Broad-spectrum IPL/IPDL phototherapy is a treatment that, instead of masking imperfections, works with what underlies them in the skin: clusters of pigment, dilated capillaries and slowing collagen production. A single session can combine several goals, and the skin usually needs no time off from daily activities. Below we explain how this technology differs from a laser, how it works and who it is for.
At Studio AP, broadband light runs on the Super Veloce 4800® device, and the offer is split into separate protocols: full cellular rejuvenation with even skin tone, cellular rejuvenation and thermal lifting, pigmentation and melasma reduction and redness and vascular lesion reduction. The scope and number of sessions are matched during qualification.
How does broad-spectrum phototherapy differ from a laser?
Traditional lasers act like single-note instruments - they emit a focused beam of light at one specific wavelength, targeting, for example, hair or deeper lines. Broad-spectrum IPL/IPDL phototherapy is more like a whole orchestra. The device delivers filtered pulses of broad-spectrum light (400-1400 nm). In practice, one session can target pigmentation, calm redness, reduce the appearance of dilated capillaries and stimulate collagen production. This allows several concerns to be addressed within one treatment plan.
How does this technology work?
The key to the treatment’s effectiveness is the principle of selective photothermolysis. This means that the light penetrates the skin and is absorbed only by specific targets (chromophores): melanin (the dark pigment in sun or hormonal spots) and haemoglobin (the red pigment in broken capillaries). Under the influence of the absorbed energy, damaged pigment cells and leaky vessels undergo controlled destruction and are naturally cleared by the body. Modern IPL/IPDL systems are equipped with advanced cut-off filters and integrated contact cooling with a sapphire crystal. Thanks to this, parameters can be matched to almost any skin phototype and the sensation of warmth is limited. As with any light-based treatment, reactions are possible: redness, temporary darkening of pigmentation and, less often, blisters or pigment changes. This is why qualification and following the aftercare instructions are essential.
Cellular rejuvenation - what does science say?
The term “cellular rejuvenation” refers to observations from research on broad-spectrum light, including work by a team at Stanford University. It describes a shift in the gene-expression profile of skin cells after a series of treatments: pathways linked to collagen and elastin synthesis are more strongly expressed, those linked to inflammation less so. This is a research finding about how cells behave, not a promise of biological rejuvenation of the skin or of a specific visible result. In practice it means gradual support for skin quality and firmness, built over a series and visible to a different degree in different people.
Who is this treatment for?
This treatment is aimed at people seeking a broad improvement in skin condition without social downtime. We recommend it in particular for:
- uneven skin tone, sunspots, and melasma,
- redness (both transient and persistent in the course of rosacea),
- broken capillaries (telangiectasia),
- loss of skin firmness and elasticity (early and more advanced signs of ageing).
Thanks to the flexible selection of filters, we can adjust parameters to almost any skin phototype. Whether the treatment is right for you is decided during qualification, which covers your medical history, medication, skin condition and the time of year.
Frequently asked questions
Can the treatment be performed in summer?
Yes! Many myths have arisen around light treatments and seasons. Modern broad-spectrum phototherapy protocols allow for safe work during the summer months too. However, the key condition is strict daily photoprotection (SPF 50 sunscreen) and avoiding intense direct sun exposure (like sunbathing) for a few weeks before and after the session.
When will I see the first results?
First subtle changes, such as a refreshed skin tone, begin to appear after the initial regeneration of the epidermis. The full effect of the treatment, including a reduction in the visibility of capillaries, brightening of pigmentation, and improved skin tension, develops gradually and is visible after about a month. For optimal and long-lasting results, a series of 3-4 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart is usually recommended.
