IPL vs Vbeam: Which is Best for You?

Are you looking to rejuvenate your skin?

As we age, we will all experience the growth of wrinkles, a loss of firmness, and clarity in our skin. If you’re looking to restore your skin’s youthfulness and seek natural-looking results, laser therapy is a great option for you!

Laser photo facials are some of the hottest treatments on the market at the moment. These treatments use wavelengths of light from a laser to penetrate the skin deeply. The light will disrupt troublesome cells and heat the skin to stimulate collagen production. It also minimizes wrinkles, improves textural irregularities, and firms the skin.

It’s completely non-invasive, requires little to no recovery time, and is virtually painless.

With so many options available on the market, how do you know what is the most suitable choice for you? We’re here to help you understand the difference between two of the most popular laser treatments on the market.

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a light-based rejuvenation facial. It addresses skin concerns through photo thermolysis. A laser uses light energy to penetrate the deeper layer of the skin (dermis) without harming or burning the top layer (epidermis). This light emits heat which will treat unwanted skin cells that the body will purge over time. It also stimulates the body’s collagen production to reveal healthier skin over time.

This type of treatment is suitable for individuals who suffer from:

Sun damage
Hyperpigmentation
Repair broken capillaries
Fine lines and wrinkles
Age spots
Rosacea
Acne
Uneven skin tone and/or texture

This treatment can be used all over the face, neck, hands, and chest. Clients should receive, on average, between three to six treatments scheduled at least four weeks apart for best results.

Patience is key with IPL. Most clients will not see results immediately after the first treatment. It will take about a week for results to become apparent, and a full six to eight weeks to see full results.

IPL treatments tend to be less expensive than most laser treatments. However, the final cost of the treatment will depend on the experience level of your provider, your location, and the size of the treated area. At the moment, it ranges on average from $350 to $650 in the United States.

If you decide to book an appointment, your provider will discuss a conclusive list of risks with you. The potential side effects are generally minor and temporary. However, the most common risks include, but are not limited to:

Redness or swelling
Burns or blistering
Hypopigmentation
Scarring

Following both pre and post-treatment instructions will minimize the likeliness of these side effects. You should avoid IPL laser treatments if you have taken Accutane in the last six months and/or are pregnant.

VBeam

VBeam, made by Candela, laser therapy is also a light-based rejuvenation facial. It is a pulsed-dye laser (PDL). Similar to IPL, the laser penetrates the dermis to tackle skin issues from within.

However, this particular treatment is better suited to skin conditions related to blood vessel irregularities and vascular lesions. The laser used in VBeam treatments releases a gentle but powerful burst of yellow light. When this wavelength is absorbed by blood vessels, they collapse. The damage does not extend past the treated area.

This type of treatment is suitable for individuals who suffer from:

Sunspots
Veins
Acne scars
Rosacea
Fine lines
Loss of firmness
Stretch marks

This treatment can be used all over the face, neck, hands, chest, and legs. For best results, most clients should receive between five to seven treatments scheduled at least four weeks apart. Most clients will see changes immediately after the first session, but it will take several sessions for drastic results. The results for VBeam treatments can be permanent, but it depends on how VBeam laser treatments tend to be less expensive than most laser treatments. However, the final cost of the treatment will depend on the experience level of your provider, your location, and the size of the treated area. At the moment, it ranges from $385 to $550 per session in the United States.

Redness or swelling
Burns or blistering
Hypopigmentation
Scarring

Following both pre and post-treatment instructions will minimize the likeliness of these side effects. Avoid VBeam treatments if you are pregnant or have used Accutane within the past six months.

What’s the difference between Vbeam and IPL?

Both IPL and VBeam are excellent treatments. Both can tackle many skin concerns, reduce redness, and stimulate collagen production. But, one may be better suited for your particular needs.

VBeam’s yellow-colored light specifically tackles vascular irregularities in the skin. It is more suited to tackle skin conditions with redness, specifically such as red splotches.

Ideal candidates for VBeam will have fair to olive-colored skin. The melanin in deeper skin tones tends to block the wavelength of the beam. If vascular issues causing redness are your biggest concern, VBeam may be suited for you.

If freckles, sunspots, or a combination or red & brown skin discoloration is your primary concern, then IPL is a better choice for you. This treatment is better suited for patients with minor to moderate skin concerns.

Book a consultation today!

If you’re ready to rejuvenate your skin, these laser facial treatments are an excellent way to help get your dream skin.

It’s non-invasive, requires little to no recovery time, and some individuals will see results quickly! You deserve to look and feel your best.

So, what are you waiting for? Now that you know more about IPL and VBeam, you should better understand which treatment is a better fit for you. However, it is still essential to seek guidance from a licensed professional.

Schedule a consultation with a provider to get started on your journey to beautiful skin!