IPL

IPL uses powerful light energy to promote healing and improvements in the skin, and it has been used for both cosmetic and medical purposes over the years. One of its first applications was treating vascular lesions such as telangiectasias—more commonly referred to as spider veins. Since then, it has become one of the most commonly chosen skin rejuvenation treatments in the United States.

Your skin is constantly exposed to harsh elements, including pollution and ultraviolet radiation. Sun damage, inflammation, and injuries are common causes of unwanted concentrations of pigmentation in the skin. Additionally, collagen loss due to aging and sun exposure can lead to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Vascular lesions such as birthmarks and broken blood vessels due to genetics, sun exposure, weather changes, and other factors can also produce an uneven complexion. All of these problems can be addressed with intense pulsed light.

IPL works in a similar way to laser treatments, because they both use light to rapidly heat the areas that they target. One of the major differences between the two options, however, is the type of light source used. Intense pulsed light devices emit powerful bursts of light energy in multiple wavelengths, as opposed to a laser resurfacing procedure that employs one focused wavelength.

The light from an IPL treatment acts on specific pigmented cells in the skin, which absorb the energy and quickly heat to damaging temperatures. This can “kill off” the cells that form unwanted lesions, cause visible veins to collapse, shut down hair follicles, prompt collagen production, reduce inflammation and bacteria, and more—all while passing through the outer layer to reach the middle layer.

IPL is commonly used to safely treat brown, red, or blotchy pigmentation on any area of the body. The clinical providers at Skin Klinic & Day Spa can use IPL to address a wide range of skin problems, including age spots, acne, sun damage, freckles, dark spots from hormonal changes, scars, stretch marks, rosacea, and broken blood vessels on the face. A skin consultation prior to scheduling IPL is recommended for new clients to ensure that they are appropriate candidates for this treatment and that their treatment expectations can be thoroughly discussed.