Light energy can be used as a tissue rejuvenation stimulant. The light used in intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is different from non-filtered white light. This is a relatively new method for combating the visual signs of aging, but it’s very effective. It’s also non-invasive, non-ablative, and doesn’t involve the use of chemicals, harsh abrasive tools, or fillers.
It’s Not the Same as Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a controlled skin ablation procedure. The intense laser beam energy gently removes one layer of skin at a time, much the way a chemical peel lifts away the epidermis. On the other hand, IPL uses broadband light energy. The pulses of light from the IPL device are made up of a specific combination of wavelengths. These interfere with each other, the result being a specified pattern of frequencies that can pass right through the epidermis without heating it up.
Instead, the energy is absorbed by darker, denser tissues. These tissues, which could be acne scars, blemishes, freckles, or age spots, contain cells that have a lot of pigment. That’s why they appear dark. Very little light energy is reflected by these cells. An IPL device emits pulses of light that travel beneath the skin surface and are absorbed by these darkened regions. The cells in these problem areas are slightly damaged and are eventually discarded by the body. At the same time, newer, healthier tissue replaces what is damaged by the light energy absorption.
What Does IPL Treat?
This procedure is effective at reducing the appearance of facial skin imperfections such as: sun damage, rosacea and redness, broken capillaries, sun spots and freckles, and fine lines.
The light energy also gets absorbed by capillaries. This causes them to shrink, and the result is better overall skin tone. In fact, IPL can be used to improve the appearance of rosacea and adult acne scarring.
Simple Treatment Procedure
Each treatment session lasts only about 30-40 minutes. The lamp is flashed for a few milliseconds, and each area of the face is subjected to several flashes. We generally schedule up to two or three treatment sessions for improving the appearance of wrinkles, sun damage brittleness, and age spots.
The light energy also shrinks collagen, and this actually promotes collagen creation. After the treatment schedule has been completed, our clients notice better overall skin texture and more suppleness to the skin layers.
Get a more youthful appearance without having to worry about surgery, fillers, or harsh resurfacing. Learn more about IPL and what it can do for you by contacting Dundee Dermatology today and scheduling your consultation! We are located in West Dundee, IL.