How You Can Benefit from an IPL Photofacial

Are you looking to give your skin a fresh start? If exfoliation and topical creams just aren’t doing it for you, it might be time to consider professional skin resurfacing. Skin resurfacing treatments such as an IPL Photofacial, can help people from all ages achieve a better skin tone and texture.

How IPL Photofacials Work

IPL stands for “intense pulsed light.” During an IPL Photofacial, a light-emitting device is precisely calibrated to target specific skin concerns or to deliver a comprehensive full-face rejuvenation. The pulses of light are then absorbed by the melanin (pigment) and red blood cells in the skin, generating heat. This heat imitates an injury, but it won’t cause any lasting damage. The purpose of an IPL device is to activate the skins natural healing process without harming any delicate dermal tissue. IPL treatments should not cause scarring, infection, or any other complications when administered by a professional.

Your skin will then start to try to repair itself by shedding the dull, damaged outer layer and form a vibrant, new layer of skin. Throughout this process, skin-firming proteins, such as collagen and elastic, are produced in large quantities, alleviating some of the effects of age-related collagen loss. The light from the IPL laser also breaks down dark pigmented areas inside age spots and freckles, giving you more even skin.

IPL laser treatments use a poly-chromatic (broad spectrum) light to work their magic. This kind of light is made up of different wavelengths. By adjusting the wavelengths of light emitted during the IPL laser treatment, our specialist can calibrate the IPL Photofacial to react with specific skin conditions. The adjustable nature of this laser makes IPL Photofacials easy to customize to any skin concern. IPL lasers can be used to treat just one issue or address multiple issues at once.

7 Benefits of an IPL Photofacial

With so many options out there for skin resurfacing services, it can be confusing knowing which treatment will be best for you and your skins needs. If you are curious how photo rejuvenation compares to other treatments such as chemical peels, reviewing the benefits of an IPL Photofacial is good place to start. Below are seven of the top reasons our patients choose an IPL Photofacial. Alternatively, during your initial consultation for your treatment you will have time to discuss if it’s the right treatment for you and ask any questions you might have for Dr. Usha, Vina Laser Med Spa’s professional aesthetician.

1. It’s the best way to treat sun damaged skin

When you start aging, the sun quickly becomes your worst enemy. Most of the changes in skin conditions we associate with getting old are from exposure to UV radiation. Sunlight breaks down collagen in the skin, making it weaker and more susceptible to wrinkling and sagging. Sun damage can also cause dark age spots on highly exposed areas like the hands or face. This gives the skin a lined, leathery, weathered look. If you think you look older than you really are, habits such as intentional tanning or spending a lot of time outdoors could be what is to blame.

An IPL Photofacial reduces the effects of UV damage in two ways: First, it penetrates and draws out discolored cells that have formed deep in the dermis. By dissolving these cells, intense pulsed light gets rid of dark age spots and excessive freckling to restore an evenly hydrated complexion. After the first stage of deep exfoliation, next the skin begins to generate a significant amount of new collagen, which replaces collagen stores that have been ruined by the sun. As a result of the healing process, the skin then becomes stronger and more supple. Wrinkles and fine lines may lessen, and many patients also see a reduction in facial sagging. These effects are subtle and do not compare to more aggressive treatments such as a facelift.

2. Photofacials can treat stubborn acne

Intense pulsed light helps attack the cause of acne right at the source and its lasting side effectives such as scarring. IPL Photofacials also kill harmful bacteria and reduces inflammation and visible redness. Repeated Photofacials will encourage your skin to shed and renew its outer layer, a process that gradually removes scar tissue.

We recommend that before you get your IPL Photofacial you should stop using any topical or systemic acne medications for up to six months. Generally, skin resurfacing is only recommended for patients who aren’t experiencing a substantial reduction in acne symptoms through the use of medication alone.

3. Getting regular Photofacials can prevent premature skin aging

Intense pulsed light is unique in its ability to change the structure of your skin cells, making them behave more like young cells. A 10-year study conducted by Stanford University in California demonstrated that having two to three photofacials per year for a decade can positively alter the genes of dermal cells. The genetic expression of aged skin cells treated regularly with intense pulsed light resembles that of young, healthy skin cells. As such, researchers think intense pulsed light can prevent, not just treat, many of the superficial signs of aging.

To get the most out of your IPL Photofacial’s age-fighting properties, its important to know that you should avoid sun exposure, especially in the weeks leading up to and following your IPL treatment. ALL skin resurfacing procedures make your skin temporarily more sensitive to UV radiation, so applying an SPF of at least 50 is a MUST. You also want to try and keep a stable weight, due to weight gain and loss distorts of the skin. Avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking or excessive drinking will also help to preserve the collagen and elastin in your skin.

4. IPL is a great way to eliminate visible veins and capillaries

Due to the intense pulsed light being absorbed efficiently by red blood cells, the IPL Photofacial is one of the best treatments for visible blood vessel abnormalities. Patients use the IPL Photofacial to dissolve broken capillaries and spider veins for a more even, youthful skin color. This procedure is also ideal for treating conditions that cause redness, such as rosacea.

5. The IPL Photofacial pairs well with other non-surgical treatments

The gentle revitalization procedure of the IPL Photofacial can be paired with other non-surgical procedures, especially injectables like Botox or dermal fillers. Botox can reduce the wrinkles in areas where the Photofacial cannot treat, like around the eyes. Dermal fillers enhance the lifting effect of the IPL therapy by replacing facial volume that has been lost with age. These compounds can also fill in any very deep creases that aren’t alleviates by skin resurfacing alone.

6. Photo rejuvenation can be done on multiple areas of the body

Although majority of patients use the IPL Photofacial for facial rejuvenation, it can also renew the skin on the neck, upper chest, shoulders, hands, arms, and legs. If you have sun damage on multiple areas of your body, treating them all with an IPL treatment may give you a more uniformed, youthful look. When you visit Vina Laser Med Spa for your consultation, our specialist Dr. Usha will let you know whether or not this is a good approach for you.

7. Photofacials offer deep rejuvenation with minimal downtime

An IPL Photofacial is powerful enough to access the deeper layers of your dermis but still is gentle enough that it wont cause excessive swelling, redness, or lasting irritation. The pulses of light emitted during IPL therapy is less concentrated than a laser beam, so IPL treatment is much less risky than laser skin resurfacing.

Most who have a Photofacial can apply makeup immediately after their appointment and return to work within 24 to 48 hours. If any side effects do occur after the procedure, it’s usually limited to a very mild redness and skin sensitivity. This lack of downtime makes photo rejuvenation a better alternative to deep chemical peels, which can produce symptoms of redness and flaking for up to two weeks after.

Are there downsides to IPL Laser Treatments?

Although the IPL Photofacial’s ability to target melanin is useful for many applications, it presents a challenge for tanned patients who naturally have dark skin. When applied to darker skin, the light therapies can cause hyperpigmentation or skin lightening. Patients with tanned skin, dark sin, or melasma should consider having a chemical peel instead of photo rejuvenation. If you are concerned with the downtime of a chemical peel, our specialist can use a mild peel formula for painless, rapid healing.

People with certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis might not be the right candidate for an IPL Photofacial either. Patients with these skin conditions should choose skin treatments that wont cause inflammation. IPL treatment is not recommended for use on pregnant women or those with chronic health conditions.

Lastly, if you are interested in in hair removal, you should know that hair removal with IPL may grow back quicker than if you got hair removed by a targeted laser. However, IPL hair removal causes little pain or irritation during treatment, so it is the better option if you are pain sensitive. IPL treatments can also be repeated as necessary to keep unwanted hair growth.

IPL Photofacial Treatment at Vina Laser Med Spa

Having an IPL Photofacial can give you your glow back without discomfort, downtime, or expense. If you think you might be a good candidate for IPL treatment, our aesthetician, Dr. Usha, can give you the guidance you need to make the right choice. Contact Vina Laser Med Spa at 989-791-2020 to schedule your initial IPL Photofacial consultation today!