10 Benefits of the IPL Photofacial

ipl photofacial

10 Benefits of the IPL Photofacial

With so many skin resurfacing options available today, choosing the ideal treatment for your needs can be challenging. If you’re curious about how photorejuvenation compares to comparable treatments such as chemical peels, reviewing the specific benefits of the IPL photofacial is an excellent place to start. Alternatively, you can schedule a consultation with us to determine whether IPL Photofacial is the right procedure for you. The following are ten of the most common reasons our patients choose IPL photofacial:

1. Can Treat Sun-damaged Skin

The sun is your skin’s worst enemy when it comes to aging: The majority of the changes in skin conditions associated with aging are a direct result of UV radiation exposure. Sunlight degrades the collagen in our skin, weakening it and making it more prone to wrinkles and drooping. Sun damage also results in the formation of dark “age spots” on highly exposed areas of the body (such as the hands and cheeks) and gives the skin a lined, leathery, worn appearance. If you believe you appear to be older than your actual age, practices such as intentional tanning or excessive time spent outside may be to blame.

 

In two ways, the IPL photofacial combats the effects of UV damage: To begin, it penetrates the dermis and draws out discolored cells. Intense pulsed light dissolves these cells, eradicating dark age spots and excessive freckling and restoring an even, radiant skin. After the step of severe exfoliation is complete, the skin begins to generate considerable amounts of new collagen to replenish collagen stores lost. The skin gets stronger and more supple as a result of this healing process. Wrinkles and fine lines may be diminished, and many patients have some improvement in facial sagging. These are minor effects that cannot be compared to more invasive procedures such as a facelift.

2. Can Treat Stubborn Acne

Intense pulsed light can be used to treat the underlying causes of acne and its long-term effects, such as scarring. Additionally, this process eliminates harmful bacteria and diminishes redness and inflammation. Repeated IPL photofacials stimulate the skin’s outer layer to shed and rejuvenate, gradually eliminating scar tissue.

 

You may need to quit using topical and systemic acne medications for up to six months prior to having an IPL photofacial. Generally, skin resurfacing is indicated only for patients who have not seen a significant improvement in acne symptoms with medication alone.

3. Can Eliminate Visible Veins And Capillaries

Due to the high efficiency with which intense pulsed light is absorbed by red blood cells, the IPL photofacial is one of the most effective treatments available for visible blood vessel abnormalities. For a more even, fresh complexion, our patients use the IPL photofacial to remove broken capillaries and spider veins. Additionally, this approach is efficient for treating conditions that result in diffuse redness, such as rosacea.

4. Can Prevent Premature Skin Aging

Intense pulsed light is famous for its ability to alter the structure of skin cells, reverting them to their youthful state. Stanford University in California did a 10-year study indicating that receiving two to three photofacials each year for a decade can positively affect the genes of dermal cells. Aged skin cells treated with strong pulsed light on a regular basis have genetic expression similar to that of young, healthy skin cells. As such, experts believe that powerful pulsed light may be able to prevent (rather than simply treat) a number of the superficial indications of aging.

 

To maximize the anti-aging benefits of the IPL photofacial, it is critical to limit sun exposure, especially in the weeks preceding and following treatment. (Since all skin resurfacing operations temporarily increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation, it is critical to apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 50.) Additionally, you should maintain a stable weight, as weight growth and loss distort the skin, and abstain from bad behaviors such as smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Taking these steps will help retain your skin’s collagen and elastin.

5. Can Treat Multiple Body Parts

While IPL photofacials are most typically used to rejuvenate the face, they can also be utilized to rejuvenate the shoulders, hands, arms, neck, upper chest, and legs. If you have sun damage on numerous areas of your body, treating them all with intense pulsed light may help you achieve a more youthful appearance on a more regular basis. When you come in for a consultation, our specialists will determine whether this strategy is best for you.

6. Can Remove Unwanted Hair

Individuals with lighter complexion and dark hair can utilize intense pulsed light to remove unwanted facial and body hair painlessly. As with laser hair removal, IPL may rapidly eliminate hair from large areas.

 

IPL hair removal involves heating up the hair shafts by targeting the melanin in hair follicles. This heat destroys the hair follicles in the specified area, limiting hair growth.

 

Adebola Dele-Michael, MD

Adebola Dele-Michael, MD

After helping thousands of people with skin and hair challenges, Adebola Dele-Michael, MD covered a wide range of topics in the skin and hair industries. Her mission is to fill the knowledge gap in caring for hair and skin of color.

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