Did you know that sun damage causes freckles, age spots, and lines and wrinkles? That is because the sun emits UVA and UVB rays, which are associated with skin aging and skin burning. If you are experiencing sun damage or lines and wrinkles and are looking for an effective and non-invasive solution to rejuvenate your complexion, IPL treatments can help! IPL is an amazing and fairly quick treatment to eliminate skin damage and unwanted hair for a more confident you.
IPL, which stands for intense pulsed light, is a form of light therapy that is used to address a number of visible signs of aging. Unlike laser treatments which use one focused wavelength of light, IPL uses many different wavelengths. This allows for a more scattered light, which penetrates down to the dermis (the second layer) of the skin without harming the epidermis (the top layer). Pigment cells in the skin absorb light energy, which is then changed into heat. This heat eliminates unwanted pigment in the skin, eradicating spots, sun damage, or hair follicles.
IPL can be used to minimize or improve the appearance of:
This treatment can be used almost anywhere on the body, though it may not be the best option for those with a history of keloid scarring or those with darker skin tones. At Pinnacle Dermatology & Skin Rejuvenation in Bellevue, WA, the best way to determine if this treatment is right for you is through a consultation appointment with Dr. Gray. During this appointment, you will discuss your skin concerns and health history, giving our team the information we need to create a personalized treatment plan for you!
During your IPL treatment session, the skin to be addressed will first be cleansed. Both you and the technician will need to wear eye protection during treatment. Then, a cool gel will be applied to the skin, and the IPL machine will be used to apply light pulses. Many individuals describe the light pulses as feeling like a rubber band snap; however, treatment should not be painful. Depending on the size of the treatment area, the entire process can take 15-20 minutes to complete. For best results, most people need between 3-12 treatments, each spaced 4-8 weeks apart.
Some people experience mild redness, swelling, or bruising at the treatment site following this procedure. However, these side effects will fade within a couple of days. You can feel free to return to your normal daily activities right away, as there is no downtime required. However, it is important to avoid spending long periods of time in the sun and be sure to wear sunscreen when outdoors, as your skin will be sensitive following IPL.
Your greatest results should be seen after 3-6 months when receiving a series of treatments which include an improvement in your pigmented lesions. The best way to maintain your results is to be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, as well as avoid spending long periods of time in the sun unprotected.
Are you interested in learning more about IPL treatments and how they can help improve the appearance of your skin? If so, contact Pinnacle Dermatology & Skin Rejuvenation today! We will be happy to schedule your initial consultation appointment, which is your first step toward treatment.
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