You’ve tried creams and serums to remove blemishes, wrinkles, and scars, and the results have been less-than-impressive – but you’re not sure what to try next. IPL may be the solution for you!
What Is an IPL Treatment?
IPL stands for “intense pulsed light.” It is nonsurgical, relatively painless, and a quick procedure (it can even be done on your lunch hour).
In an IPL treatment, high-intensity pulses of light are used on the problem area. This light heats up layers deep in the skin, which destroys the pigment cells that make up the skin discoloration, the loose collagen that makes up wrinkles, or the roots of the unwanted hair. It can treat a range of conditions at the same time, including:
- Acne
- Stretch marks
- Birthmarks
- Age spots
- Freckles
- Spider veins
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Redness caused by skin conditions such as rosacea
- Splotchy, uneven skin tone
- Unwanted hair
Who Should Get IPL Photofacials?
IPL photofacials improve the color and texture of the skin while undoing years’ worth of damage, resulting in younger-looking, rejuvenated, blemish-free skin. The treatment works best on pale or light brown skin, but it can be used on almost any adult.
How Do I Prepare for an IPL Treatment?
There are a few things you’ll need to do to prepare yourself and your skin for IPL. On the day of the treatment, you should not wear perfume, makeup, or scented products that might irritate your skin. You shouldn’t tan for 4 weeks prior to the treatment; don’t wax, get a chemical peel, or get collagen shots for 2 weeks prior to the treatment; and before the treatment you should avoid any medications that may make you more sensitive to the sun.
What Happens During an IPL Appointment?
You may be offered a numbing cream before the procedure, although this usually isn’t necessary. A cold gel is rubbed on the skin and you will be given dark glasses to protect your eyes. A handheld device is applied to the skin, which delivers pulses of light to the area being treated. Most patients report that it doesn’t hurt and just feels like a rubber band snapping on the skin.
A treatment session typically lasts about 20 or 30 minutes, but it can take longer if a larger area is being treated. One of the many benefits of an IPL treatment is that there is no downtime – you can go right back to work and most of your regular activities immediately after the treatment is complete.
What Should I Expect From the Recovery?
Your skin might feel like it has a sunburn and may be red or bruised. Ice packs or a cool washcloth and moisturizing lotion can help. You shouldn’t wear makeup if your skin is irritated, and make sure to wear sunscreen if you go outside. If your skin feels sensitive, use a cleanser especially made for sensitive skin; it may take a week or so before you can get back to your regular skin care routine.
IPL is an effective way to treat many skin issues and unwanted hair. To find out what IPL can do for you, contact American Surgical Arts for an IPL consultation. Call 856-362-8898 today!