IPL and asian skin – are certain precautions needed?

IPL and asian skin – are certain precautions needed?

Dr. Irwin
September 28, 2014
How are IPL treatments on Asian/Oriental skin? Should I look for someone who has experience in treating this type of skin? I heard treatments for Asian/Oriental skin differs from Caucasian skin. Can you shed some light on this?

This is somewhat true. IPL treatments should be adjusted for your skin type by the nurse doing the treatment.   The best IPLs (not usually found in spas and salons) are completely customizable for you so that the filters, the peak energy per pulse, the duration of the pulse and whether there is double or triple pulsing can all be altered.   But…….the nurse/doctor must know how to do this.  I’ve also seen offices where they have sophisticated equipment but only use it on the simplest mode.  More on adjusting treatments for asian skin. 

Also, asian skin types really vary in shade, tone and propensity to sunburn.   The bottom line is though …….yes ……. be careful with IPLs on asian skin that the initial settings aren’t too aggressive. Superficial burns can occur which result in “striping” which can take months to correct.  It’s also important to avoid sun for 3-4 weeks before and after an IPL treatment if you have a darker skin type.

If you seek out offices where they are familiar with treating asian skin, you will be safer!

Hope this helps,

Dr. Irwin

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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