Further reading
IPL has been used in dermatology clinics for years to treat sun spots and sun-damaged skin. If you'd like to read more from independent experts:
- The Mirror: the life-changing IPL device that banished sun spots
- DermNet: Intense pulsed light therapy
- American Academy of Dermatology: What can get rid of age spots?
- Mayo Clinic: Age spots, diagnosis and treatment
- Clinical study: Intense pulsed light treatment of photoaged facial skin
- Clinical study: IPL for sun spots on the hands
These sources cover IPL treatments in clinics. At-home devices use lower energy, so results are more gradual.
FAQs
Can IPL remove sun spots?
IPL can help fade the look of sun spots over several sessions. Spots often darken slightly first, then fade and flake away.
Is IPL only for hair removal?
No. While IPL is best known for hair removal, it has long been used in clinics for skin rejuvenation. The Bondi Body V2 has a skin rejuvenation mode designed to help even out the look of sun spots and uneven tone at home.
How often should I use IPL for skin rejuvenation?
Up to twice a week. Leave at least a few days between sessions so your skin can respond, and follow the instructions for your device. More often won't speed up results.
How long does it take to see a difference?
It's gradual. Most people notice a change after a few weeks of regular use.
Is IPL safe for older skin?
Age isn't the issue. Skin tone and hair colour are. Check the skin tone chart and patch test first.
Does IPL help with melasma?
No. IPL can make melasma worse, so it isn't recommended.
