As we age, sometimes as soon as into our early twenties, our skin can become affected by a variety of different skin conditions. Some are a result of the natural aging process, like fine lines and wrinkles, and others develop over time due to environmental damage, like hyperpigmentation. Not only can these conditions affect the quality of your skin, but they can affect the quality of your life because we all know that when we aren’t looking our best, we certainly are not feeling our best. At Living Young Center for Health & Anti-Aging, we are dedicated to making our patients feel as confident and beautiful as they truly are which is why we offer IPL Photofacial treatments to the St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, and Seminole, FL, communities.
What Is IPL Photofacial?
IPL therapy stands for “intense pulsed light” and is commonly called an IPL Photofacial in the esthetic world due to its use of light to treat skin conditions. IPL treatments are a non-invasive way to improve the texture and tone of your skin without the downtime and recovery associated with a surgical procedure.
What Can IPL Photofacials Treat?
The IPL device uses cutting-edge light energy to target and heat areas of discoloration on the skin without damaging the surrounding tissue. When these spots are heated, they will begin to naturally break down as your body carries the unwanted and damaged cells away. The result is a smoother and more even skin barrier. IPL Photofacials can be used to treat the following skin conditions:
Pigmented Lesions
Pigmented lesions are spots on your skin that appear darker than the surrounding skin. These can include moles, freckles, sunspots, and age spots. These spots should be monitored for any changes as they can develop into skin cancer.
Vascular Lesions
Vascular lesions are abnormalities on the skin or the underlying tissue, that we refer to as “birthmarks”. A birthmark occurs due to a cluster of blood vessel growths and, as the name suggests, is present at birth. They can become more pronounced and darker as we age.
Brown Spots
Brown spots are small flat spots on the skin that are darker than the surrounding skin. Unlike pigmented lesions, brown spots are not harmful, but they can be distracting.
Skin Laxity
Skin laxity happens as we age when our bodies produce less collagen, and our skin begins to lose firmness and structure. As a result, our skin begins to sag and droop. Some people refer to skin laxity as having, “crepey skin”.
Rosacea
Rosacea commonly affects those with fair skin and is characterized by facial redness, swollen red bumps, and visible blood vessels. If left untreated, rosacea can worsen over time.
Age Spots
Age spots, sometimes referred to as “wisdom spots” due to the fact that we acquire more of them as we age, are small, flat, and dark areas on the skin. They can vary in size and are most commonly found in areas of the body that are exposed to the sun.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation describes any area on the skin that has an excess of pigment, making it stand out against the rest of your skin. These can be brown, red, pink, or other pigments that take away from the appearance of a smooth and even skin tone.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Fine lines, wrinkles, and folds in the skin all develop as a part of the natural aging process. When our skin gradually loses collagen and elastin, as well as repeating facial movements, lines are left on the face.
IPL Photofacial Recovery and Results
Immediately following an IPL Photofacial treatment your skin may appear red and it may feel like you have a sunburn for around 4-6 hours. Brown spots that were treated may get darker but will peel off and fade over the next couple of weeks. During your recovery, you should use unscented cleansers and moisturizers designed for sensitive skin. Most people will need between 3-7 IPL sessions spaced 4 weeks apart to experience optimal results.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about IPL Photofacials at Living Young Center for Health & Anti-Aging, schedule a consultation to see if this procedure is right for you. Head to our website to fill out an online contact form and get in touch with a member of our team today.
