If you are bothered by the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation or rosacea, uneven skin tone or dull looking skin, you may feel like you have tried everything to combat the symptoms. At Philosophy of Beauty, we understand how frustrating this can be and the impact it can have on an individual’s self-esteem, which is why we offer IPL treatments to effectively treat a number of common skin concerns.
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments are non-invasive skin care procedures in which different wavelengths of light energy are emitted into the layers of the skin to treat various skin conditions. At Philosophy of Beauty, we use superior technology – Nordlys system, offered by Candela Medical to treat skin conditions such as Rosacea and Hyperpigmentation as well as for skin rejuvenation. This unique IPL uses narrowband technology. The technology sends the light precisely through dual filters which allows the device to deliver sub-millisecond pulses for exceptional skin rejuvenation.
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Like laser treatments, IPL uses light and heat to break down the target area. This light is primarily absorbed by melanin and oxyhemoglobin and is effective in reducing the appearance of sun spots, pigmentation, Rosacea, capillaries, and fine lines. When IPL is used to treat conditions related to sun induced skin damage, the process is known as Photorejuvenation.
IPL Skin Rejuvenation, also known as Photofacial is a non-invasive treatment designed to stimulate and encourage healing and regeneration of skin through the application of light.
Some of the longer wavelengths in the IPL light work by deeply penetrating the skin to stimulate fibroblasts to produce extra collagen. This excess production of collagen serves to rejuvenate the skin by visibly improving its texture, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Nordlys IPL is one of our favorite non-invasive, non-ablative laser devices that uses a combination of infrared laser and fractional technology. Nordlys delivers a sub-millisecond pulse for treating small and large areas of the face or body. This innovative waveband technology can eliminate potentially harmful wavelengths and allow only beneficial ones to contact the skin, which is why it has improved comfort and safety associated with all IPL technology
During IPL treatments, a light is transmitted through a small handpiece, which is gently placed over the skin. Filters in the handpiece control the wavelength range, allowing it to be optimized according to different applications and skin types. As the light penetrates the tissue, it is absorbed by the blood or melanin, thereby damaging it. The body’s natural processes then work to remove the injured tissue, which results in a more even appearance to the skin.
Although the treatment is suitable for any part of the body, the areas of skin that will benefit the most are those parts that have had the most sun exposure. The most commonly treated areas are the face, neck, chest and backs of the hands.
- No downtime
- Low risk of side effects
- Gradual, natural-looking improvement
- Minimal discomfort
- Can be used on any part of the body
Generally, anyone who is looking to treat aged and sun-damaged skin is a good candidate for IPL skin treatments. The treatment is considered ideal to reduce visible skin discolorations, such as age spots, sun- induced freckles, irregular pigmentation, symptoms of Rosacea, birthmarks, unsightly veins, and other blemishes. It is also a popular treatment to even out skin tone, achieve glow, improve texture, reduce fine lines and pore size.
In general, 4-6 treatments required to achieve optimal results. The treatment regimen will be tailored to the individual’s specific needs based on the condition being treated, among other factors. During your complimentary consultation at Philosophy of Beauty, we will listen to your concerns, answer any questions you may have, and develop an individual treatment plan.
Although the improvements are usually gradual and become more visible after each treatment, changes in skin color can be observed within weeks. Changes in texture, on the other hand, may not become apparent until months after a series of treatments. On average, most patients achieve optimal results after 5-6 treatments, spaced 3-4 weeks apart. Maintenance treatments can be offered 2-4 times per year.
IPL is an incredibly safe, effective procedure and side effects are minimal. Patients may experience redness and minor swelling following the treatment but this usually subsides within a few hours to a few days after treatment. Areas of pigmentation will usually darken and rise to the surface of the skin before being exfoliated naturally within 1-2 weeks. However, this is a positive indication of a successful IPL treatment and is not a cause for concern. Bruising is possible with Rosacea and vein treatment. Burns aren’t frequent but also possible especially with darker skin tones.
Generally, no preparation is required. Avoid sun exposure for 2-4 weeks before treatment.
To ensure the longevity of results, sunscreen is vital and should be an integral part of the daily skincare regimen. It is recommended to protect the treated area from the sun for at least a couple of weeks following treatments in order to achieve and maintain optimal results.
IPL treatments are a popular choice among those looking for a non –invasive and effective way to correct pigmentation problems and rejuvenate their skin. At Philosophy of Beauty, we look forward to meeting with you to discuss how IPL can be used to address your skin care concerns and to customize a plan in order to ensure your needs and goals are met.