People have options for skin care treatments thanks to medical advances and improvements in cosmetic technologies. For example, laser skin treatments such as IPL therapy have proven to be the most effective cosmetic procedure to treat or correct numerous skin concerns. Spas and skincare centers use IPL therapy to treat various skin issues, thus helping people achieve their desired skin complexions and texture.
How Does IPL Therapy Work?
Intensive pulsed light (IPL), also called IPL photofacial, is a non-surgical skin treatment that uses an intense beam of light to destroy abnormal or damaged skin tissues. With a handheld device, a medical professional targets the affected areas using multiple wavelengths. As the light heats these areas, it breaks down the skin cells without damaging the underlying dermal tissue.
Unlike typical burns, the IPL device does not cause lasting damage to the skin. It is designed to cause superficial injuries and activate natural skin healing without scarring or infections. As the skin heals, it shades off the damaged outer layer, exposing the unaffected one from beneath.
In addition, the shading off of the damaged outer layers of the skin triggers the production of collagen, a skin-affirming protein. As the skin renews, it eliminates age-related issues such as wrinkles, redness, and spots. Unlike conventional medical lasers that use a narrow band of wavelengths, IPL uses adjustable wavelengths, making it versatile and easy to customize depending on client needs. As a result, it addresses numerous skin concerns in spas, skin care centers, and skin cancer institutions.
Common Skin Concerns Treated by IPL Therapy
Sun Damages
While moderate exposure to UV radiation promotes the production of vitamin D, excessive exposure to direct sun rays can cause damage to the skin. When exposed to unprotected UV radiation, it penetrates the inner layers of the skin, killing the skin cells. As a result, the skin becomes weak and prone to wrinkles, sagging, and premature aging. Some people develop unpleasant dark spots or redness on the most exposed areas, such as the face or hands, giving their skin a weathered appearance.
Most people use exfoliators, sun creams, or concealers to reduce the weathered appearance of the skin. However, these approaches do not yield permanent results, hence the need for a more effective solution, IPL photofacial.
IPL therapy combats the effects of UV radiation in two different ways. First, it performs a deep exfoliation on the skin. As it penetrates the skin, it dissolves and draws out the discolored skin cells formed in the dermis. As a result, it removes excessive freckles and dark spots, thus restoring an even tone.
The removal of the upper layer of the skin stimulates the growth of new collagen, which is firm and without blemishes. Most sun damage, such as wrinkles, fine lines, or facial sagging, lessen or disappear. The effects of IPL therapy are mild compared to invasive cosmetic procedures.
Acne and Acne Scars
Acne is one of the most stubborn skin concerns, especially among teenagers. While effective acne treatments are available, they can be persistent in some patients, resulting in prolonged medication use and discomfort. If you are looking for permanent acne treatment, IPL photofacial can be your ultimate solution.
First, IPL kills acne-causing bacteria, thus improving your overall skin appearance. Additionally, it eliminates acne scars as the upper skin layer is removed and replaced by new collagen. Repeated IPL therapy gradually eliminates the scars as the skin sheds the outer scared layer.
However, you must stop using acne medication for at least six months before seeking an IPL appointment for acne treatment. Seeking dermatologist advice is also prudent to determine whether your acne requires IPL treatment.
Broken Blood Vessels and Visible Capillaries
IPL procedure is the most effective treatment for broken blood vessels and visible spider veins and capillaries. The intense pulsed light dissolves the visible capillaries and veins for a more even complexion. The procedure is also used to reduce enlarged skin pores.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a common skin disorder that affects the cheeks, nose, or chin, with few patients developing the condition on the necks or chests. While there is no known permanent medication for rosacea, IPL procedures can significantly lessen its redness effects.
Melasma/Chloasma
Melasma, also called chloasma, is a skin disorder that causes discolored patches on the face, ordinarily darker than your normal skin tone. While the condition can affect anyone, it is more common in women than in men. The condition is characterized by matching patches on both sides of the face, chin, forehead, at the bridge of the nose, or other parts exposed to direct UV radiation.
IPL therapy treats melasma by killing the causing bacteria or fungi and removing the affected skin layers. However, it is vital to seek a professional dermatologist to determine how many skin layers are affected. The procedure is also ideal for correcting most types of hyperpigmentation.
Benefits of IPL Therapy
With so many laser skin treatments, choosing the most suitable for your skin problem can be challenging. While the best option is to consult a specialist dermatologist to determine the most appropriate treatment for your skin problems, here are some benefits of choosing IPL therapy over most other cosmetic treatments.
It is versatile. IPL devices are designed to produce adjustable wavelengths, making them versatile and easy to customize. As a result, it is used to treat or correct various skin issues. It can also be performed on multiple body areas, including the face, hand, chest, etc.
It can be combined with other non-surgical procedures. IPL therapy works perfectly with multiple noninvasive treatments such as derma filler and botox. For example, derma filler enhances the process by refilling the facial volume lost due to aging. On the other hand, Botox eliminates wrinkles in areas IPL treatment can’t reach.
It is quick and convenient. The IPL procedure takes less than an hour, making it ideal even for the busiest people. Unlike most cosmetic procedures that may result in redness, swelling, or irritation, IPL effects are mild and can be managed by numbing creams.
It is cost-effective. While IPL cost is primarily determined by location and provider level of expertise, it is generally the most affordable cosmetic treatment. In addition, it is the safest and most convenient for treating various skin conditions.
Conclusion
IPL therapy is the most versatile and effective laser skin treatment that can treat numerous skin disorders. Whether you want to rejuvenate your face, treat acne, or remove hyperpigmentation, IPL photofacial is your ultimate solution. Besides providing a permanent solution, it is affordable and convenient.
