What is an IPL, Who Should Get One, And Is It Worth It?

May 20, 2020 Under Skin Treatments

Age spots, sun damages, and spider veins are common, and they pose cosmetic problems to many people. Like other scars, they are hard to treat, meaning that most individuals live with them. Do not allow the spots to damage your beautiful face. You can always benefit from some of the available treatment options.

One of the biggest problems with skin treatments is that they are time-consuming and they have downtime, something that makes many people avoid them. Many people are now going for Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment because it takes less time – around 15- 30 minutes per session – and it fits perfectly in the modern lifestyles. You can go back to your daily routine after the procedure because there is no downtime.

So, What Is IPL Treatment?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a form of treatment designed to treat hyperpigmentation (age spots) and broken capillaries resulting from sun damages and age-related issues. The therapy stimulates the production of elastin and collagen to plump up your skin and provide you with a fresh appearance. You have to get several treatments, which can be up to one month apart, for the best results.

IPL treatments use blasts of high-intensity polychromatic light that penetrates below the skin to damage the melanin, which forms age spots. The polychromatic light also damages the blood vessels, which make blood capillaries. After the treatment, your skin will repair the damages naturally to leave an even skin tone.

Apart from treating wrinkles, sun damages, age spots, and stretch marks, IPL also erases irregular pigmentation or freckles and brown spots on the neck, face, and chest. Some individuals rely on it to treat hair reduction, which often requires many treatments. Only get the treatment from experienced skincare specialists, such as Laura E. LoCricchio of Michigan Advanced Aesthetics, if you want lasting results.

Who Are Good Candidates for IPL Treatment?

Before going for treatment, consult a licensed dermatologist to know whether you are a suitable candidate. IPL treatment works better for individuals with fair skin. If your skin contains a lot of melanin, you are at a higher risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation after an IPL treatment. As a rule of thumb:

• Any skin that burns when exposed to direct sunlight can benefit from IPL treatments.
• Any skin that tans easily or darker complexions are not ideal for the IPL treatment.

IPL is a perfect choice for young individuals who have started developing mild wrinkles or bothersome brown spots that are not severe enough to warrant repeated treatment. Some conditions that warrant the treatment include skin laxity, sun damage, and broken capillaries. IPL treatment solves the three issues at once.

Individuals with dark skins, including Asians, should be cautious about the IPL treatment because their skin absorbs light energy in large amounts. If you have a darker skin tone, consult your physician to know the best treatment options for you.

Is It Worth It?

The treatment option is worth every single penny you spend on it. You can schedule several treatments during winter to get rid of the skin damage that occurred in summer and go for follow up procedures in spring. The purpose of follow-up treatments is to help keep your skin fresh during the hot summer months.

Conclusion

In addition to getting IPL treatment, avoid exposure to sunlight, especially the harshest sunlight occurring between 10 am and 4 pm each day. This will ensure that you get long-lasting effects. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen cream with a 30+ SPF rating each day. Moreover, eat healthily, reduce consumption of refined carbs, take vitamins, and get enough sleep each day.