My Experience Getting IPL for Acne at LaserAway Emeryville Including Before & After Photos
Are you considering IPL for acne, and you would like to hear from an actual person that’s received the treatment, and not just another IPL facility? You’ve come to the right place. My struggle with acne has been a life-long one. I’m pushing close to 40, and I started my period before even entering middle school. So, the hormones were pumping early and it showed right on my face.
I’ve tried everything for acne. I’ve visited many dermatologists with different approaches. I’ve taken oral antibiotics, Retin-A at the highest Rx, Clindamycin, Spironolactone, peroxide washes and creams, salicylic acid products, tanning beds (yup!), Proactive, and just about every product in CVS, Target and Sephora.
Finally, I discovered Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL for acne.
Before I delve into telling you all about my experience with IPL, I’m going to show you a before and after picture. I’m not wearing makeup in either picture, and there are no camera filters. These pictures are about a year apart. The pictures to the left, I’m having a bad breakout. Yes, I’m a picker. The picture to the far right, I’m having a good week, after 2 IPL for acne sessions completed. The one center right, I’m having a good week before IPL. I wanted to provide a full perspective.
I’ve never been able to go to work without makeup. I do it ALL the time now. Maybe just concealer under the eyes and light mascara on most days, and some days, no makeup. The photos to the right, I’m wearing NO MAKEUP though. None. No other major changes too. I was using Retin-A during both photo periods. No reasons my hormones should be different. Just the IPL for acne. That’s the only major difference.
I’m not a medical professional, and I don’t recommend IPL as a medical professional, but as a patient and customer that has received the service myself. I learned about IPL for acne from my Sister-in-Law that also received IPL for acne. I didn’t believe she had acne before I knew her until she told me, and showed me a few acne scars up close. You know? Those ones that no one else notices but make us self-conscious.
What is IPL for Acne?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a type of light therapy that is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne. I get the service for acne, therefore, I reference it as IPL for acne as not many womxn and people suffering know.
Some of the potential benefits of IPL for acne include:
Reducing inflammation: IPL can help reduce inflammation in the skin, which can be beneficial for people with acne because acne is often caused by inflamed hair follicles.
Killing bacteria: IPL can also kill bacteria that can contribute to acne breakouts.
Improving skin texture: IPL can improve the texture of the skin by reducing the appearance of scarring and uneven skin tone, which can be a result of acne.
Removing Sun Spots: Effective for reducing the appearance of sunspots, also known as age spots or hyperpigmentation.
Reducing oil production: IPL for acne can help reduce the production of oil in the skin, which can be beneficial for people with oily skin that is prone to acne.
Reducing redness: IPL for acne can also help reduce redness in the skin, which can be beneficial for people with acne because acne can cause redness and inflammation.
Collagen Production: IPL treatment works by emitting pulses of light energy that are absorbed by the skin. This energy is then converted into heat, which can stimulate the production of collagen in the skin. As a result, IPL may help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin by stimulating collagen production.
Collagen production is really the key component of IPL when it comes to its ability to clear up acne. The thought is that the collagen is brought to the surface of your skin, creating less room for your pores to appear large. It doesn’t shrink your pores, but rather crowds them with plumping collagen so they don’t have as much room to clog up.
The effects of IPL for acne on collagen production and the improvement of skin texture may not be immediately apparent, and multiple treatments may be necessary to see significant results. It is also important to keep in mind that IPL for acne is not a permanent solution and the effects of treatment may gradually fade over time. For me, it’s been hands down the best acne solution. For anyone that’s experienced life-long acne from pre-teen, to teen, to young-adult, to full adult acne… you’ll do anything within reason to get rid of it. I know. I get it!
Is IPL for Acne Safe?
IPL treatments are generally not recommended for individuals with very dark skin, as the risk of side effects, such as hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin), is higher in these individuals.
For those with light skin pigmentations, IPL for acne should be safe. It’s best to check with a medical professional before proceeding. I personally went to LaserAway for my IPL for acne service, and although not all technicians are nurses, a lot are. You can request a nurse, especially for your initial consultation.
Some common side effects of IPL treatment include:
Redness and swelling of the skin: These side effects are usually temporary and typically resolve within a few hours to a few days after your IPL for acne treatment.
Blisters or crusting of the skin: These side effects are rare, but may occur if the skin is overheated during treatment.
Mild discomfort: Some individuals may experience pain or discomfort during or after IPL treatment. This can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or a cooling gel.
I personally never experienced any of these side-effects, except a little discomfort during the IPL for acne procedure which is expected for everyone. The experience is described commonly as a “warm rubber band snap” and that’s really the closest describer.
LaserAway in Emeryville, CA was really good about going over all the do’s and don'ts with IPL to make sure I was prepared for the treatment, and to ensure I knew what to do after. They were really great about making sure I was comfortable in each of my IPL for acne sessions as well.
How long do the effects of IPL for acne last?
The duration of the effects of an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) session can vary depending on a number of factors, including the individual's skin type and condition, the specific area being treated, and the severity of the condition being treated.
That being said, the effects of an IPL for acne session usually last several months to a year or two. The service providers will tell you “IPL lasts forever” but that’s kinda BS. Yes, the sunspots removed are removed forever, but if you want to keep the collagen production to keep coming back, thus, making your skin pigmentation more even and tricking your pores into temporarily shrinking…you’ll need to get the service over and over. I’ve lived it. I’m here to be honest with you.
In regards to maintaining healthy skin, it is also important to follow a good skincare routine and avoid sun exposure to help maintain the results of IPL treatment. Sunscreen and a daily moisturizer with sunscreen is essential too. The best way to get your money’s worth is to take care of your skin after your IPL for acne session.
I’ve done you a solid and listed the ones here that your FSA and HSA will cover, so you have less excuses not to protect that beautiful skin. This knowledge is from my many years in HR. If SPF is in the title in any way in big letters on the bottle or on the webpage, your FSA should cover it. Simply put, can you either take a picture of the product or screenshot the webpage and show it’s advertised heavily as a SPF product? If so, you can use your FSA or HSA. High end skincare purchasing tip. You’re welcome!
Here are some great moisturizers I recommend to make sure you take care of your skin after you get IPL for acne… and that your FSA should cover. You may have to submit the receipt for reimbursement as your debit card won’t likely work, but it should get approved. If these don’t get approved, you have a butthole FSA provider and I would dispute it. I feel pretty confident, but there are some doozie FSA providers out there. I’ve personally used my FSA for the Origins Plantscriptions SPF 25 many times, and the Murad Essential-C Day Moisturizer SPF 30 once. Have fun!
Origins: A Perfect World SPF 40 (Origins) (Amazon) (Sephora)
Origins: Plantscriptions SPF 25 (Origins) (Amazon) (Sephora)
Dr. Andrew Weil For Origins: Mega-Bright SPF 30 (Origins) (Amazon) (Sephora)
Murad: Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (Murad) (Amazon) (Sephora)
Paula’s Choice: Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30 (PC) (Amazon) (Sephora)
My Winter moisturizer is the Origins Plantscriptions SPF 25. My Summer regime is the Farmacy Daily Greens Moisturizer under a SPF 50 face sunscreen like Coola Sunscreen or Supergoop Sunscreen. These have been the best under makeup and for not clogging pores with aging skin.
How much does an IPL for acne session cost?
In general, the cost of an IPL for acne session can range from several hundred to around a thousand dollars. For example, a single IPL session for the treatment of acne may cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000.
I went to LaserAway in Emeryville, CA and purchased a package of 5 IPL sessions for $1,000. They never expire and the bank stays in my account. I purchased them around 18 months ago and I still have 2 sessions left. LaserAway has a location in most metropolitan areas in the US, and multiple in large cities. If you’re in California, LaserAway is just about everywhere. I highly recommend them for their customer service and pricing.
I purchased this IPL for acne package from LaserAway in 2021, and it was considered a sale or promo. However, they do seem to have a lot of those. I’m never quite sure if I’m getting the best deal, but I always kinda feel like I am too… lol… Who knows?
Also, LaserAway does offer payment plans or financing options to help make the IPL for acne treatments more affordable while still being able to take advantage of the bulk purchase discounts. Yes, they will run your credit, but if all looks good, you could end up with 0% interest monthly payments. I know because I’ve done this before.
One thing that’s so difficult with LaserAway is that they never post their pricing. I think that’s because it varies from location to location AND they believe they’re more likely to close the sale if they communicate directly with you. For the former reason, just note, I’m in the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s possible that a LaserAway in the Midwest could offer slightly better pricing, or perhaps not. IDK.
My Sister-in-Law lives in the San Diego area, and she was shocked at the pricing I got with an IPL package of 5 that priced my sessions at $200 each. She was paying more than double that. In short, the pricing can vary widely, and I do believe I got a very good deal. I think LaserAway likely offers the best pricing as they are the largest chain in the US that offers services like IPL and Botox etc.
LaserAway Locations in the US:
As you can see in this map, there are TONS of LaserAway locations all over the US. You can also explore other local options for IPL for acne too for the best pricing and reviews. If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, I highly recommend the LaserAway Emeryville location. I’ve had great experiences, and the one semi-not-great experience, I shared with the branch manager Esmeralda, and she made everything right. Esmeralda is fabulous!
LaserAway Discounts for IPL & Other Services:
$150 OFF After Your First Purchase. Please read all the details here to receive $150 OFF!
This is a personal referral. I refer you, and you get $150 OFF at LaserAway, and I’ll get a discount on my next service. Once you receive your first LaserAway treatment, you can refer your friends too! So, thank you friend!
Please note: This referral link will show you’re getting a $100 discount, but it’s $150 as I’m a VIP/Premium member. Make sure to get your extra $50 by letting them know.
Click on the link/button below for my LaserAway referral!
Couple tips: Once you sign-up, the’ll text and call you for the official services. To get the discount, you may need to tell them who I am again, and here’s enough details for their system:
Kristen McDonald
From: Berkeley, CA
Office Visited: LaserAway Emeryville
Services Received: IPL and Botox
I received my first Botox on 10/31/22
Jot the above down on a sticky note in-case you need it!
Lastly… You could be eligible for AN ADDITIONAL $100 OFF on your Birthday Month. If it’s your birthday month, simply let them know when they call/text. LaserAway will also let you know of any sales when they call/text before your service charge.
If you felt this article was helpful, it took years to curate with pictures and a week to write out. Let’s share the support for IPL for acne with the shared referral.
Best of luck in your new adventure, with less acne!
