When I first began my journey as a transgender woman, I knew there would be changes—emotional, physical, and social—that would come with transition. One thing I didn’t expect, though, was how much my skin would change once I started hormone replacement therapy (HRT). What began as a personal quest to minimize unwanted body hair led me to discover a fascinating tool that has transformed how I care for my skin: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL).
Initially, I bought an at-home IPL device for hair reduction. If you’re like me, you know how dysphoria over body hair can feel overwhelming. Reducing that hair helped me feel more aligned with my true self. But during my ongoing research, I stumbled upon something surprising—IPL can also help with liver spots, hyperpigmentation, acne, and overall skin rejuvenation. And like many of us on HRT, I’ve noticed that my skin became more delicate, prone to discoloration, and—frankly—a little more high-maintenance. Suddenly, my little IPL device seemed like a miracle tool.
But as I learned more, I discovered that while at-home IPL devices can be useful, they have limitations. I want to share everything I’ve learned, especially for my fellow trans individuals who are also experiencing the skin changes that come with transition. Whether you’re on HRT or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), this guide is for you.
Why This Article Is Specifically for Transgender Individuals
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) significantly alters your skin in many ways, depending on whether you’re on estrogen and anti-androgens or testosterone. These changes can make common skin concerns like body hair, hyperpigmentation, acne, and aging signs more pronounced—or different from what you’re used to. Here’s why:
- Estrogen & Anti-Androgens (Transfeminine Individuals):
Your skin may become thinner, softer, and more sensitive. This often brings a reduction in oil production (yay, less acne!) but also makes you more prone to sun damage, liver spots, and discoloration. Body hair may reduce over time, but not always completely. IPL can be a valuable tool for hair removal and improving skin texture. - Testosterone (Transmasculine Individuals):
Testosterone often causes increased oil production, which can lead to acne and thicker body hair. Some trans men also experience pigmentation issues or uneven skin tone due to testosterone’s impact on the skin. IPL can help manage acne, reduce body hair, and even out skin tone.
Understanding these changes can help you make more informed decisions about your skin care routine—and IPL is one tool that might help.
What Is IPL and How Does It Work?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a non-invasive treatment that uses broad-spectrum light to target pigment in the skin. It’s different from lasers, which use a focused beam of light on a specific wavelength. IPL emits multiple wavelengths, allowing it to treat a wider range of skin concerns, from hair reduction to hyperpigmentation and redness.
The way IPL works is relatively simple:
- For hair removal: The light targets the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle, heating it up and damaging the follicle to reduce future growth.
- For pigmentation and liver spots: It breaks down excess melanin in dark spots, causing them to flake off over time.
- For vascular lesions and redness: IPL targets hemoglobin in the blood vessels, shrinking and reducing the appearance of broken capillaries and redness.
- For overall skin rejuvenation: It stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture, and reducing fine lines.
My Personal Experience with IPL for Liver Spots and Hair Reduction
Like many of us, I’ve spent more time in the sun than I care to admit, and as I’ve aged, those pesky liver spots (solar lentigines) have appeared on my face and hands. They’re small, brownish spots caused by years of accumulated sun exposure. Once I realized IPL could treat these spots in addition to hair removal, I was intrigued.
I began using my at-home IPL device on my face, cautiously starting with the lowest setting. After a few treatments, I noticed that some spots darkened before flaking off. Over time, they faded. The results weren’t as dramatic as a professional IPL session, but they were noticeable enough to boost my confidence.
As for hair removal, the results were even more rewarding. It took several months, but the hair on my legs and arms became significantly thinner and lighter. While the device wasn’t a magic wand that removed all my body hair, it made me feel more comfortable in my own skin.
RELATED: The Frustrating Fuzz: A Trans Woman’s Guide to Facial Hair
The Many Uses of IPL Beyond Hair Removal
Through my research, I discovered that IPL isn’t just for hair reduction or fading liver spots. Here are some other incredible uses for IPL:
- Acne and Acne Scarring: IPL can reduce acne-causing bacteria and calm inflamed skin, making it an excellent option for those struggling with hormonal acne on testosterone. It’s less effective for deep scarring but can help with red or pigmented acne scars.
- Rosacea and Facial Redness: If you experience redness or flushing, IPL can target the dilated blood vessels that cause this. Professional treatments are more effective for this than at-home devices, but some users see mild improvement at home.
- Sun Damage and Hyperpigmentation: Liver spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone are common concerns for those on estrogen-based HRT. IPL can help reduce sun damage, restoring a more even complexion.
- Skin Rejuvenation: Regular IPL treatments can improve overall skin texture, reduce fine lines, and stimulate collagen. This can be a fantastic option if you’re looking to maintain a youthful, glowing complexion.
At-Home IPL vs. Professional Treatments: What’s the Difference?
While at-home IPL devices are more accessible than ever, there are some key differences between what you can achieve at home versus in a professional setting.
| Feature | At-Home IPL | Professional IPL |
|---|---|---|
| Intensity | Lower power, safer for regular use | Higher power, more effective |
| Number of Sessions | More sessions required | Fewer sessions, faster results |
| Skin Concerns Treated | Hair reduction, mild pigmentation | Hair reduction, pigmentation, redness, acne, skin rejuvenation |
| Safety for Dark Skin | Not recommended for darker skin | Can be adjusted for darker skin tones by trained professionals |
| Cost | Lower initial cost ($200–$500) | More expensive per session ($150–$500 per treatment) |
If you’re considering IPL for more serious concerns—like rosacea, vascular lesions, or severe hyperpigmentation—a professional consultation is the safest and most effective option.
Safety Tips for Using At-Home IPL
If you decide to try an at-home IPL device, here are some safety tips to ensure the best results:
- Patch Test First: Always test a small area before using IPL on a larger section of your skin.
- Avoid Tanned or Sunburned Skin: IPL can cause burns or hyperpigmentation if used on recently sun-exposed skin.
- Use Sunscreen: After IPL, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
- Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Each device is different, so stick to the recommended settings and frequency.
- Be Cautious with Darker Skin: Many at-home devices are not safe for darker skin tones due to the risk of burns or discoloration.
When Professional Treatments Are Worth It
While I’ve had positive experiences with my at-home IPL device, there are times when a professional treatment is the better choice. If you’re struggling with stubborn pigmentation, vascular lesions, or severe acne, a dermatologist or licensed professional can tailor treatments to your specific skin needs. Trans-friendly clinics are becoming more common, and finding a practitioner who understands the unique needs of transgender individuals can make all the difference.
The Bottom Line
For me, IPL became more than just a beauty treatment—it became an important part of my self-care and self-acceptance. Transitioning is about so much more than physical changes, but there’s no denying that feeling comfortable in your own skin matters. Whether you’re reducing body hair, fading liver spots, or simply learning to care for your skin differently, it’s all part of embracing who you are.
If you’re considering IPL, start with research, proceed with caution, and—most importantly—listen to your body. You deserve to feel good in your skin, no matter where you are in your journey.
Have you tried IPL treatments? Share your experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, dermatologist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, skincare treatment, or hormone therapy. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
