Too much fun in the sun? Overexposure to sunlight can prematurely age the skin by reducing elasticity and causing hyperpigmentation.
The good news is that you can fight light with light – fight sunlight with Intense Pulsed Light, that is.
An Intense Pulsed Light photofacial delivers broadband light through the skin’s layers to promote skin rejuvenation. It’s best known for lessening the appearance of pigmented spots, decreasing redness, reducing pore size, and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The treatment is non-ablative, meaning that it won’t damage the skin’s surface. The intense light is delivered to the deeper parts of the skin and leaves the superficial parts of the skin untouched.
I recommend patients undergo a series of three to four photofacials every three or four weeks. Each session takes 20 to 30 minutes.
What to Expect
When you arrive for your photofacial, your face will be cleaned and prepared. Then, a skin care professional will apply a cool gel before beginning treatment.
During treatment, you will feel the pulse of light similar a rubber-band snap from the wand move over the area you want treated. Don’t let the “rubber-band snap” description scare you. The treatment is generally well tolerated and no anesthetic is required for most patients.
Afterward, you may have some redness and feel like a sunburn for the rest of the day (something you may be used to if you’re looking at getting this treatment!), but you’ll be able to return to your usual routine the following day. However, your pigmented areas may be slightly darker in the days that follow and naturally shed after one or two weeks after treatment.
It will take only one to two facials to begin seeing results of the treatment. These improvements continue with each additional treatment.
A Word of Warning
If you have a darker complexion, tanned skin, or spray-tanned skin, talk to your skin care professional to see if this is the right treatment for you.
About Jennifer
Jennifer Curtin is a medical aesthetician, who is nationally recognized for her expertise in medical skin care. With more than 20 years of experience in medical aesthetics, she is dedicated to the aesthetic industry and has received awards of merit including the International CIDESCO Certification, Assistant Cosmetic Laser Practitioner and National Leadership Award. Jennifer is also an expert in IPL photofacials and the president of Skintherapy, which is located in the Buckhead section of Atlanta. To schedule a complimentary appointment with Jennifer, call 404-358-2961 or click here to submit a consult request online.
