IPL devices emit a range of light wavelengths rather than a single wavelength like a laser. The advantage of producing a range of light wavelengths is its greater versatility in treating a variety of skin conditions. Different ranges of light can rejuvenate the skin, reduce acne breakouts, remove hair, reduce skin redness, and even improve dry eyes.
An IPL (intense pulsed light) Photofacial is like a gentler, non-ablative version of laser treatments like Profractional or Photodynamic Therapy. Rather than removing skin, it uses pulses of light to penetrate below the skin, causing collagen to grow and blood vessels to shrink. This improves your skin texture and reduces redness, wrinkles, and acne – giving your face a smoother, more radiant look.
IPL Photofacials can be used anywhere on the body so they’re an excellent option for firming crepey skin on the neck, arms, and legs.
Photofacials are a no-downtime option for repairing mild sun damage
Photoaging is another term for sun damage caused by ultraviolet light from the sun and/or tanning beds damaging the skin. Sunlight breaks down the collagen in the skin, making it weaker and causing it to appear leathery and wrinkled with no elasticity, You can see how much damage is caused by comparing the skin in an area exposed to the sun frequently to an area that’s rarely exposed. Signs of sun damage to the skin can start in your twenties, evidenced by decreasing elasticity, uneven pigmentation, visible facial capillaries, and rough skin texture.
Photofacials produce results by breaking up discolored cells and generating new collagen. The skin becomes stronger and some of the elasticity is restored.
IPL treatments and skin color
Since IPL treatments for brown spots target pigmentation, skin that has a lot of pigment or a tan will react like a brown spot, causing the entire area of skin treated to possibly lose its pigment. That’s why people who are deeply tanned, have used a self-tanner in the previous two weeks, or have dark skin that doesn’t get sunburned easily are not good candidates for IPL. Even a tan that’s barely visible can make the difference between a good result and potential complications.
If you know you’re going to tan or be in the sun, it’s best to wait 4-6 weeks after tanning to have an IPL procedure. With self-tanners, it’s best to wait at least two weeks and try to remove any remaining tanner with rubbing alcohol before your IPL treatment. If you arrive for an IPL treatment with a tan we may have to reschedule it for a later date.
For the best results, we recommend starting with a series of three treatments, done about a month apart, with maintenance treatments done at least annually.
The price for a PhotoFacial of the face is $300, and a package of three treatments is $765. If you’d like to find out more about how PhotoFacials can help rejuvenate your skin, schedule a free consultation by registering online here or by calling 727-571-1923.