IPL Photofacials
What is IPL or Intense Pulsed Light Therapy?
IPL or Intense Pulsed Light Therapy is used to treat various skin concerns like sun damage, wrinkles, age spots, or stretch marks. IPL is often referred to as Photorejuvenation or Photofacial.
There are two different types of Photofacials: IPL and LED. The only difference between the two therapies is the light being used for the treatment. IPL uses intense pulsed light, while LED uses light-emitting diodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
IPL Photofacials, better known as Pulsed Light Therapy, uses a handheld device that emits pulses of broad-spectrum light into the skin during treatments. This type of therapy treats the deepest layer of the skin, making it the perfect way to heal sun damage, broken capillaries, and other skin impurities.
Both types of Photofacials, IPL and LED, involve using light on the skin. IPL Photofacials allow for more deep action as the pulsing light can penetrate the skin more effectively.
IPL Photofacial light is absorbed by the hemoglobin and the melanin in the skin. Photofacials are meant to damage the treatment area intentionally. The damaged melanin will break apart where the skin then absorbs it. This process will decrease the appearance of melanin on the skin’s surface. The damaged hemoglobin will act as a stimulator to the blood flow, helping the melanin be absorbed more efficiently into the skin.
Photofacials can treat a variety of skin blemishes and pigmentation issues. It can also treat:
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Hyperpigmentation
- Freckles
- Broken vessels
- Spider veins
- Rosacea
- Sunspots
A cold gel will be applied to your face, as well as a pair of dark glasses over your eyes to protect them during treatment. Once this is done, your provider will begin treating your skin with a handpiece that features a cold, smooth surface. They will move this around the skin while it admits the pulsing light into the skin.
Photofacials are usually done in a series. Each treatment will last 20 minutes to 1 hour. The total time depends on your skin. Most patients have between 3 to 6 treatments over a month.
Most patients believe IPL is confined to the face, but there are several different treatment areas.
Other popular treatment areas include:
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Back
- Hands
After your treatment, you can expect to have smoother skin. You will also notice a more even tone and texture.
Many factors will affect Photofacial results. Sun exposure, genetics, and age are among some of the factors that will affect how long your treatment results last. Most patients report seeing the benefits of Photofacials for 6 to 12 months after their treatment.