18/08/2026
Burns From IPL
IPL can be useful for certain skin concerns, but like any energy-based treatment, the device and settings need to be appropriate for the patient's skin type.
IPL works by delivering light energy that is absorbed by melanin. In darker skin types, there is naturally more melanin in the surrounding skin, which means more energy can potentially be absorbed where we don't want it. If excessive heat builds up, this can result in a burn.
When this happens, you may see complications such as:
Burns, blistering or scabbing
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), where the skin becomes darker
Hypopigmentation, where areas of the skin become lighter
Prolonged redness and inflammation
This is why assessing the skin before treatment matters. Skin type, baseline pigmentation, the condition being treated, choice of device and energy settings all influence how safely the skin responds. A treatment that is suitable for one skin type may carry a very different risk profile for another.
If a burn does occur, don't rush into trying to correct the pigmentation immediately. The priority is to allow the skin to heal properly first, ideally with appropriate medical assessment, before addressing any remaining pigmentation changes.
🎥 In this video, Dr Chiam explains why burns can occur after IPL and why proper skin assessment and treatment selection matter.
Tel: +65 6836 2833
Whatsapp: +65 8798 2892
Email: [email protected]
For more information, visit www.ensoulclinic.com