Why Should Everyone Get an IPL Treatment: 9 Skin Benefits

The beauty industry is known for innovative treatments and technologies targeting specific problems. The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment is one of the most popular options created to improve the skin's appearance. Will this treatment target your specific skin problems? This post explains everything you need to know about IPL treatment and its benefits. 

What is an IPL treatment?

Intense pulsed light therapy targets various skin imperfections. It is a commonly used method to remove unwanted body hair, age spots, and wrinkles. In addition, this is a widely used method to address various skin conditions and even to remove tattoos. Everybody responds differently to an IPL treatment, as it works better on light skin tones than darker ones, but, in general, this form of therapy is recommended for various skin types.

How does an IPL treatment work

The skin care specialist uses a handheld device that emits light pulses onto the skin. The light energy heats the skin cells and breaks them down. This process stimulates skin rejuvenation, as your body's natural healing function removes the dead skin cells and replenishes them with new ones. When used for hair removal procedures, the light waves heat the hair follicles to prevent them from growing back.

Benefits of the IPL treatment

The skin care specialist uses a handheld device that emits light pulses onto the skin. The light energy heats the skin cells and breaks them down. This process stimulates skin rejuvenation, as your body's natural healing function removes the dead skin cells and replenishes them with new ones. When used for hair removal procedures, the light waves heat the hair follicles to prevent them from growing back.

Eliminates sun damage

Too much sun exposure results in dark spots. UV rays break down the collagen, boosting the skin aging process. Collagen is a protein naturally found in the skin that acts as the glue that keeps the cells together. This protein is responsible for keeping your skin firm and elastic.

As we age or get frequent sun exposure, collagen production drops. The lack of this essential element results in sagging skin.

The IPL treatment targets the discolored cells causing the sun spots. The body gets rid of the cells, enhancing collagen production. As a result, your skin has an even complexion, and the fine lines are less visible.

Combats acne

This type of cosmetic skin treatment is beneficial for people who struggle with acne. The treatment doesn't only target the problem that causes acne but also helps reduce the scars.

The light pulses remove the bacteria that cause acne and reduce inflammation. The treatment stimulates the skin's natural healing properties, which helps remove acne scars.

However, treating skin with acne is done with caution. Your dedicated medical professional will direct you on preparing your skin for this type of skin rejuvenation treatment. You might be required to stop your acne-treating medications before the IPL treatment.

Eliminates rosacea

Skin imperfections such as spider veins and rosacea are common problems. Treating the visible blood vessels with IPL therapy has proved to be an effective approach. The result is an even skin tone with a healthy appearance.

The IPL procedure also targets rosacea. The light pulses reduce the redness and inflation, gradually improving your skin's appearance. In addition, the treatment is recommended for visible veins and capillaries.
 

Prevents premature skin aging

Premature skin aging is another common problem that can be addressed with photofacial therapy. According to a study, two to three IPL treatments annually are enough to achieve rejuvenated skin. The treated skin cells resemble young skin cells and deliver a more youthful appearance.

Your medical professional will advise you on how to prepare for treatment. You will be informed to avoid waxing, glycolic acids, tanning beds, and sun exposure. After the procedure, your skin will be more susceptible to UV rays. Therefore, you must apply sunscreen with a high protective factor before going outside.

Improves body skin appearance

The IPL treatment isn't only reserved for our facial skin. The treatment is effective for other body areas with skin issues. The arms, legs, decollete, shoulders, and hands also can have uneven skin texture and brown spots due to sun exposure.

The procedure itself isn't painful but can cause minimal discomfort. Many would describe this feeling as slight pinching. Therefore, medical professionals can administer a local anesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable.

Works with other treatments

The IPL treatment is ideal for various skin concerns. However, even though it improves skin appearance, the treatment has a moderate effect in dealing with wrinkles. If you're looking for the best combination to combat deeper wrinkles, the procedure can be combined with other nonsurgical treatments for an enhanced effect.

Additional treatments, such as injectables, enhance the effectiveness of your IPL treatment, replace the lost skin volume and fill out the wrinkles, resulting in healthier-looking skin.

Requires no downtime

Not many other non-surgical treatments provide such a speedy recovery like the IPL. Chemical peels, for example, may require more than a couple of days before the skin can heal. Clients undergoing IPL treatment can return to their everyday activities within 24 to 48 hours.

The affected area may look red for up to 8 hours after the treatment. Furthermore, the client may experience a slight sensation of stinging. Your skin care specialist will provide directions to ease the slight discomfort, such as putting on ice packs. They will also advise you on when and how to use skin care products. All-in-all, the recovery process is fast and easy to manage.

Removes unwanted body hair

Epilation, shaving, and waxing are the commonly used methods for hair removal. However, they take time, are painful, and result in ingrown hairs. This type of skin resurfacing treatment removes body hair without pain. The light pulses heat the follicles, which damages them and prevents hair growth.

This type of therapy is perfect as a long-term solution for this problem. The destroyed hair follicles won't grow again, leaving you with silky smooth skin without bumps and ingrown hairs.

It's affordable

The IPL treatment is quite affordable when compared to other procedures. You can expect to pay from $700 to $1,200, excluding medications, tests, anesthesia, and follow-ups. The final cost depends on various factors, such as your skin condition, the area treated, the location and your provider.