Everything You Need to Know About IPL Treatment
Today, there seems to be a never-ending list of treatments that can revitalize your appearance and finally treat those pesky skin concerns you’ve been trying to get rid of for years. And while it’s nice to have so many options, it can be overwhelming to know which one is right for you and your personal skin.
Laser treatments are a commonly used and effective way to achieve your skincare goals, and there are a lot of different procedures that fall under this category – but IPL isn’t one of them. IPL treatments work a bit differently and can improve certain skin concerns that lasers can’t.
This then poses the question, “What is IPL treatment?” In this guide, we’ll explain how this one-of-a-kind treatment works, and how you can achieve the skin you’ve always dreamed of with IPL skin treatments near you.
What Is IPL Treatment?
IPL, or intense pulsed light, is an extremely versatile cosmetic treatment that improves a selection of skin concerns, including:
- Age spots
- Sun damage
- Freckles
- Rosacea
- Facial spider veins
While IPL facial treatments are common, this device can also be used on nearly any area of the body. No matter where your skin concerns are located, IPL can deliver you with flawless results.
Is It a Laser Treatment?
IPL treatments use multiple wavelengths of light that are scattered and unfocused, like a photoflash. Laser treatments treat your skin with just one wavelength of light. Lasers can be ablative, non-ablative, or fractional.
Ablative lasers are more invasive, as they completely remove the surface of your skin to create a new, healthy layer and increase collagen production deep within the dermis.
Non-ablative lasers treat the skin’s deepest layer without damaging its surface. Using microscopic treatment zones, these lasers resurface damaged skin, boost collagen production, and stimulate the growth of healthy skin cells.
Fractional lasers consist of further spaced beams that are able to treat only a small portion of your skin, while leaving the rest unaffected.
The light energy of IPL is not as strong or focused as a laser, making it a more versatile skin treatment option. Additionally, the IPL device can be customized to fit the needs of each patient and their skin, down to the wavelength, fluence, number, duration, and delay of pauses.
How IPL Works
IPL is non-invasive, and instead rejuvenates your skin by reaching deep into your dermis without damaging your epidermis, or the top layer of your skin.
During IPL treatments, your skin absorbs the light energy and turns it into heat. The heat then destroys the unwanted pigment, resulting in clear, younger-looking skin.
What to Expect from Your IPL Treatment
IPL treatments are quick, painless, and don’t require any downtime. Many patients compare the feeling of IPL to being snapped with a rubber band. Treatments typically take less than 30 minutes.
After your IPL treatment, you can immediately return to your day-to-day activities, making it a convenient skin treatment that can be done whenever it fits into your schedule best. You’ll start to notice results about two weeks after your session.
IPL varies from patient to patient, and some may need more treatments than others. It depends on your skin type and desired results. All patients are recommended to schedule treatments four to six weeks apart, as well as a yearly appointment to treat new sun damage and maintain optimal results.
Am I a Good Candidate for IPL Treatment?
Because IPL treats a number of skin concerns and can be done nearly anywhere on the body, it’s a great solution for any patient looking to achieve radiant, healthy skin.
The only way to truly know if it’s right for you is to book a consultation for IPL skin treatment near you. At your consultation, a knowledgeable medical provider will examine the treatment area and determine if IPL is the best way to reach your skincare goals.
Learn More About IPL Skin Treatment Near You
Whether you’re experiencing a skin concern that just won’t go away or are just looking to achieve a more radiant appearance, IPL can help. From IPL facial treatments to treatments on your hands, legs, back, and chest, you’ll be able to achieve the skin you’ve been longing for.
To learn more about IPL treatments and determine if they are right for you, talk to an experienced medical provider in your area.