There are many options for achieving youthful, glowing skin. Among these, IPL therapy is an increasingly popular solution for those seeking a non-invasive way to improve their skin, reduce signs of aging, and target other skin concerns.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy improves early signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, by using multiple wavelengths of broad-spectrum light to stimulate collagen production within the skin.
IPL’s versatility makes it an attractive option for those looking to enhance their skin’s overall appearance, helping them to feel more radiant and confident while embracing their natural beauty.
All About IPL Therapy
Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses broad-spectrum light to target and improve the look of skin concerns.
Some laser therapies use a single wavelength of light. What differentiates IPL is the device’s ability to emit multiple wavelengths of light to penetrate different layers of the skin.
This technology makes IPL a versatile treatment to target an array of skin concerns, including:
- Sun damage
- Hyperpigmentation
- Rosacea and redness
- Acne scars and active acne
- Early signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles
Skin pigments, such as melanin with dark spots or hemoglobin in blood vessels, absorb the light energy emitted from the IPL device.
Once absorbed, the generated light breaks down these pigments or vascular irregularities, allowing the body to naturally eliminate the damaged cells, resulting in clearer, brighter, and healthier-looking skin.
Reduce Fine Lines & Wrinkles with IPL
IPL therapy can help improve early signs of aging, like the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but not in the same way as general anti-aging treatments like Botox or fillers. These treatments work by immobilizing facial muscles and physically “filling” deep-set wrinkles.
In contrast, IPL therapy improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production beneath the skin.
Collagen is a protein in your, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. It provides structure and elasticity, and also strengthens the skin, helping it look firm and youthful.
Over time, collagen production in the body naturally decreases due to aging, sun exposure, and environmental factors. This decline causes the skin to lose its elasticity, leading to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.
When light energy from IPL penetrates the skin, it targets underlying layers to promote the natural healing process and regeneration of skin cells. This collagen boost helps repair minor skin damage and restore elasticity, softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and creating a smoother texture.
It’s worth noting that IPL therapy is generally more effective for minor wrinkles and fine lines. For deeper wrinkles, additional treatments like microneedling or dermal fillers may be needed alongside IPL therapy to achieve the desired results.
What are the Benefits of IPL Therapy?
Familiarizing yourself with the broader benefits of any skin treatment can help you make informed decisions. IPL therapy is no exception, as its benefits extend beyond reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
- Non-invasive and convenient: Treatment sessions are relatively quick, about 20 to 45 minutes, require no downtime, and are relatively gentle with minimal side effects like redness.
- Collagen boost: IPL improves skin’s overall elasticity and firmness by stimulating collagen production.
- Acne and rosacea management: IPL reduces the appearance of redness caused by conditions like rosacea while also helping to control acne.
- Improve skin texture and tone: IPL creates a more even skin tone, reducing discoloration from sun damage, redness, or hormonal pigmentation and minimizing the appearance of acne scars.
- Customizable treatment: IPL can be tailored to target your specific skin concerns and adjust treatments over time as needed, unlike a one-size-fits-all approach to care.
What to Expect During Your IPL Session
If you’re planning your first IPL session, knowing what the process involves from start to finish is helpful.
Before the Session
The process starts with an initial consultation, during which our team will discuss your skin concerns, develop a personalized plan, and see if IPL is right for you.
If you proceed with the treatment, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind before your first session:
- Avoid tanning, exfoliating, and using skin-irritating products (like retinol) in the week before your session.
- Stay hydrated and continue to drink lots of water.
- Regularly apply sunscreen.
- Come to your visit with a fresh, clean, make-up-free face.
During the Session
At the session, your practitioner will quickly cleanse to remove any impurities from your face for a fresh, blank slate.
You’ll be given protective goggles or special eyeshields to wear during the treatment. These help shield your eyes from the intense light emitted from the IPL device. We’ll apply a clear gel to the treatment area to enhance light penetration and soothe the skin.
Once prepped, the IPL device will be passed over your skin, emitting quick pulses of light. Feeling a light snap or mild pinch is normal and we can always adjust the intensity.
Depending on the targeted concern and the status of your skin, the session can take anywhere between 20 to 45 minutes.
After the Session
After your session, it’s normal to experience slight redness, similar to a mild sunburn. This typically subsides within a few hours. It’s important to stay hydrated and continue using proper sun protection, especially for the next few days.
Its non-invasive nature means little to no downtime, allowing you to resume most of your daily tasks.
You may notice some improvements after your first session, but it can take 3 to 6 treatments, spaced a few weeks apart, to see your desired results.
Rejuvenate Your Skin with IPL Therapy
Like all good things, results with IPL take time, often requiring multiple sessions through a personalized treatment to achieve desired results. While IPL is widely known for its skin-rejuvenating benefits, it can also help manage dry eye symptoms by reducing inflammation.
Connect with our Gardens Eye Institute team to schedule your initial consultation.
