The face is usually our first introduction to the world. It is the initial point of contact that lets others see who we are before we say a word. It isn’t surprising that there are so many products, cosmetic procedures, treatments, and DIY options available out there promoting clear skin.
We want to look in the mirror and be blemish-free. Touching our skin and having a smooth surface underneath our fingertips is what we aim for. Cosmetic procedures including laser skin resurfacing and microdermabrasion might be over the top for some. While a brown sugar scrub might be a little too do-it-yourself for other tastes. A modern, innovative method that’s been growing in popularity since the ‘90s is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) photofacial.
IPL photofacial has taken the cosmetic world by storm for multiple reasons. And, those who try this treatment report satisfying results. This non-invasive technique could be your answer to achieving supple, clean skin. Keep reading to learn all about it.
What Is IPL Photofacial?
IPL photofacial (also known as Pulsed Light Therapy), involves intense light pulses deeply penetrating the skin. Let’s break that down. A handheld device emitting broad spectrum light is used on the skin. Instead of focusing on the surface, this treatment reaches into the skin’s deep layers.
The treatment takes 30 - 90 minutes and there is slight discomfort. However, any swelling or redness as a result of the treatment, is short-term.
IPL photofacial isn’t a quick fix. You won’t see drastic results immediately after leaving the treatment facility. Don’t be dismayed though. Expect gradual results in the weeks after your first treatment.
How Does It Work?
The IPL photofacial process is an interesting one. By targeting the skin’s lower layers, the treatment allows for the dissolution of damaged skin. This in turn stimulates collagen production.
You must have already heard of collagen at some point. Even if you aren’t sure what it is or what it does. Collagen is an important element for our skin, maintaining the look of overall glowing health so many crave. That’s why collagen injections and other similar treatments, are so popular.
Collagen is the major structural protein that creates connective tissue. That’s why collagen stimulation via IPL Photofacial is effective.
What Is IPL Photofacial Treatment Good For?
IPL photofacial treatment is great for a number of skin-related issues. With multiple sessions, these problems either completely disappear or are greatly reduced.
Here are some of the skin problems it works for:
IPL photofacial treatment works for all these and more. The results are plumper, healthier looking skin.
Who Should Consider IPL Photofacial Treatment?
As IPL photofacial treatment covers a number of skin issues, it can be a consideration for many people. This includes those with discolored, blotchy, or sun-damaged skin. Or, if there is wrinkling, or other age-related skin issues. It also works for those with freckles or oversized pores.
The best IPL photofacial treatment candidates are those with untanned, fair skin. Skin that has some elasticity is ideal. As full results can take 3 - 5 months or more with continuous treatments, it is important that candidates have realistic expectations about the procedure.
If you have rosacea for example, as mentioned before, IPL photofacial treatment is not an end-all cure. But, it does have the potential to clear up redness caused by rosacea. Severe leftover acne scars, deep wrinkling, and other more prominent skin issues, might not be solved with this treatment. In these cases, you can consider more intense procedures.
However, in cases where IPL photofacial treatment matches an ideal candidate, everything from discoloration elimination, tone and skin texture improvement, and more, is possible.
Who Should Not Use IPL Photofacial Treatment?
While those with white, fair skin are ideal candidates for IPL Photofacial treatment, individuals with darker pigmentation may want to consider other options.
If you are of Italian, Greek, or African-American descent for instance, you should consult with a dermatologist before choosing IPL photofacial treatment.
Naturally-tanned, or darker skin might experience a change in pigmentation after treatment. Your medical advisor will be able to tell you what to expect and what other options are available for your skin tone.
You should not have IPL photofacial treatments if you:
What to Expect During Treatment?
If it’s your first IPL photofacial treatment, you may feel some apprehension. However, your practitioner and general surroundings should make you feel more comfortable over time.
As a non-invasive treatment, you don’t have much to worry about. It’s such quick and painless a process, that you’ll be done and out of there before you know it. While in the treatment room, you’ll be given special eye-protection to wear during the treatment. Remember, this is a laser treatment, so precautions must be taken.
The procedure goes something like this:
Some cosmetic surgeons or medical professionals will give you a cold pack to apply for 5 - 10 minutes. This is to aid with any swelling.
Your face will redden after the treatment and you may be tempted to wear makeup to cover up. This is not advised. It’s recommended that makeup application is delayed for at least a few hours.
What Are the Risks Of IPL Photofacial Treatment?
Any new treatment, invasive or non-invasive, should be met with a healthy level of safety concern.
Unfortunately there are things that can go wrong with the simplest procedures. It’s important that you arm yourself with detailed knowledge, before having any new treatment done.
IPL photofacial treatments should be performed by a plastic surgeon that is board-certified, or a medical professional. There’s no need to risk health and safety, just because it seems like a relatively straightforward procedure.
Being upfront and honest with your medical care professional, can also help prevent unfortunate results during or after treatment.
Most IPL photofacial side effects are short term. These could include: increased visibility of capillaries, minor redness, and swelling. These all generally go away within a few hours after treatment.
Here are potential long-term associated risks:
Reports of these potential long-term side effects have been rare. That said, don’t skip the step of a proper consultation and getting all the information needed, before having an IPL photofacial treatment.
IPL Photofacial Treatment Reviews
IPL photofacial treatment appears to have generally glowing reviews. Individuals are usually satisfied with their results, and make recommendations for others to try it.
For some, one of the highlights is there is no on-the-spot skin removal as with other methods. These can include microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Another plus is the procedure is relatively cheap compared to other cosmetic options. Prices generally don’t top $600.
IPL is an easy procedure, with little discomfort throughout, and can fit into even the busiest schedules because of how quick it is to perform.
There are glowing comments and video reviews featuring client experiences at various centers that offer IPL photofacial treatment.
Check out some successful candidates and their results:
When Mrs Barron chose Envy MedSpa for her treatment, she couldn’t have been happier with the results. After her skin was prepped the aesthetician Dawn Matthews got to work. As you can see in the first picture, Mrs Barron originally had multiple brown spots on her skin. As time passed they flaked off, leaving her skin looking clean and clear. Not months later, she’s reported an absence of broken capillaries around her nose, and a reduction in pore size.
Nancy on the other hand tried her luck with Sona Medspa. She loved the friendly staff, but was even more overjoyed by the procedure. She reported that within 24-hours, not only was her appearance improved by at least 75%, but the the brown spots on her face had all but disappeared. These results made Nancy so happy, she was even brought to tears.
Conclusion
As far as non-invasive skin treatment therapies go, IPL photofacial treatment is the leader of the pack. Standout features include: no going under the knife, relatively inexpensive procedure, quick recovery times, no downtime after treatment, and consistent results for ideal candidates. All this and more make IPL photofacial treatment an option to consider for your skin rejuvenation needs.