Photofacials work on which skin tones?

Skin tone is one of the first things to settle before an IPL photofacial, including for readers in St. Johns, Florida. The published guidance is specific about who is a good candidate.

Who the guidance names as candidates

UT Southwestern Medical Center says ideal candidates for IPL treatments are those who have light to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick scores I–III).

Who the guidance cautions

The same page adds a caution. UT Southwestern Medical Center says patients with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick scores IV–VI) or conditions like melasma may not be good candidates, as IPL can cause hyperpigmentation or worsen existing discoloration.

The smallest sign to look for

The earliest sign to watch is new or deepening discoloration in the treated area. UT Southwestern Medical Center names hyperpigmentation and worsening discoloration as the outcomes to be concerned about, so a darker patch after a visit is worth reporting before the next one.

More on the procedure and its light source

Penn Medicine Cosmetic Services has a photofacial page that describes the procedure. The paper on unconventional uses of intense pulsed light is a research read on the light source. DermNet has a page on pulsed dye laser treatment, a different treatment, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists the dermabrasion procedure steps for a different procedure again.

Asking for your Fitzpatrick score

Before booking, ask which Fitzpatrick score your provider assigns you and how they would respond if discoloration appears after a session. Keep photographs from before the first visit so any change is easy to see.