What is a Photofacial?

A photofacial refers to a set of skin treatments that use a form of light-based technology to help treat brown spots from the sun and aging, broken capillaries that are causing skin redness, and assist in boosting collagen in the skin. There are two types of light technology that are used in photofacials. At True Med Spa in Downtown Scottsdale, we use Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, photofacial.

IPL is a popular skincare treatment for both men and woman. IPL is used by men and women with light or fair complexions who are looking to treat their sun damage and age spots, boost skin firmness and elasticity, and improve the overall look and tone of the skin.

How Does IPL Work?

IPL photofacials use short pulses of light energy to penetrate just below the skin’s surface. This process damages the melanin that is responsible for brown ‘age spots’ or ‘sun spots’ and also the blood vessels that are responsible for broken capillaries. After an IPL photofacial, the skin works to repair the ‘damage’ caused by the light pulses, resulting in a more even skin tone. This process is called photorejuvenation and it causes the benefits of a photofacial to appear gradually over a few weeks after the treatment. Results of an IPL photofacial can take up to six treatments but many clients are begin to see initial results after the first few treatment sessions.**

What does IPL treat?

The wonderful thing about a photofacial is that it can treat a wide range of skin problems with just one single treatment. There is no need to have number of different treatments to solve a long list of skin conditions. You can treat brown spots that are usually caused by unprotected sun exposure and even aging, redness caused by rosacea and broken capillaries.

Another benefit to photofacials is that it can help boost collagen which will leave your skin looking and feeling firmer. IPL also can be used to treat acne as the IPL light pulses destroy bacteria that commonly cause acne.

 

Side Effects of IPL

The great news is that this revolutionary treatment comes with very mild side effects. The side effects that are reported range mostly from redness to mild swelling. These side effects usually resolve within a few hours a just a couple of days after your treatment. So your face may appear ‘worse’ before it is better but this is very common with almost all photofacial treatments. On more rare occasions, some patients suffer mild bruising and swelling but that too also resolves within a few days. As with any treatment, there are extremely rare cases and you should discuss them with your skin care professional in your consultation at True Med Spa.**

It is important to remember to always use sunscreen to not only protect your skin, but to also prolong the effects of the IPL photofacial for as long as possible. Unprotected sun exposure is likely what has led you to seeking treatment so be sure to protect your skin from any further damage.

Results of an IPL photofacial will vary but most clients will see a more even skin tone with improved texture after IPL treatment. Your skin is left glowing and looking younger!**

To discuss whether the IPL photofacial is right for you, schedule a consultation with one of True Med Spa’s specialists today.