Possibilities of IPL technology application in the treatment of patients with acne: review and personal clinical experience

High-energy methods for acne treatment, particularly intense pulsed light (IPL), are gaining increasing popularity in dermatology and esthetic medicine. This review analyzes data on the use of IPL in acne therapy. A systematic search of scientific publications over the past 20 years was conducted, focusing on various IPL application strategies and their effects on the main pathogenic mechanisms of acne. The role of IPL in modulating the skin microbiome and immune response is noted. Evidence is presented confirming the effectiveness of IPL both as monotherapy and in combination with systemic and topical medications. The authors’ own clinical experience in using a combination treatment method for the papulopustular form of mild-to-moderate acne in 28 women aged 18 to 45 years, involving a fixed-dose combination drug (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) along with phototherapy using broad-spectrum non-coherent light (wavelength range 400–1200 nm), demonstrated a significant reduction in the total dermatological symptom severity index by 82.8% and an improvement in the dermatology life quality index by 80.5%, indicating high efficacy and good tolerability of the therapy. The conducted analytical research and clinical experience support the feasibility of combining IPL with systemic and topical therapies for acne treatment and underscore the need for further research aimed at optimizing acne therapy and developing standardized practical guidelines.