IPL

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 comprehensive full-face rejuvenation. When the pulses of light emitted by this device are absorbed by the melanin (pigment) and red blood cells in the skin, heat is generated. This heat emulates a superficial injury, but unlike a burn, it won’t cause any lasting damage. The IPL device is designed to activate the skin’s natural healing processes without actually harming delicate dermal tissue. IPL therapy will should not cause scarring, infection, or other complications.  

As your skin attempts to repair itself, it will shed its dull, damaged outer layer and form supple, vibrant new skin. During this process, skin-firming proteins (like collagen and elastin) are produced in abundance, mitigating some of the effects of age-related collagen loss. The light emitted during IPL therapy also breaks down the dark pigment inside age spots and freckles, creating a more even skin coloration.

IPL treatments use poly-chromatic (broad spectrum) light to work their magic. This type of light is made up of many different wavelengths, unlike the light emitted by conventional medical lasers, which is usually limited to a narrow band of wavelengths. By adjusting the wavelengths of light emitted during IPL therapy, our specialists can calibrate the IPL photofacial to react with specific skin conditions. The adjustable nature of this procedure makes IPL treatment extremely versatile and easy to customize. Th procedure can be used to treat a single issue or to address multiple problems simultaneously.  

With so many options for skin resurfacing currently available, it can be difficult to select the best treatment to meet your needs. If you’re wondering how photorejuvenation compares to similar treatments, like chemical peels, reviewing the unique benefits of the IPL photofacial is a great place to start.

When it comes to aging, the sun is your skin’s worst enemy: Most of the changes in skin conditions we associate with getting older are a direct result of exposure to UV radiation. Sunlight breaks down the collagen in our skin, making it weaker and more susceptible to wrinkling and sagging. Sun damage also causes dark “age spots” to form on highly exposed areas (like the hands and face) and gives the skin a lined, leathery, weathered look. If you think you look older than your actual age, habits like intentional tanning or spending a great deal of time outdoors may be to blame.

The IPL photofacial combats 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 even, dewy complexion. After this stage of deep exfoliation is complete, the skin begins to generate a significant amount of new collagen, which replaces collagen stores that have been destroyed by the sun. As a result of this healing process, the skin becomes stronger and more supple. Wrinkles and fine lines disappear may be lessened, and many patients also see some reduction in facial sagging. These effects are subtle and will not compare to more aggressive treatments such as a facelift.

Photofacial (IPL)  can treat stubborn acne.

Intense pulsed light can tackle the causes of acne and its lasting side effects, like scarring. This procedure also kills harmful bacteria and reduces redness and inflammation. Repeated IPL photofacials encourage the skin to shed and renew its outer layer, a process that gradually eliminates scar tissue.

Before you have an IPL photofacial, you may need to stop using topical and 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. 

Because intense pulsed light is absorbed very efficiently by red blood cells, the IPL photofacial is one of the best treatments available for visible blood vessel abnormalities. Here at JS Esthetics, some of our clients use the ISpL photofacial to dissolve broken capillaries and spider veins for a more even, youthful complexion. This procedure is also ideal for treating conditions that cause diffuse redness, like rosacea. 

Intense pulsed light is unique in its ability to actually change the structure of skin cells, making them behave more like young cells. It has been learned Thru studies 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 (and not just treat) many of the superficial signs of aging.

To make the most of the IPL photofacial’s age-fighting properties, it’s essential that you avoid sun exposure, especially in the weeks before and following IPL treatment. (All skin resurfacing procedures make the skin temporarily more sensitive to UV radiation, so applying a SPF 50 sunscreen is a must.) In addition, avoid unhealthy habits, like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Taking these steps will preserve the collagen and elastin in your skin.