Skin rejuvenation using intense pulsed light - A randomized controlled split face trial with blinded response evaluation

A split-face trial involved three IPL treatments of rhytids on one side of the face and no treatments on the other. Several parameters saw significant improvement with limited side effects.

PubMed Reference:Hedelund L, et al. Arch Dermatol. 2006 Aug;142(8):985-90.

Study Details:

  • 32 females with mean age 47 years, Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-III and class I or II rhytids
  • Randomized split-face design: no treatment on one side vs. 3 IPL treatments (530-750 nm, PR applicator) at 1-month intervals on the opposite side of the face: 10x48-mm spot size; 2.5-ms double pulses with 10-ms delay; fluence 7.5-8.5 J/cm2
  • Blinded clinical evaluation, by an independent physician, of skin texture, rhytids, telangiectasia and irregular pigmentation, based on 4-point scale: no difference, mild difference, moderate difference or marked difference

Study Results:

  • Statistically significant improvement (p<0.006) in skin texture on treated side at 1, 3 and 9 months
  • Statistically significant improvement (p<0.001) of telangiectasias on treated side at 1 and 9 months
  • Statistically significant improvement (p<0.03) of irregular pigmentation on treated side at 1 and 9 months
  • All patients showed darkening of lentigines and freckles during the 1st week after treatment
  • 1 case of crusting on the chin that developed into an atrophic scar
  • No purpura or pigmentary changes
  • Long-term improvement of skin texture, telangiectasias and irregular pigmentation