IPL can help reduce the appearance of pigmented and vascular birthmarks. Pigmented birthmarks are caused by irregularities in the melanin in the skin whereas vascular birthmarks are the result of blood vessel abnormalities. This treatment helps unwanted blemishes disappear by cutting off the blood supply to vascular birthmarks and breaking up the melanin in pigmented birthmarks. During an IPL treatment, a hand-held device delivers a visible pulse of broad-spectrum light. This light targets the difference in colour from the birthmark and the natural skin complexion. When the light is absorbed, the blood vessels and irregular pigments are heated and destroyed. Light therapy is not as targeted as a fractional laser resurfacing treatment for Birthmark Removal, meaning number and duration of treatments will vary considerably depending on the size and colour of the treated area.