IPL systems work on the same principles as lasers in that light energy is absorbed into particular target cells with color (chromophores) in the skin. The light energy is converted to heat energy, which causes damage to the specific target area.

IPL photo-facial procedure differs from the lasers in utilizing many wavelengths (or colors) in each pulse of light instead of just one wavelength. With the use of filters most IPL systems are able to provide the exact amount of energy output that is required for specific treatment of the affected area. This helps to enhance penetration and avoids the use of excessive energy reaching to the target tissue preventing any damage.

Photo-facial treatment is considered a non-ablative resurfacing technique in a way that it targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) without affecting the top layers of skin (epidermis). The results are not as dramatic as ablative resurfacing where both the dermis and epidermis are injured to produce a much more noticeable overall outcome.