A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving bodily safety during exposure to an intense pulsed light source by diverging the light, such as with a diffuser. At a first position of the distal end of the light source the energy density of exit light from the distal end is substantially equal to the energy density of the light required for desired applications, such as effecting an aesthetic improvement without appearance of purpura or scarring, and at a second position of the distal end the radiance of the light emitted therefrom is significantly less than the radiance of the intense pulsed light. Eye safety is further enhanced by attaching at least one element of adjustable opacity to the handpiece of the light source, so that subcutaneously backscattered light may be absorbed by the at least one element.