If you are beginning to notice some unwanted signs of aging like stubborn age spots, fine lines, freckles, or even sunspots from past sun damage, Intense Pulse Light, or IPL, can address many of these concerns.. An IPL facial involves a handheld device that delivers direct pulses of light to areas of your skin where you would like to see improvements.
At Prosper Health and Aesthetics, IPL treatments are one of Robbie Robinson, DNP, and his staff’s favorite skin rejuvenation treatments because of its ability to resurface and renew the skin without harsh chemicals or downtime. We recommend an IPL treatment for our patients who want to improve the appearance of sunspots, facial redness, and fine lines. Read on to learn how IPL works to help restore a youthful appearance to your skin.
How Does the IPL Technology Work?
IPL is a light therapy that works by sending pulses of light down into the second layer (dermis) of the skin. During this process, it avoids damaging the top layer of your skin (the epidermis) by focusing specifically on the melanin or irregular pigmentation in your skin. These pulses of light target unwanted pigment cells, generate heat, and destroy them. The cells diminish and are absorbed back into your body, giving you a more even, radiant complexion.
This may sound similar to other laser treatments, but there is one key difference that sets IPL treatments apart. Most lasers emit one wavelength and are used for just one purpose, such as removing tattoos. The IPL device uses a spectrum of light that can address multiple signs of aging or skin irregularities simultaneously.
What Signs of Aging Can IPL Treatments Improve?
Fine lines
In your 20s and 30s, you’ll begin to notice more and more signs of aging around your face. This can happen as a result of genetics, sun damage, or a poor skin care regimen. Collagen is a protein that is incredibly important to maintaining a youthful appearance by giving your skin an elastic quality. When we are young, our skin produces an abundance of collagen and elastin. Unfortunately, after the age of 30, the production decreases by 1 to 2% every year.
In the process of heating up your skin, IPL encourages the production of more collagen. This triggers the natural process by which your body repairs itself. When collagen is produced, it can go to work improving the effects of sun damage and other forms of facial aging.
Sunspots
Sunspots refer to the brown spots on the skin that multiply as you get older. They are more common in people over the age of 50, but they can also occur in younger people. UV exposure without sun protection is the main cause of sunspots. The strong rays from the sun cause certain cells to produce too much melanin, resulting in the discoloration of the skin.
The IPL beams are attracted to the color of these cells. The wavelengths heat them up until they are destroyed, at which point your body absorbs them while forming new tissue to replace them. You’re left with gorgeous skin with less discoloration.
Facial Redness
Some facial redness is temporary, like a sunburn or when you’re flushed after a good workout. However, when your skin is constantly red, it is usually a sign of aging or rosacea. This happens when thousands of tiny blood vessels become damaged.
IPL treatments can clear facial redness similar to the way it removes sunspots. The wavelengths from the light are attracted to the redness of the damaged area. The targeted cells are heated up, and the visible blood vessels are destroyed, leaving you with a more even complexion.
Who is a good candidate for the IPL?
Anyone with a lighter skin color and signs of sun damage and early aging would be a good candidate for IPL. IPL works best for the brown spots from sun damage and for the redness and flushing associated with Rosacea. IPL is not good for people with darker skin or who are on medications that sensitize them to sunlight exposure, such as certain antibiotics.
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