IPL Acne
Intense pulsed light to help calm active breakouts and the redness that comes with them.
What is IPL for acne?
IPL for acne uses pulses of light to help target the bacteria and inflammation behind active breakouts, while also helping to calm the redness they leave behind.
It's suitable for the face and back. For persistent acne, it can be part of a structured program alongside other in-clinic treatments.
Benefits of IPL Acne
Can help calm the appearance of active breakouts.
Can help reduce the appearance of redness from breakouts.
Can help with the appearance of oily, breakout-prone skin.
Treat the face or upper back.
Skin may look pink for a few hours.
Settings are tailored to your skin after a patch test.
One advanced IPL platform, tailored to you
We use the same advanced IPL platform to treat pigmentation, redness, capillaries, breakouts and overall skin tone. Your therapist changes the filters and settings for your concern and skin, and can often treat more than one concern in a plan.
How it works
After a consultation and patch test, the area is cleansed, a cooling gel is applied and protective eyewear is fitted. Pulses of light are delivered across the area. Skin may look pink for a few hours afterwards.
Your treatment, step by step
Consult & patch test
Your skin is assessed and patch tested so treatment settings suit your skin.
Cleanse & protect
The area is cleansed, a cooling gel is applied and protective eyewear is fitted.
IPL
Pulses of light are delivered across the treatment area.
Soothe & protect
Calming skincare and SPF are applied to finish.
Before you book
Downtime
Little to no downtime for most clients. Skin may look pink or feel warm for a few hours, and some areas can look temporarily darker or more noticeable before they settle.
Results
Results build gradually over a course of treatments. Your therapist will recommend the right number of sessions and spacing for your skin.
Who is suitable?
IPL works best on lighter skin tones and is not suitable for tanned skin. Your skin type, medical history, medications and recent sun exposure are assessed at consultation, and a patch test is completed before treatment. Please tell us about any acne medication, as some (including isotretinoin) mean treatment needs to wait.
Book a consultation
Optimise your results
Your treatment plan will depend on your skin and goals. Acne is usually treated over a course of sessions. Once breakouts settle, microneedling can help with any marks or scarring left behind.
- Blue LED to support results
- Microneedling for scarring once breakouts settle
- Acne Reduction 6 Week Program for persistent acne
- O Cosmedics home care, recommended by your therapist to support your results
IPL results
The same IPL platform treats pigmentation, freckles, redness and breakouts. Results for this treatment are shown first.
Individual results vary.
Which IPL Acne is right for you?
Tap a treatment to see what is included and who it suits best.
$50
Required before your first treatment
Before your first IPL treatment, we assess your skin, check your suitability and complete a patch test so your settings are right for you.
Best for: Everyone booking IPL for the first time.
Includes
- Skin assessment and suitability check
- Medical history review
- Patch test
- Personalised treatment plan
from $149.99
Calmer-looking skin
IPL for active breakouts and redness on the face.
Best for: Active breakouts and post-breakout redness on the face.
from $239
Clearer-looking back
IPL for active breakouts on the upper back.
Best for: Breakouts and redness on the upper back.
$1,499
A structured plan for persistent acne
A six-week in-clinic program for persistent acne, combining treatments recommended by your therapist.
Best for: Persistent acne that needs a structured approach.
Includes
- Six weeks of in-clinic treatments
- Plan tailored to your skin
- Progress reviewed along the way
IPL Acne pricing
Fairfield West clinic. Choose your option when you book on Fresha.
Prices are subject to change without notice. Package and course pricing available in clinic.
Your IPL Acne experience
- A quick, warm snapping sensation with each pulse of light
- Skin may look pink or feel warm for a few hours afterwards
- Little to no downtime, so most clients return to their day straight away
- Results build gradually over a course of treatments
- A consultation and patch test are required before your first treatment
- Avoid tanning, fake tan and significant sun exposure in the weeks before treatment
- Pause retinoids and exfoliating acids as advised by your therapist
- Tell us about any medications, skin conditions or history of cold sores
- Arrive with clean skin where possible
- Keep your skin cool and avoid hot showers, saunas and strenuous exercise for 24 hours
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily and minimise sun exposure
- Keep your routine gentle and avoid exfoliating actives until your therapist advises
- Do not pick or scrub any darkened spots. Allow them to flake away naturally
- Follow any personalised recommendations from your WOW Clinic therapist
Not sure it's right for you? Book a laser consultation and we'll build your plan.
Book now · $50Frequently asked questions
Can I have IPL while on acne medication?
Some medications, including isotretinoin, mean treatment needs to wait. Tell us everything you're using at consultation.
Will it help my acne scars?
IPL targets active breakouts and redness. For scarring, we recommend microneedling or CO₂ once skin is clear.
What is IPL?
IPL (intense pulsed light) uses broad-spectrum light to target pigment and redness in the skin. It's different from a single-wavelength laser, and settings are tailored to your skin.
Is IPL suitable for my skin tone?
IPL works best on lighter skin tones and isn't suitable for tanned skin. Suitability is always assessed at consultation with a patch test.
How many treatments will I need?
It depends on your skin and goals. Your therapist will recommend the right number of sessions and spacing.
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