Efficacy and self-reported side reactions of intense pulsed light treatment for photoaging in a cohort of 217 patients

In recent years, intense pulsed light (IPL) has been widely used in cosmetics. Most studies have focused on the efficacy of IPL and considered it to be both effective and safe; however, some adverse reactions may be ignored in clinical practice. We enrolled 217 patients to analyze their reactions to IPL treatment combined with clinical observation and self-report, and every patient received three full-face treatments one month apart. The overall and significant efficacy rates were 65.9% and 33.2%, respectively. The main adverse reactions to IPL treatment included pain, facial flushing, skin scabs, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, acne-like rashes, and drier facial skin. We believe that treatment parameters, particularly energy, play an important role in the occurrence of adverse reactions. In conclusion, IPL should be considered for patients based on its efficacy and mild reactions, but the possibility of severe adverse reactions must not be ignored.