IPL Photofacials (also known as photo facial or photo-epilation) are a great way to lighten skin, improve texture and clarify pores. While more research is needed to determine how effective these procedures are in terms of acne outcomes, many physicians and dermatologists agree that these custom treatments are affordable, safe and easy to use.
Here’s how an IPL photofacial works: instead of using your usual skin care products and creams, the technician will shine ultraviolet light from a hand-held machine on your face for up to 10 minutes at a time. The process is painless and relaxing, leaving you with smoother skin in just one treatment!
However, you should know that not all IPL photofacial practitioners are equally reputable. So if you’re looking for the safest way to achieve results, here are our recommendations on services that offer the best results without any risks attached:
IPL Photofacial: The process in brief
During an IPL photofacial, you’ll lie on a treatment table as the technician applies a layer of gentle, lubricated ultrasound gel to your face. Next, she’ll put an IPL machine over your face and gently move the machine across your skin to gently heat it up.
As the ultrasound stimulates your skin’s natural production of melanin, it generates the same reaction that occurs when you apply a tanning bed. This results in a brownish-red pigmentation that darkens your skin as it works its way deeper into the pores. After 10 to 15 minutes, the technician will remove the machine and then apply a soothing gel to your face.
Which IPL service is best for you?
This depends entirely on your skin type. While IPL photofacial is an effective treatment for most skin types, it’s especially helpful for those with oily and acne-prone skin. It can also lighten skin in people with darker complexions, but usually at a slower rate since the skin isn’t as dark to begin with.
You should also be aware that not all IPL photofacial treatments are created equal, since not all clinics use the same energy settings. It’s best to visit a clinic that specializes in acne-related treatments, since they’re more likely to use the lower energy settings that are gentler on your skin.
What’s more, if you’re looking to get rid of scars, you’ll want to opt for a clinic that uses IPL to treat acne scars, as opposed to one that only treats acne. In this case, you need to find a provider who uses IPL to treat acne and pigmentation, as opposed to IPL photofacials.
Safety tips when choosing an IPL Photofacial service provider
Be sure to ask your clinic what types of acne they treat, and make sure they offer treatment for scarring. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a clinic that uses mild IPL energy settings, since this can help reduce your risk of redness and irritation. You should also be careful not to over-exfoliate your skin before undergoing treatment, as this can cause scaring or darker spots.
Additionally, you should avoid using harsh acne products and scrubbing your face prior to treatment, since this can cause scaring as well. Also, make sure to carefully inform your treatment center about any medications you’re taking, since some medications can make your acne more severe or cause your skin to become more sensitive to redness.
Which dermatologists offer IPL Photofacials?
There are more than 5,000 dermatologists in the United States, and while many specialize in a particular disorder like acne or rosacea, others have experience treating acne scarring patients. If you are struggling with acne scarring, it’s worth it to find a dermatologist who specializes in IPL photofacial treatments, who may have access to more advanced IPL machines and treatments.
One of the best places to start your search is by using sites like Google and typing in “dermatologist near me.” After you’ve narrowed down your options, you can next look for dermatologists who offer IPL photofacials or IPL skin treatments who may offer discounted services for patients or cosmetic deals for IPL photofacial treatments.
You can also reach out to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), to find out if your physician belongs to one of these organizations.
IPL vs Microneedling
While microneedling is more powerful than IPL therapy and delivers quicker results, microneedling does not have as much of an effect on skin texture or collagen production as does IPL. If wrinkle reduction is your top priority, IPL is probably a better choice than microneedling. Lets read below in detail:
Microneedling is an electric skin needling device is used to make many small, shallow punctures in the skin. When passed over the surface of the skin, this device makes multiple tiny, shallow punctures. These small breaks in the skin immediately stimulate the skin to produce collagen.
As collagen production increases, the skin gets plump and thicker, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, melanin in the skin is absorbed, which makes micro needling an effective treatment for age spots.
IPL, also known as Intense Pulsed Light, is a laser treatment that targets dark spots on the skin. IPL is used to lighten and remove sun spots, age spots, and brown blotches on the face, and upper body.
Following the treatment, the spots appear darker, but a few days later they flake off leaving smooth, even-toned skin. In addition to removing brown freckles, IPL also gets rid of the background pigmentation that is present in age spots.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with acne and want to try something new, you should consider IPL photofacial treatments. They offer quick and effective results, and the risk of side effects is low. You can find a good clinic on our list, and the sooner you book your first appointment, the better.