IPL PHOTOFACIAL-Skin Rejuvenation
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) skin treatments using the photorejuvenation process represent a breakthrough in age-defying skin care. This new technique treats skin damage non-invasively — there is no disruption of the skin’s epidermal surface. IPL treatments address the effects of photoaging and sun damage with low risk of complications and no recovery time.
IPL is the gold standard for photorejuvenation. This FDA-cleared, patented technology provides dramatic results for a variety of benign conditions, including age spots, sun-induced freckles, symptoms of rosacea, birthmarks, unsightly veins, acne scarring and other blemishes.
The visible signs of aging cannot be fully avoided, but can be dramatically minimized. The key is to do it as gently as possible. As far as the skin is concerned there are two types of aging — intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic aging involves the inevitable; as we grow older, our skin naturally becomes thinner and drier. Diminished amounts of collagen makes the skin less elastic. What used to bounce back begins to sag. Static, deep wrinkles may begin appearing. The rate of these events is genetically determined for each person; the process first becomes noticeable between the ages of 30 and 35.
Extrinsic aging results from exposure to the environment. Extrinsic aging is the critical element in determining who looks older or younger than their biological age. Exposure to sunlight is a key contributor to extrinsic aging. Photoaging occurs when elastin and a collagen breakdown are not replaced, causing fine lines and wrinkles to intensify. Photoaging also causes pigment changes with development of age spots (sun-induced freckles) and uneven skin tone. Spider veins and dilated capillaries are another sign of photoaged skin.Lifestyle choices also have an impact on extrinsic aging. Cigarette smoking contributes to the breakdown of elastin and collagen and impairs the body’s healing capacity.
The simplest way to see the contrast between intrinsic and extrinsic aging is to compare skin commonly exposed to the sun (face, hands, and neck) and skin not exposed to the sun (usually on the breasts, inner arms or buttocks).
Photorejuvenation with IPL is the most versatile of all treatment options. Patients often schedule appointments during their lunch hours. IPL can treat numerous skin conditions at once. It is effective on red blemishes that originate from blood vessels, as well as brown pigment blemishes in the form of freckles, age spots and other sun damage. IPL also treats the neck, chest and hands, where sun damage is often most visible.
The IPL system releases yellow, green and red lights that are emitted in a series of short pulses. The yellow/green light destroys the bacteria which causes acne that thrives in our skin, while the red light directly targets the overactive sebaceous glands that cause outbreaks of pustules (pimples). The light conversion to heat is targeted accurately to the cells deep in the skin, initiating shrinkage of the inflamed sebaceous glands which helps to prevent over-production of excess sebum. Additionally, IPL treatment is effecting in correcting common skin pigmentation problems such as age spots, sun-induced freckles, and symptoms of rosacea, birthmarks, and unsightly veins, acne scarring and other blemishes.