5 Good Reasons to Consider an IPL Treatment
Advanced cosmetic treatments allow us to grow old gracefully like never before. Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments are one such option that effectively reverses signs of sun damage and aging symptoms. This quick procedure offers a myriad of benefits without anesthesia or downtime afterward.
What is IPL?
IPL is a device that uses pulses of light to penetrate into the deeper dermal tissue without damaging the skin’s surface. The light energy targets melanin and blood to remove brown spots and visible vessels.
The light energy also stimulates collagen production to rejuvenate the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
An IPL treatment is a relatively comfortable experience, thanks to topical numbing cream applied before the procedure. Treatments at our Laguna Beach skin care clinic typically take about 30 minutes to complete and patients usually return to their regular activities immediately following the procedure.
We have five good reasons to consider an IPL treatment:
Ability to Treat a Variety of Skin Concerns
Skin resurfacing treatments, like IPL, may address and treat a variety of skin concerns, including:
- Sun-damaged skin
- Acne scarring
- Visible spider veins or capillaries
- Premature skin-aging
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Age spots
- Stretch marks
- Melasma
- Hyperpigmentation
- Rosacea
- Unwanted hair
A single treatment session may address a variety of these concerns at one time. Some patients will need more than one treatment session to achieve full improvement.
Quick Treatment with No Downtime
An IPL treatment doesn’t typically take more than 30 minutes to complete. Patients may need to allow for additional time to let the numbing cream take effect.
Patients may experience mild side effects like redness, tenderness, or swelling. Symptoms may be very similar to a sunburn and should not prohibit you from returning to regular activities right away.
Your skin will be sensitive for a few days and you should protect treatment areas from direct sunlight since UV rays can cause damage during this time. However, people should not be able to detect that you just had a procedure performed.
Used on Multiple Areas of the Face and Body
IPL treatments are frequently used to rejuvenate the skin on the face. However, this is not the only area that can benefit from an IPL procedure. Patients may also see good results on the chest, back, and other areas where sun damage can occur.
In addition, IPL is an option for hair removal nearly anywhere you might have unwanted body hair. It is a versatile treatment that is safe and effective for even your more sensitive areas, and controls can be adjusted to customize treatment to your precise needs.
Can be Combined with Other Treatments
IPL treatment is effective as a standalone treatment, but can also be combined with other skin treatments for optimal skin rejuvenation, such as:
- Dermal Fillers
- Neuromodulators
- Laser resurfacing
- RF microneedling
When you work with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist, your provider will be able to help you achieve your treatment goals with a treatment plan tailored to your precise needs.
May Offer Long-Term Benefits
IPL offers results soon after treatment, which typically extend up to one year or more. While those improvements may seem temporary, they may not be quite as fleeting as you might think.
One study found that light therapies like IPL might actually impact gene expression to turn back the clock at a cellular level.
A 2012 study looked at how the gene expression pattern of human skin may be rejuvenated by Broadband Light (BBL), or IPL.
This pilot study explored the comparable differences between the skin of young women versus older women with aged skin and older women with aged skin that received IPL treatments.
Skin biopsies were taken from the young women, and then site-matched with the skin of the older women.
The study indicated that the gene expression of human skin may be rejuvenated at the cellular level, producing skin that is refreshed and restored to its once youthful glow.
These results were highly noticeable when compared to the untreated older women’s skin, which appeared more wrinkled and aged.
The researchers noted that since the gene expression may be rejuvenated at the cellular level, there may be some long-term benefits, including enjoyment of more youthful skin over the long term.
IPL treatments may keep the skin looking young and healthy, promote more collagen production, prevent the effects of sun damage, and give the skin a healthy glow.
Reverse Signs of Aging With an IPL Treatment From Our Laguna Beach Skin Care Clinic
Young, healthy-looking skin is what all of us want, but some need a little help to achieve that goal. If you are interested in learning more about safe and effective skin resurfacing procedures, such as IPL treatments, and what they can do for you, Coast Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center can help. Contact our skin care clinic today to learn more.
