The IPL photofacial is an effective treatment for improving skin tone and texture. Using intense pulsed light (IPL), the procedure targets pigmented areas, causing them to darken before gently flaking off from the skin.
IPL is an effective and non-invasive solution for treating hyperpigmentation, skin lesions, age spots, broken capillaries, and redness associated with rosacea.
Trouvaille Med Spa is a proud provider of IPL photofacials and can customize your treatment to address your skin concerns.
What Is IPL Photofacial?
An IPL photofacial is a non-invasive procedure that uses a special laser known as intense pulsed light, or IPL, to target anomalies in your skin’s pigmentation. The treatment first became available in the mid-1990s and was found effective for removing spider veins.
In future years, dermatologists found that IPL photofacials could treat other common concerns like sun damage, age spots, redness from rosacea, and acne scars.
IPL photofacials are also known to enhance collagen production, resulting in increased skin cell turnover and fewer lines and wrinkles.
During an IPL facial, the special light targets all skin layers while preventing surface damage. Most people associate the IPL facial as a treatment exclusively for the face, but it’s also appropriate for other parts of the body, including the hands and neck.
Benefits of IPL Facials
There are several benefits to IPL photofacials, including:
More Even Skin Tone
Many people suffer from uneven skin tone due to sun damage, aging, and conditions like melasma. Uneven skin tone may make certain areas of the skin appear discolored. For example, melasma often leads to brown patches on the skin, while rosacea causes red patches on the cheeks, forehead, or nose.
IPL facials combat the appearance of uneven skin tone. With repeated sessions, patients notice a clearer skin tone and significantly reduced discolorations.
Improved Skin Texture
Skin texture becomes less taut when people begin to develop fine lines and wrinkles. While an IPL facial isn’t exclusively for wrinkle treatment, it does have benefits that encourage skin cell turnover. The IPL penetrates the skin’s layers and promotes healing and collagen production.
In the weeks following an IPL treatment, patients often see an improvement in their skin’s texture, including softer lines and smoother wrinkles.
Non-Invasive
IPL photofacials are entirely non-invasive and non-surgical. They take less than an hour to perform, so patients often schedule them during their lunch breaks. No recovery or downtime is necessary, so you can return to work or your daily responsibilities immediately afterward.
Lasting Results
Results from an IPL photofacial are permanent. Once the skin heals, you’ll see a noticeable reduction in imperfections like age spots and acne scars.
However, an IPL photofacial can’t prevent future damage. If you don’t take appropriate care of your skin, you may encounter new problems, like patches of melasma or age spots. Wearing daily sunblock and refraining from excess sun exposure can reduce the potential for further skin concerns.
What to Expect from an IPL Facial Procedure
Before undergoing an IPL facial, you’ll schedule a consultation with us in our office. We’ll evaluate the current condition of your skin and discuss the concerns you want to treat. We may ask you for your medical history and current prescriptions, which allows us to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for the treatment.
If we decide that an IPL photofacial is right for you, we’ll schedule your treatment session. In some cases, we may be able to begin the procedure immediately following your consultation.
An IPL photofacial begins with a thorough cleansing of your face. We’ll apply a cool gel to your skin, which acts as a barrier between the light and your epidermis. The gel also improves the effectiveness of the procedure. You’ll need to wear a pair of protective goggles throughout the treatment, which we will provide.
Once we turn on the IPL device, we’ll move it against your skin. The IPL will target the places on your skin that have different textures or colors. The IPL is attracted to age spots, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and redness from rosacea. It can also reduce spider veins, which commonly appear on the nose.
After your treatment, we’ll gently remove the protective gel and cleanse your skin again. If you like, you can apply moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup immediately following the procedure.
There’s no recovery time necessary after an IPL photofacial. You can return to your usual activities with no need for downtime.
Results will become apparent within ten days of your initial treatment. Over the following weeks, you’ll see continuing improvement.
You may notice that the discoloration on your face darkens in the days following your IPL facial. Darkening is normal and occurs before the impacted areas gently slough off.
Repeated IPL Facial Treatments
IPL facials are well-known for their laser skin rejuvenation benefits. However, results will take time to appear. Most patients experience the full benefits of an IPL photofacial with repeated treatments.
We will recommend the appropriate treatment schedule depending on your skin concerns. Most patients undergo four to six treatments spaced approximately three weeks apart.
You’ll notice continued benefits as you stick with your treatment plan. Following a proper skin care regimen, including face wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen, can further maintain your results.
Experience the Benefits of an IPL Photofacial
IPL photofacials are effective treatments for individuals seeking skin rejuvenation and improved skin tone. At Trouvaille Med Spa in Bourbonnais, IL, we offer the procedure to those who want a non-invasive solution to common skin concerns. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
