An Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) photo facial uses a broad spectrum of light to target pigmentation in the skin. This allows it to improve sun damage, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation with minimal downtime and discomfort.
How Does an IPL Photo Facial Work?
While lasers usually use only one or two wavelengths of light, an IPL photo facial uses a spectrum of wavelengths. This allows it to treat a variety of skin concerns by targeting the pigmentation and irregular vascularity in the skin that cause these discolorations and blotchiness. At Krauss Dermatology, IPL is performed by our experienced nurse Chris Dyer under the supervision of board-certified dermatologists. This means only the most experienced professionals will provide your IPL photo facial treatment.
An IPL photo facial takes about 20-30 minutes to perform. You can apply numbing cream in advance to minimize discomfort. Many people report that the IPL pulses, like the pulses from laser treatments, feel like the snap of a rubber band.
An IPL photo facial works to address brown and red discoloration because its spectrum of light causes minimal injury to the thickness of the epidermis but targets pigmentation and broken capillaries at its base. These pigment and vascular structures absorb particular wavelengths of light, which allows damage only to the unwanted discoloration leaving the rest of the skin intact. The process allows minimal side effects and minimal downtime and leaves you with brighter, clearer-looking skin.
Am I a Good Candidate for an IPL Photo Facial?
You may be a good candidate for an IPL photo facial if you want to get rid of signs of sun damage, hyperpigmentation, redness, or other superficial aging changes. IPL works better on people with light to medium skin tones. If you have a history of developing unusually thick, raised scars (keloids) or have taken certain acne medication (Accutane/isotretinoin) in the past few months, you may not be a good candidate.
What to Expect After an IPL Photo Facial
Immediately after an IPL photo facial, your skin may look and feel like you have a sunburn. This feeling should go away within a few hours, although some redness may last for a few days. You may see some of your hyperpigmented spots become darker, but only temporarily. They will peel away painlessly within a few weeks.
Within a week or two of treatment, you will start to see results from your treatment. IPL photo facials can improve conditions, including:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sun damage
- Brown spots
- Broken blood vessels
- Red discoloration
- Freckles
- Dull texture and tone
The broad spectrum of light used by an IPL treatment allows it to target so many different types of targets with one pulse.
Take the Next Step
If you have further questions about IPL Photo Facials, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Krauss Dermatology. Call us at (781) 416-3500 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.