Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a type of light therapy used to treat various skin conditions. IPL is a non-invasive service that uses pulsed light to target specific areas of the skin. IPL can treat conditions such as acne, age spots, sun damage, background redness, and Rosacea. IPL treatment is safe and effective for most people, and there is little to no recovery time.
What Is IPL Therapy?
IPL therapy is a treatment that uses intense pulsed light to improve the appearance of the skin. This service can improve various cosmetic conditions, including sun damage, age spots, freckles, uneven skin tone, backgrund redness, and rosacea.
IPL therapy works by delivering pulses of light energy to the skin. This energy gets absorbed by the pigment in the skin, which warms the treatment area. This stimulates collagen and clears up discoloration.
IPL therapy is a popular treatment because it is non-invasive and has very little downtime. However, it is important to note that results vary from person to person, and multiple treatments are sometimes required to see the desired level of improvement.
What Skin Concerns Can IPL Treat?
IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments are an effective solution for many skin concerns. But what exactly can IPL treatments do?
IPL treatments can treat a variety of imperfections, including:
- Sun damage
- Age spots
- Redness
- Rosacea
- Broken blood vessels
- Freckles
- Uneven skin texture
- Discoloration
IPL treatments work by delivering short pulses of light to the skin. This light is absorbed by the skin and targets specific areas of concern. The light energy converts into heat, which destroys the damaged cells and helps to improve the overall appearance of the skin.
Am I a Good Candidate for IPL Photofacials?
Not everyone is a good candidate for this treatment.
To be a good candidate for IPL photo facials, you should:
- Have light to medium skin
- Have a skin concern that is specifically treatable with IPL
- Be willing to commit to a series of treatments
- Follow a safe lifestyle regarding sun exposure
If you fit all of the above criteria, then IPL photo facials may be a good option for you. Be sure to consult a qualified dermatologist or aesthetician to see if this treatment is right for you.
How Many IPL Sessions Will I Need to See Results?
This is a question that we get a lot at our clinic. And it's understandable – after all, IPL is an investment in time and money. But the number of sessions needed for optimal results can vary depending on several factors.
In general, most people will need between 4 and 10 sessions to see significant results from IPL. This may seem like a lot, but it's important to remember that each session builds on the last so that results will become more and more visible with each treatment. This is also what allows the treatments to be safe and have minimal downtime.
Factors that can affect the number of sessions needed include:
- The severity of the condition being treated
- The size of the treatment area
- The patient's skin type
- The patient's response to treatment
Our team will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that will consider all of these factors. During your initial consultation, we will also give you an idea of how many sessions you may need.
IPL Recovery and Aftercare Tips
After your IPL treatment, following the aftercare instructions given to you by your provider is crucial. These instructions will help you to avoid any complications and ensure that you experience the full benefits of the treatment. You can expect the skin to feel sensitive, warm, and a little inflammed. Any side effects including redness and inflammation typically subside within a few hours, if not by the following day.
In the first 24 hours after your treatment, you should avoid the following:
- Direct sunlight or tanning
- Hot baths or showers
- Sauna or steam room
- Heavy exercise
After the first 24 hours, you can resume your normal activities. However, you should still avoid direct sunlight or tanning for at least 2 weeks after the treatment. You should also avoid any facial treatment (such as a facial massage, facial, or exfoliation) for at least 10 days.
If you have any questions or concerns about your aftercare, don't hesitate to get in touch with your provider.
Patients find best results when paring a light treatment such as our IPL with a resurfacing treatment such as our PicoSure or Erbium treatments. "Cocktail treatments" lead to absolutely INCREDIBLE RESULTS! Combining these treatments and alternating between the two really rejuvenates the skin, working to improve skin texture, resurface damage, & reveal smoother, healthier skin while correcting discoloration and uneven skin tone.
Book an IPL Treatment Today
Are you looking for IPL treatment in Rockford or surrounding areas? Look no further than Edgebrook Dermatology. To book an IPL treatment today, please call our office at (815) 229-9333 ext. 2.