Proven, precise and quietly powerful – IPL remains a cornerstone of advanced skincare. We asked lead advanced skin therapist, Jade Guidon, of Fitzgerald Private Clinic Dublin and Donegal, (IMAGE Business of Beauty Silver award winner for Best Facialist) to explain why this timeless treatment continues to transform complexions.
There is something quietly timeless about IPL. In an industry that thrives on what’s new, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) continues to hold its ground as a top-tier treatment; not through hype, but through results. It’s the treatment that doesn’t shout for attention yet always delivers. For those who crave luminosity, clarity, and that refined, radiant complexion, IPL remains one of the most transformative tools we have.
So, what exactly is IPL?
Unlike lasers that emit a single, focused wavelength of light, IPL uses a range of wavelengths to selectively target specific chromophores within the skin, namely melanin (responsible for pigmentation) and haemoglobin (within visible vessels). When these chromophores absorb the light, it converts to gentle heat, breaking down unwanted pigment or constricting dilated vessels. The skin then naturally clears away these fragments over time, revealing a brighter, more even complexion beneath.
The science behind the glow
While IPL is often celebrated for its ability to fade sun spots and redness, the real magic lies deeper. The light energy triggers a process known as controlled photothermolysis, a precise interaction between light and tissue that not only corrects colour but also stimulates fibroblasts – the skin’s collagen-producing cells. Over the following weeks, new collagen fibres form, improving the skin’s quality, texture and appearance. It’s rejuvenation at a cellular level – not just correction, but regeneration.
The power of an even skin tone
An even skin tone is often overlooked in the pursuit of rejuvenation. We tend to fixate on wrinkles, yet it’s uneven pigment and redness that most visibly age the face. When tone is restored, the skin appears instantly fresher and more youthful – even before a single line is softened. It’s the same reason we wear foundation and concealer: to create that balanced, radiant canvas. IPL achieves that naturally, bringing uniformity and brightness back to the surface.
Who is the treatment suitable for?
IPL works beautifully on fair to medium skin tones with visible sun damage, broken capillaries, diffuse redness, or general dullness. It’s ideal for those seeking progressive results rather than a single dramatic overhaul. However, it isn’t suitable for very dark skin tones or recent tanners, where the high melanin content can compete with target chromophores for the light’s energy. This is where expertise matters – tailoring settings, wavelengths, and filters to the individual’s needs makes all the difference between good and great results.
The importance of a consultation and patch test
Every IPL journey should begin with an in-depth consultation and a patch test. This isn’t just a formality; it’s a crucial step in understanding how your skin will respond to the light’s energy. Factors such as recent sun exposure, medications, and underlying sensitivities all influence treatment safety and outcomes.
A patch test allows your practitioner to select the ideal wavelength, pulse duration, and energy level tailored specifically to your skin type and concerns. It’s a small but essential safeguard that ensures every flash of light that follows is both safe and effective. In expert hands, this personalised calibration is what separates a good treatment from an exceptional one.
The lightbulb moment
There’s always a moment, sometimes weeks after a course begins, when a client suddenly notices their skin looks different, even under unforgiving bathroom lighting. Pores seem smaller, makeup glides on easier, and there’s that elusive “good skin day” feeling that starts to become the norm. It’s subtle at first, then undeniable. IPL is not about a dramatic overnight change; it’s about progressive refinement – revealing the kind of luminosity that looks effortless because it is.
One treatment for one area (face, neck, décolletage or hands), €295. Fitzgerald Private Clinic Dublin is offering IMAGE readers a special discounted rate for a course of 3 x prepaid treatments (purchased before December 7 and to be completed before April 30, 2026 for €775 – just mention IMAGE when booking.
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