IPL skin rejuvenation is also known as intense pulsed light therapy and is a popular choice for improving the appearance and texture of the skin in a non-invasive way. The IPL skin rejuvenation process utilises broad-spectrum light pulses which target specific skin concerns and conditions including sun damage, age spots, fine lines, and uneven skin tone and texture.
IPL treats these areas and concerns by using intense light energy to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin which in turn stimulates collagen production that promotes the renewal of cells resulting in an improved appearance caused by the rejuvenation of new cells.
IPL is a popular choice because it is non-surgical and provides long-lasting results with the ability to address multiple skin issues and conditions. NuSkinnovation uses the Nordlys Candela IPL and Laser system to treat a wide range of conditions. The hand-held laser system is used to deliver intense, broad-spectrum pulses of light generally in the visible spectral range of 400 to 1000 nm.
Like any aesthetic treatment, IPL Skin Rejuvenation is not an instant miracle cure. However, it is one of the most effective treatments available to consumers, delivering the desired results without damaging the integrity of the skin, and requiring no downtime post-procedure. So, what can IPL be used to treat or improve? Keep reading to learn more about this impressive skin treatment.
Treat Common Skin Conditions
IPL aims to give skin a younger, firmer, and more radiant appearance. The appearance of our skin can deteriorate for several reasons, including the environment around us, hormonal and chemical changes or imbalances, genetic attributes, and more. Sun damage and age spots are caused by prolonged exposure to the sun without protection. The sun’s harmful UV rays cause damage and age spots which, over time, lead to the formation and appearance of dark spots, freckles, and uneven pigmentation.
IPL skin rejuvenation treatment Is used to target the melanin in the skin and break down dark spots and lesions. Because of the melanin in those areas, the light is easily absorbed and can effectively cause it to fragment and fade over time. This results in the reduced appearance of sunspots and age spots as well as a general improvement in the skin tone texture and vibrancy.
Facial Redness And Rosacea:
The exact cause of rosacea and facial redness can vary and is often unknown but other factors can often worsen the condition and appearance of these red areas. Rosacea is identified by facial redness, visible red blood vessels, and occasionally acne-like breakouts.
The IPL skin rejuvenation process targets the blood vessels responsible for the redness. The energy from the wavelength is absorbed by the haemoglobin, and the laser heats and damages them which results in the red areas fading.
Photorejuvenation / Anti-Ageing:
Age is evitable but there is a viable method of minimising the symptoms. Fine lines and wrinkles are natural parts of the ageing process that can be worsened through sun exposure, and decreased skin hydration. IPL can be used to target and stimulate collagen production which promotes cell renewal, thus improving the elasticity of the skin for a younger, firmer, and fresher appearance.
Active Acne:
Active acne is common in teenagers and young adults and most symptoms appear as inflamed blackheads and puss-filled pimples. Skin rejuvenation can be used to target the bacteria that contribute to and worsens these conditions.
Lip Fillers:
IPL is the ideal option for those looking for fuller, plumper-looking lips without the invasiveness of lip fillers and having to deal with needles. IPL can be used to plump lips and boost volume, giving the same effect as lip fillers with none of the hassle.
Uneven Skin:
One of the most common problems our customers face is uneven skin texture and tone. Instead of covering this up with makeup, IPL treatment offers a permanent, non-invasive solution that leaves skin looking smooth and even. IPL skin rejuvenation promotes the regeneration of new cells which gives the skin a smoother, more refined texture; it also targets melanin – dissipating darker parts and evening out the skin tone.
How Does IPL Differ From Laser Treatment?
Each pulse of light emitted by IPL technology covers a large surface area which makes it an efficient choice for areas around the face or legs. Lasers, on the other hand, omit a concentrated single beam of light which makes them beneficial for targeting small precise areas.
IPL is designed to target superficial skin concerns and is usually used to target the outer layers of skin, whilst laser can penetrate deeper into the skin to treat deep issues and imperfections like scars, which extend through multiple layers of skin.
IPL is versatile and customisable for various patients with different skin concerns and needs. Alternatively, lasers are each uniquely designed for specific purposes, for example, tattoo removal, hair removal, or skin resurfacing, and are usually limited to what they are designed for. The same laser that is used for tattoo removal cannot be used for hair removal, and vice versa.
IPL Skin Resurfacing Treatment
When it comes to any laser skin treatment, preparation is essential. A consultation with a qualified aesthetician or somatologist will determine the best course of treatment suited to your needs and desired results, as well as give them time to evaluate your skin. Following this, there are steps you will need to follow leading up to your treatment.
Leading up to your treatment, it is of vital importance to avoid anything that can damage or weaken your skin. Sun exposure is a big no, for at least 4 weeks leading up to your treatment, and it is also advised to avoid using tanning beds, tan accelerants, or tanning products. Having sunburnt skin may lead to complications and lessen the effectiveness of the treatment. The best way to protect your skin, besides avoiding UV rays, is to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
You will also be advised to discontinue the use of skin products that may increase your skin’s sensitivity. Your somatologist or treatment specialist will be able to advise what is okay to continue using and what needs to be avoided. Retinoid creams and acne treatments are common causes of irritated or sensitive skin and will need to be avoided.
On the day of your treatment, you will need to arrive with a clean, makeup-free face. This means no lotions or creams either, this is to ensure the laser pulses can effectively penetrate the skin.
During IPL Skin Rejuvenation
When you are ready to begin, your treatment specialist will administer the treatment to the targeted areas. The laser will deliver pulses of light into the targeted areas of the skin, during this, you will likely experience a mild, warm sensation and in some cases a feeling similar to the snapping of a rubber band against the skin as the light pulses are absorbed. The procedure typically lasts 20-30 minutes but can vary slightly depending on the area. Due to the non-invasive nature of the procedure, there is little to no downtime.
Treatment Sensations
Most patients generally feel a similar sensation when undergoing IPL treatments, describing the feeling as something similar to a rubber band snapping against their skin or a slight warmth. Laser treatments vary because different lasers are designed for different treatments – the most painful ones include tattoo removal due to the intensity and precision and the laser treatments range from a snapping feeling to mild discomfort.
Post-IPL Skin Rejuvenation
After your treatment, you will experience some redness and swelling, which will subside within a few hours, but in some cases can last up to a few days. The results will appear gradually over the following weeks as collagen production increases, appearing as improvements in the skin texture, tone, and overall appearance, including the lightening of darker spots or areas and a more glowing, even complexion.
In most cases, multiple sessions are recommended for the best possible results, and these sessions are spaced out over several weeks, depending on the personalised treatment plan set out by your somatologist or treatment specialist.
Alternatives To IPL Skin Rejuvenation
IPL is not the only procedure that can be used to achieve even tone and textures as well as address skin issues and concerns. There are various other treatments available.
Here is how they compare:
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing uses single, highly concentrated beams of light to target specific areas. Laser resurfacing is powerful and precise, which allows it to target deeper areas in the skin to treat moderate to severe conditions. Because of its higher concentration and singular focus, it is considered more invasive than IPL Skin Resurfacing and is more painful, sometimes requiring more time in between sessions for the skin to heal. It is, however, very effective in the areas it treats.
IPL is considered more gentle, and can achieve the same results but requires a few more sessions to do so.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels remove the top layers of skin through the application of a chemical solution. The result is increased cell turnover which leads to fresher skin surfacing from underneath, with a glowing, firm texture and appearance.
Chemical peels vary in strength, but the longer ones see facial skin shedding over a longer period, which can require some downtime and maintenance. IPL offers a less aggressive option and also requires less downtime, which is why many find it more suitable.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a quick, gentle, and effective treatment for those that want results with no downtime. Microdermabrasion is an exfoliation treatment that works by removing the outermost layers of skin but is only effective in addressing concerns on the surface of the skin, as it cannot penetrate deeper to address lingering skin issues. IPL can address deeper skin issues as well as surface issues.
Topical Treatments
Retinoids, skin-lightening serums, and vitamin C serums can be used to target a variety of surface skin concerns. Topical treatments are mildly effective for less severe skin conditions but take much longer to produce results. Alternatively, IPL is effective immediately and delivers better results. Many people will start with topical treatments and creams and then turn to IPL skin rejuvenation treatment as a second option.
NuSkinnovation’s IPL Skin Resurfacing Treatment
If you find yourself eager to improve the look and feel of your skin, reverse ageing and restore a healthy complexion, our IPL treatment may be just what you’re looking for. If you have any unusual skin markings or discolouration that you are unhappy with, then IPL skin rejuvenation is the solution! Visit a NuSkinnovation branch near you to begin your journey to radiant, glowing skin.
