Age and sun spots are just a few changes that women and men notice on their skin after relaxing beach vacations or a summer spent in the sun. Your once smooth complexion is now riddled with blatant spots. Fortunately, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, an innovative skin treatment, can improve lackluster skin for those who are unhappy with uneven skin tone. In an industry with a variety of non-invasive skin rejuvenation options, IPL therapy is at the top of the list for providing noticeable improvements with little to no downtime.
At Faces PLLC in the Jackson, MS, metro area, we offer this effective treatment that uses the power of light to rejuvenate your skin. When used on the face, IPL therapy can improve your skin’s overall unevenness, reduce hyperpigmentation, and minimize redness, resulting in a more vibrant, even, and youthful-looking complexion. Learn how our skin experts at Faces PLLC can assist you in achieving your skin rejuvenation goals with an IPL therapy treatment.
What Is IPL, and How Does It Work?
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a type of light therapy that is often referred to as photo-rejuvenation. It’s primarily used to target skin pigmentation and sun damage, among other skin imperfections.
IPL works by sending pulses of light into your second layer of skin, known as the dermis. During this process, it avoids damaging the upper layer of your skin, called the epidermis. Pigment in the skin and hair absorbs the light in a process similar to the way a black shirt attracts sunlight and generates heat on a sunny day. The pulses of light target pigment cells, which generate heat and destroy pigment irregularities.
With multiple treatments, patients notice a more even skin tone, a vibrant complexion, and less visible sun damage.
How Can IPL Benefit Your Facial Skin?
IPL treatments offer multiple benefits for your facial skin, including:
Boosts Collagen Production
Collagen is a vital protein that is the primary foundation of tissues like skin, bones, ligaments, hair, and muscles, and it is responsible for skin elasticity. When the IPL therapy heats the surface layer of the skin, this prompts the body to produce more collagen, improving firmness and elasticity.
Prevents Premature Signs of Aging
As we age, our skin’s turnover rate of healthy skin cells begins to decrease. When IPL is used on the skin, the treated skin cells resemble young skin cells, slowing the progression of premature signs of aging.
Helps Combat Some Types of Acne
The main factor causing acne is an excessive amount of oil and sebum production. A normal amount of oil is essential for keeping the skin hydrated and supple, but if the pores begin to make too much oil, it becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that get trapped and produce acne. IPL therapy can help kill these harmful bacteria and slow oil production.
Which Skin Conditions Can IPL Effectively Treat?
IPL treatments use the power of broadband light to treat the following:
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- Age spots
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- Sunspots
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- Some types of acne
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- Rosacea (redness)
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- Freckles
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- Birthmarks
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- Broken Blood Vessels
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- Unwanted dark facial hair
Additionally, IPL sessions are easy to fit into a busy schedule. Treatment usually only requires about 30 minutes to complete. There is usually very little recovery involved, other than having some red and sensitive skin immediately after your appointment. You should be able to go about your day and put on makeup right after the procedure.
Are IPL Treatments Suitable For All Skin Types?
People with darker skin tones may not be suitable candidates for IPL therapy treatments. During your consultation at Faces PLLC, your skincare expert will examine your skin and discuss your desired goals to help determine if you’re a good candidate. If IPL isn’t deemed safe for your skin type, more suitable and safe treatment options will be recommended to help you achieve your goals.
How Often Should You Undergo IPL Treatments For Best Results?
To achieve the best IPL results, we recommend that patients receive 3-6 sessions scheduled four weeks apart. The best time of year for treatment can be after the summer season, especially in the fall or winter when the sun is not as intense and your exposure is limited. Every IPL treatment builds upon the results produced by the previous one, allowing the skin to heal gradually. At each IPL session, the light wavelength is adjusted to reach different depths of the skin for more thorough skin rejuvenation.
How Long Do the Effects of IPL Last On the Face?
With the prescribed number of sessions, the results of IPL treatments generally last for up to a year with proper sun protection and skin care. To help maintain your results, we highly encourage our patients to wear an SPF of 30 or higher every single day, whether they are inside or outside. A good at-home skincare regimen will also help maintain your IPL results.
Can You Combine IPL With Other Skincare Treatments?
Yes! Since IPL focuses on the complexion, many patients can further enhance their results with anti-wrinkle treatments using neurotoxins like BOTOX®, Dysport®, Daxxify®, or dermal fillers. You can also alternate IPL with other skin-rejuvenating treatments, including chemical peels, SkinPen, or Pixel8-RF, for an overall greater improvement. Our medical aestheticians would be able to advise on which treatments would yield the best results.
How Do I Choose The Right Clinic Or Practitioner For IPL?
Your choice of clinic or practitioner is essential to ensuring that you safely and effectively get the results you desire. First, you’ll want to make sure that the clinic is certified and licensed to perform IPL treatments. They should also have a proven history of commendable services and an excellent record of conducting IPL sessions and other related treatments. You should also choose someone with whom you feel comfortable communicating, since communication is an important key to achieving a successful treatment.
Schedule Your IPL Therapy Consultation at Faces PLLC Today!
Are you ready for younger-looking, more vibrant skin? Non-invasive skin rejuvenation with IPL treatments can restore your skin’s youthful glow and slow the appearance of aging.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Intense Pulsed Light therapy treatments, our team of skincare professionals at Faces PLLC invites you to schedule a consultation at their Ridgeland, MS, location. To get started, call our office at (601) 607-3033 or complete our online consultation form, and a member of our patient care team will respond shortly!