Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, a treatment using broad-spectrum light, has become increasingly popular in medical and cosmetic fields. Its ability to target different tissues with specific light wavelengths makes it useful for various conditions. Recent research highlights how IPL helps with skin issues, dry eye, and more. Let’s explore its many uses.
Treating Skin Conditions: Rosacea and Visible Blood Vessels
One of the most well-studied uses of IPL is for certain skin problems. A 2025 study by Menashe and colleagues focused on two common issues: rosacea and telangiectasias. Rosacea causes redness and small bumps on the face, while telangiectasias are those tiny, visible blood vessels that often appear on the cheeks or nose.
The researchers found that IPL effectively improves both conditions. The light from IPL targets the blood vessels under the skin, making them shrink or fade. This reduces redness and makes the skin look smoother. Many patients saw noticeable results after a few sessions, with little downtime. This makes IPL a popular choice for people looking to manage these persistent skin concerns without harsh treatments.
Helping with Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease is a common problem where the eyes don’t make enough tears or the tears dry up too fast. It can cause discomfort, redness, and even blurry vision. Surprisingly, IPL has shown promise in treating this condition.
Betz and Galor’s 2025 overview of dry eye treatments explains that IPL works by targeting the glands around the eyes that produce oils to keep tears from evaporating. When these glands get inflamed, they don’t work well, leading to dry eye. IPL reduces this inflammation, helping the glands function better.
Li and team’s 2025 study, which looked at many previous research papers, confirmed that IPL is a growing area of interest for dry eye treatment. Their analysis showed that more and more studies are supporting its use, with positive results in relieving symptoms.
Tichenor and colleagues also discussed using IPL along with radio frequency (a type of energy) for eye surface problems, including dry eye. This combination can be even more effective for some patients, showing how IPL can be part of a bigger treatment plan.
Combining IPL with Other Treatments for Facial Inflammation
Sometimes, using IPL alone isn’t enough, especially for more complex facial inflammation. That’s where combining it with other treatments comes in. Tang and researchers tested a "sequential triple therapy" for facial inflammation, which includes three steps: microneedling, hydrolifting, and IPL.
Microneedling uses tiny needles to create small holes in the skin, which stimulates healing and collagen production. Hydrolifting involves injecting a mixture of fluids to hydrate and plump the skin. Then IPL is used to reduce redness and inflammation.
The study found that this three-step approach works well together. Microneedling prepares the skin, hydrolifting adds moisture, and IPL finishes by calming inflammation and improving overall appearance. Many patients saw reduced redness, smoother skin, and less swelling after this combined treatment, showing that IPL can be a key part of a team of therapies.
Why IPL Is Becoming More Popular
IPL’s wide range of uses comes from its versatility. It can target different parts of the body and work with other treatments. Its ability to reduce inflammation, improve blood vessel issues, and help glands function better makes it useful for both skin and eye problems.
Research continues to support its effectiveness, as seen in the studies by Menashe, Betz, Li, Tichenor, and Tang. More doctors are including IPL in their treatment plans because it’s generally safe, has few side effects, and works for many different patients.
Conclusion
Intense Pulsed Light therapy is more than just a cosmetic treatment. From rosacea and visible blood vessels to dry eye and complex facial inflammation, IPL has proven its value in various medical and cosmetic areas. Whether used alone or with other therapies, it offers patients new options for better skin and eye health. As research continues, we’ll likely discover even more ways to use this helpful tool.
References
• Menashe S, Bermejo IG, Lois M, Molinari LM, Reig MI. Effective Treatment of Rosacea and Telangiectasias Using IPL. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Aug;24(8):e70357. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70357. PMID: 40735961; PMCID: PMC12308773.
• Betz J, Galor A. Navigating the Dry Eye Therapeutic Puzzle: A Mechanism-Based Overview of Current Treatments. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2025 Jul 2;18(7):994. doi: 10.3390/ph18070994. PMID: 40732283; PMCID: PMC12298963.
• Tang Y, Liu B, Su X, Wu J, Li X. Sequential Triple Therapy for Facial Inflammation: Prospective Evaluation of Facial Microneedle, Hydrolifting, and Intense Pulsed Light Therapy. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Jul;24(7):e70327. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70327. PMID: 40589311; PMCID: PMC12209998.
• Li J, Yu B, Xin M, Sun Y, Pazo EE, Xing X. Intense Pulsed Light for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: A Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2025 Jul;43(7):265-277. doi: 10.1089/photob.2024.0144. Epub 2025 May 26. PMID: 40415546.
• Tichenor AA, Zimski L, Periman LM. Clinical Application of Intense Pulsed Light Therapy and Radio Frequency for Treatment of Ocular Surface Diseases. J Vis Exp. 2025 Jul 3;(221). doi: 10.3791/68377. PMID: 40690390.
