Do you have sun-damaged spots on your face, neck, or hands? Is your skin uneven and discolored in places? You may be worried about these changes in your skin. Today, we are going to talk about a method that can improve the color and texture of your skin without going for surgery. This is called IPL, which stands for Intense Pulsed Light therapy. Some people also call it ``photofacial``.
Simply put, what is this IPL?
IPL is a non-surgical treatment that uses high-intensity light to treat skin problems. Some of the damage caused to the skin by sun exposure, known as ``photoaging,'' can be reversed with this treatment.
Imagine, if you're having trouble with red, brown spots on your skin, or skin discoloration, IPL could be a good solution.
What is the difference between IPL and Laser?
This is a question that many people have. Both IPL and laser treatments can treat a variety of skin problems. However, the main difference is that IPL treatment is gentler on the skin than laser. Therefore, you may need to have several IPL treatments to get the same results as laser.
Laser treatment is a slightly more intense, more powerful treatment. Therefore, the healing time is longer. However, you can achieve clearer results with fewer treatments. While lasers emit only one wavelength of light, an IPL device emits pulses of light of several wavelengths at once. Therefore, IPL has the ability to treat several skin problems at the same time.
It's best to talk to your dermatologist to decide whether IPL or laser is best for your skin problem.
What can IPL treatment solve?
This treatment is most effective if you have pale or light brown skin. If you want to reduce or eliminate the problems below, you can consider this treatment.
| Treatable conditions | Description |
|---|---|
| Acne and scars | To reduce acne and the scars caused by it. |
| Birthmarks | Helps fade some types of birthmarks. |
| Stretch marks | Stretch marks caused by skin stretching. |
| Liver or age spots | Brown spots that occur with age or due to sun exposure. |
| Broken blood vessels | Fine red blood vessels visible on the surface of the skin. |
| Redness caused by rosacea ( rosacea ( rosacea ) ) | A skin condition that causes the face to turn red. |
| Unwanted hair | To remove unwanted hair from the face and limbs. |
| Fine wrinkles | To reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles on the surface of the skin. |
The most important thing is to see a qualified, experienced dermatologist before undergoing this treatment to examine your skin condition and get advice on whether it is suitable for you.
Who should not have IPL treatment and who should be careful
This treatment is not suitable for everyone. In some cases, it is better to avoid it.
| Things to consider before IPL treatment | |
|---|---|
| People who must speak to the doctor before treatment | |
| Pregnant mothers | This treatment is not recommended during pregnancy. |
| People with other skin conditions | It is essential to seek medical advice if you have other skin conditions. |
| People taking certain medications | If you are taking blood thinners or medications such as Isotretinoin for acne. |
| People who are generally not suitable for IPL treatment | |
| People with very dark skin | The risk of side effects is higher due to increased skin pigment. |
| People who have recently tanned their skin | If you have changed your skin color due to exposure to the sun, a tanning bed, or applying creams. |
| People who are sensitive to light | If you are photosensitive. |
| People with keloid scars | People with this type of skin are at risk of scarring after treatment. |
Does IPL cause cancer?
This is a fear that many people have. However, research has shown that IPL is a safe treatment and does not cause cancer. Despite being used for more than 30 years, there is no evidence that it increases the risk of skin cancer or other cancers.
How is the treatment done and what is the pain like?
When you are ready for treatment, the doctor or trained technician will apply a gel to your cleansed skin. You will be given dark glasses to protect your eyes. Then, the handheld IPL device will be placed directly on your skin.
Typically, this treatment session takes about 20-30 minutes . If treating a large area, it can take an hour or more.
Most people can tolerate these light pulses, but they may feel a little painful, like someone snapping a rubber band . If necessary, your doctor may give you a numbing cream to apply 30-60 minutes before the treatment begins.
What happens after treatment?
Your skin may feel sunburned for 4-6 hours after the treatment. Applying ice packs or applying a cold cloth to the area may help.
Your skin may be red or bruised for a day or two. Some of your brown spots may become darker, but don't worry, they will fade on their own within a few weeks.
Remember these things during your recovery:
- Don't wear makeup if your skin hurts.
- Use a good moisturizing lotion.
- Be sure to protect yourself from the sun. Use a good sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Reapply every two hours, even if it's not sunny.
- Wash your face with a cleanser suitable for sensitive skin.
Typically, a person may need three to seven treatments. This will vary depending on the skin condition you are treating. There should be a gap of two to four weeks between each treatment. It may take several weeks to see a difference in your skin.
What are the possible side effects?
IPL is a very safe treatment when performed by a trained professional, but some people may experience minor side effects.
- Pain
- Swelling
- Skin redness
- Rarely bleeding
- Skin discoloration (temporarily darkening or lightening)
- Peeling or blistering (very rare)
- Scarring (very rare)
If you feel unusually uncomfortable after treatment or if your symptoms worsen, talk to your doctor immediately.
Take-Home Message
- IPL is a non-surgical method of treating skin blemishes, wrinkles, unwanted hair, and many other problems using light.
- This treatment is most effective for people with light skin tones. It may not be as effective for people with darker skin tones.
- Be sure to undergo this treatment only under the supervision of a qualified, experienced dermatologist.
- Several treatments are required for best results, and maintenance treatments may be required once or twice a year to maintain results.
- If you have other medical conditions or are taking any medications, it is essential to discuss this with your doctor before starting IPL treatment.
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