The Benefits of IPL
Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment is also sometimes referred to as a photo facial. But what exactly is it, what are the benefits, and who is it best suited to?
What is IPL Treatment?
IPL treatment can help you to improve the texture and tone of your skin without the need for invasive surgical treatments. For this reason, it is one of the most popular non-invasive anti-ageing treatments available right now.
How Does IPL Treatment Work?
During IPL treatment, broad-spectrum light is directed over the treatment area in short bursts. These bursts of light are absorbed by the red blood cells and melanin in the skin and heat is generated. This heat essentially creates a superficial injury to the skin without causing a burn or any lasting damage to the dermal tissue. Instead, this heat stimulates the natural healing capabilities of the skin.
During this healing process, the skin will produce an abundance of skin-firming proteins, including elastin and collagen, which can help to minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. Additionally, the outer layers of dull or damaged skin are replaced with new, supple and more radiant skin.
IPL treatments can also help to break down the darker pigments seen within age spots and in areas of sun damaged skin, helping to even out the skin tone across the treatment area.
Now, let's take a look at some of the benefits of IPL treatment.
1. IPL Treatment is Versatile and Customisable
IPL treatment uses poly-chromatic light spanning multiple wavelengths, which can be adjusted and calibrated specifically to treat particular skin concerns. So your aesthetic practitioner can adjust the device to suit your skin and provide personalised outcomes. It can even be calibrated to treat several skin issues at the same time.
2. IPL Can Treat Sun-Damaged Skin
Many of the most common skin concerns develop over time due to repeated exposure to UV radiation from the sun. As well as causing areas of pigmentation, sunlight also breaks down the elastin and collagen in our skin which can lead to the development of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. IPL treatment can address UV damage in several ways, including by dissolving the discoloured cells that have formed in the dermis layer of the skin.
3. IPL Treatment Can Treat Acne
IPL can address both the cause of acne and the stubborn side effects that can persist over time, including scarring. Intense pulsed light can kill acne-causing bacteria whilst also reducing inflammation and redness. Consistent IPL treatments can boost skin cell turnover, which will gradually improve the appearance of even the most stubborn acne scarring.
4. IPL Can Be Used In Combination With Other Aesthetic Treatments
IPL therapy can be used alongside a range of other aesthetic treatments, including microdermabrasion and chemical peels, to target both the surface and deeper layers of the skin. IPL treatments can also be used in conjunction with injectable treatments, including Botox and dermal fillers.
5. Regular IPL Treatment Can Prevent Premature Ageing
A Stanford University study conducted over a 10 year period found that having between two and three IPL treatments annually can positively change the structure of old skin cells and encourage them to behave more like younger cells. This suggests that IPL therapy can both treat and prevent many superficial signs of ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles.
6. Downtime with IPL Treatment is Minimal
IPL treatments provide deep rejuvenation with minimal downtime, as most people won't experience any excessive redness, swelling or irritation. This can make IPL treatment a more attractive prospect for those who would prefer to avoid the skin-peeling after-effects of a chemical exfoliation treatment.
To learn more about IPL and how it could help you to maintain a youthful and radiant complexion, simply get in touch with any questions and my team will be happy to help and advise.