Wouldn’t it be great if we could freeze the hands of time? Whilst we unfortunately can’t stop time marching by, we can take an active role in slowing down the visible signs of ageing when it comes to our skin with treatments such as IPL.
What is IPL therapy?
Developed in the 1990’s, IPL therapy or (Intense Pulsed Light) also sometimes referred to as Photofacials, is among the most popular options when it comes to non-invasive anti-ageing treatments currently on the market. IPL utilises short pulses of broad-spectrum laser light, directed towards the skin’s surface to rejuvenate the skin, reducing skin irregularities to promote a clearer, younger and refreshed complexion.
A 10 year study by Stanford University showed that IPL therapy not only helped repair the signs of ageing, it helped to prevent future ageing as well.
How does IPL work?
IPL machines work by applying rapid pulses of light at varying wavelengths to the targeted treatment area. The light is absorbed, converted into heat energy which destroys the targeted area through controlled thermal damage.
The discoloured cells are destroyed or dissolved and the fibroblast cells within the skin are stimulated to help boost collagen and elastin production. As we age, collagen production in our bodies slows down, but it is vital for providing skin with its firmness, vitality and bounce.
Laser IPLs are designed to activate the skin’s natural healing ability without causing any damage to the surrounding skin tissue. IPL therapy can address the visible signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, volume loss, dull tired and uneven-looking skin. By helping the body stimulate collagen production, skin is revitalised and skin tone and texture improved.
In terms of IPL vs laser, IPL delivers a much broader spectrum of light than laser and is therefore able to deliver a much wider range of specialised skin treatments. It can also treat much larger areas of skin per light pulse than laser, resulting in a more rapid treatment process for clients.
Aside from overall skin rejuvenation, what other skin conditions can IPL therapy treat?
IPL machines can treat ageing skin through rejuvenation, permanent hair removal, pigmentation correction, vascular therapy and acne management.
Hair removal: IPL laser hair removal machines are extremely effective solution for quick, easy painless permanent hair removal. Light at a specific wavelength is directed at the hair follicle, causing it to disrupt the hair growth, eventually damaging it to the point that it ceases to grow back.
Pigmentation: IPL laser removal for pigmentation can effectively fade unwanted discolouration to greatly improve overall skin tone, texture and radiance by using controlled pulses of filtered light directed at the pigmented areas. IPL therapy can address pigmentation concerns such as sun damaged skin including freckles, sun-spots, liver spots, age spots, discoloration. The melanin in the skin is targeted, with the pigmented area absorbing the light, heating to an optimal temperature where the skin will then renew itself with fresh, healthy and regenerated skin cells.
Redness: IPL vascular therapy can also effectively treat unwanted redness in the skin such as spider veins, broken capillaries, rosacea. Following treatment, the targeted vessels clear and are reabsorbed into the body, leaving behind no trace of the redness.
Acne management: IPL acne management targets active acne, reducing the bacteria to greatly calm inflammation caused by breakouts. IPL therapy does this by targeting the sebaceous glands, stopping them from producing too much sebum or oil.
Acne management programs with IPL machines are great for any pesky spots that surface as the treatments kill acne-causing bacteria deep within the skin, without affecting the surrounding dermis. IPL can slow down oil production, dry up active acne, as well as helping to reduce inflammation/redness or tenderness around the active acne. IPL can also help with post-inflammatory pigmentation or scars caused by previous acne.
How many treatments of IPL will I need?
How many IPL treatments you need will very much depend on what you want to treat. Sometimes only one session is required, however for significant results for pigmentation and skin rejuvenation most practitioners will recommend a series of anywhere from 4-8 treatment sessions.
Is there any downtime with IPL?
No, unlike more invasive skin-corrective treatments, treatments with IPL laser machines require no downtime, allowing for a return to your usual daily activities. Some minor redness is common immediately post treatment however this will fade.
Interested in finding out more about IPL treatments? To learn more contact beauty supplier, The Global Beauty Group on 1300 006 607 to find a treatment specialist in your area.
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