PhotoFacial

IPL Photofacial Get Rid of Sun/Age Spots & Discoloration

Intense pulsed light (IPL)/photofacial, is a way to improve the color and texture of your skin without surgery. IPL clears some of the visible damage caused by sun exposure — called photoaging — which is mostly noticed on your face, neck, hands, or chest.

How IPL/Photofacial Works

IPL uses light energy to target a certain color in your skin. When the skin is heated, your body gets rid of the unwanted cells and gets rid of the skin issue you’re being treated for. IPL device sends out more than one wavelength of pulsating light to treat a range of skin conditions at the same time such as age spots, acne, discoloration and more. IPL makes you look younger because your skin tone is more even.

Who Should Get IPL Treatment?

• Acne
• Birthmarks
• Stretch marks
• Liver or age spots
• Broken blood vessels
• Brown spots, also called liver or age spots
• Dark spots from hormonal changes
• Discolored skin
• Fine wrinkles
• Freckles
• Redness from rosacea
• Scars
• Spider veins
• Unwanted hair

What to Expect During IPL Treatment

Before the procedure, don’t:

• Tan in the sun, in a tanning bed, or with tanning creams for 4 weeks before you go
• Wax, or get a chemical peel or collagen shots for 2 weeks before
• Wear perfume, makeup, deodorant, or any skin irritants
• Take aspirin or another drug that can make you bleed more
• Take any medication that will make you sun-sensitive; for example, the antibiotic doxycycline.

Once you’re there, a technician coats your skin with gel on your clean skin. You’ll wear eye protectors to protect your eyes from IPL light. The handheld IPL device will go right on the skin of the designated area. The session will probably last 20 or 30 minutes. Large areas could take up to an hour. While most people are fine with the light pulses, the treatment could sting a little. It might feel like someone is snapping a rubber band on you.

What Will Recovery From IPL Photofacial Look Like?

It may feel like you have a sunburn for 4-6 hours after you’re finished. Ice packs or a cool washcloth can help you feel better. Your skin may be red or bruised for a day or two. Your brown spots will get darker, but they should peel off within a few weeks.

While you heal:

• Don’t put on makeup if your skin hurts.
• Use moisturizing lotion.
• Protect yourself with SPF 50 sunscreen.

Most people get between three and seven sessions. It depends on the condition you’re treating. You’ll wait 2-6 weeks between each visit. It may take several weeks for you to notice any changes in your skin.

Are There Alternatives to IPL Treatment?

There are alternatives to IPL such as microdermabrasions, chemical peels, or laser resurfacing but these alternatives may take more treatments to gain your desired effect.