ICON™ IPL: A Powerful Solution for Sun Damage, Redness & Uneven Skin Tone

Living in Sonoma County means enjoying sunshine, vineyards, and beautiful outdoor living—but it also means increased exposure to UV rays. At Redwood Empire Dermatology, our Cynosure Palomar Icon™ IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment is one of the most effective ways to reverse unwanted signs of sun damage and restore a brighter, more even complexion.

Icon IPL is a non-invasive, customizable light-based treatment that targets brown spots, redness, visible blood vessels, and uneven skin tone with little to no downtime.

What Is ICON™ IPL?

Icon IPL is an advanced Intense Pulsed Light system that uses multiple wavelengths of light to gently treat pigmentation and vascular concerns. It is often referred to as a photofacial because of how dramatically it improves skin clarity and brightness.

Unlike traditional lasers—built around one wavelength—IPL uses a broad spectrum, allowing it to treat several skin issues at once.

What Concerns Can ICON IPL Treat?

Our board-certified dermatology team uses IPL to address a wide range of common skin concerns, including:

Sun damage & brown spots
Freckles, age spots, and uneven pigmentation from years of California sun.
Facial redness & rosacea
IPL helps reduce flushing, broken capillaries, and persistent redness.
Visible blood vessels (telangiectasias)
Treats small facial veins around the nose, cheeks, and chin.
Uneven skin tone & dullness
Improves overall clarity and brightness.
Poikiloderma of Civatte
A common condition causing redness and discoloration on the neck and chest.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
From acne or other skin injuries (depending on skin type).

IPL is safe for many skin types, though not all—your provider will determine if you are a good candidate.

How Does the Treatment Work?

During an IPL session, the Icon device delivers gentle pulses of light into the skin. The light is absorbed by pigment and blood vessels, which heat up and break into tiny particles. These particles gradually rise to the surface and naturally slough off over several days.

Most patients describe the sensation as a quick “snap,” similar to a rubber band.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

During the treatment:

Sessions typically take 15–30 minutes.
Protective goggles are worn.
Mild warmth or snapping may be felt.

After treatment:

Brown spots may temporarily darken before flaking away (a normal and expected response).
Redness or mild swelling may last a few hours.
Makeup can usually be worn the next day.
Sun protection is essential for the following weeks.

Most patients see their best results after a series of 3–5 treatments, spaced about one month apart.

Why Choose Redwood Empire Dermatology for IPL?

Our dermatologists and trained laser providers use the Icon IPL safely and effectively by tailoring settings to your skin’s unique needs. Because we are a full-service dermatology practice, patients receive medically responsible, customized care—not a one-size-fits-all spa approach.

Who Is a Good Candidate for ICON IPL?

IPL works best for patients with:

Light to medium skin tones
Sun damage
Redness or visible veins
Brown spots or pigmentation
Early signs of aging

Those with darker skin types may be better suited for alternative laser treatments—our team will guide you.

Schedule an ICON IPL Consultation

If you’re ready to reduce sun damage, brighten your complexion, and restore an even skin tone, our providers at Redwood Empire Dermatology are here to help. We offer IPL at our Hoen Ave Santa Rosa locations with experienced, highly trained staff.