Will repeated Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment sessions affect facial skin sensitivity? Results of a twelve-Month, prospective, randomized split-face study.

Abstract

Despite the widespread use of intense pulsed light (IPL) technology in cosmetic dermatology, the effects of its repeated use on facial skin sensitivity in healthy individuals remains unknown. Seventeen healthy female volunteers were included in the study. We measured objective biophysical parameters of the skin, including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin glossiness, thickness and density of the epidermis and dermis, sensory nerve current perception threshold (CPT), and regional blood flow before and after treatment at different time points. Sixteen volunteers completed a follow-up of 12months. The treated side of the face showed a decreased TEWL on D1 and D3, which reverted to normal on D7. Epidermal thickness increased and skin glossiness decreased on the treated side on D1, but returned to normal on D3. We found no statistically significant differences in CPT values or in regional blood flow volume and velocity, with the exception of D1, which exhibited a higher regional blood flow volume on the treated side. Repeated IPL treatments had no effects on facial skin barrier function, skin nerve sensitivity, or local microcirculation among healthy individuals. IPL is a safe skin care procedure that does not affect skin sensitivity.