IPL is short for intense pulsed light. It is a a popular spa treatment that is best-known for its ability to treat conditions like broken capillaries ("spider veins") and the hyper pigmentation ("age spots") caused by sun damage. IPL also stimulates the production of collagen, which plumps up the skin and gives you a fresher look. New IPL machines can also be effective at hair removal.The ideal candidate for IPL is someone with light skin who has sun damage, broken capillaries, and some laxity or lack of firmness, and wants to treat all three conditions at the same time. IPL is sometimes referred to as a photo facial. IPL is not the same as a laser treatment.