IPL Laser Treatment to Combat the Signs of Sun Damage

When we are young, we rarely pay attention to the effects of the sun on our skin; however, with time, the protective layer of our skin weakens, and the damage becomes more visible. That is why many people show spots on the face, neck, and chest, usually brown and caused by the sun. There are numerous options and methods for maintaining healthy skin for adults, but IPL laser treatment is undoubtedly the most effective.

There are many advantages to this treatment, including the possibility of undergoing a non-painful procedure. In just one session, you can see an improvement in the appearance of your skin. There is no need for recovery time.

IPL laser treatment removes sun spots and reverses and prevents sun damage. Check out this article to learn more about how IPL lasers work and how they can rejuvenate the skin.

How IPL Laser Treatment Works on Different Types of Sun Damage Spots

The sunspots on our skin result from prolonged exposure to the sun. As soon as UV rays penetrate the skin, they activate melanin - the cell responsible for pigmentation - causing small spots to appear. The IPL laser treatment is a minimally invasive treatment option for treating sunspots. 

Let's explain why. First, there are two types of brown spots you can treat; these are:

1. Melasma: These are extensive spots that are irregularly shaped and tend to appear on the cheeks, forehead, and chin. The risk of Melasma is higher in pregnant women or women on oral contraceptives who have been exposed to the sun for a long period of time.
2. Solar lentigines: These spots resemble brown lentils and are small. They are less noticeable than freckles. They are also common in women and are caused by sun exposure and advances in age.

How IPL Laser Treatment can be a Solution for Sunspots?

Polychromatic lights target the second layer of the skin (the dermis), which contains melanin. Melanin is the substance that causes hyperpigmentation in the form of sunspots. IPL lasers are designed to remove melanin from the dermis.

It is a non-invasive treatment because each machine used during the procedure contains internal filters that direct the light exactly where it should go. Additionally, a conductive gel is first applied on your face (or the area to be treated) to decrease the feeling of heat and direct light directly towards the melanin, with no adverse effects on other areas of your skin. 

Furthermore, the side effects you will observe will be minimal (as will recovery). IPL light stimulates collagen and elastin production by attacking unwanted cells and destroying them. As a result, your skin's texture and tone will improve dramatically.

Even though this is a treatment that - for the most part - is sought by people who are beginning to show the signs of photoaging (skin damage caused by sunlight), people of all ages can benefit from IPL without any noticeable side effects. This treatment allows you to have more years of brighter skin; additionally, you will begin to regain your skin's natural tone.

The best thing about having this treatment is that you will not have to invest too much time to perform the procedure or have a lengthy recovery period, as happens when you decide to perform surgery. Moreover, IPL can be used to improve a variety of skin conditions, including redness and acne scars, as well as the spots themselves.

How Does the IPL Laser Treatment Procedure Work?

Before going to the IPL laser treatment session, you should be aware that it is essential to have the skin in the most natural state possible, that is, without makeup. Likewise, during the previous day, you should avoid the consumption of any medication that causes your skin to be sensitive.

It is crucial to perform a pretest on the skin before treating it to analyze its characteristics, the condition that needs treatment, and its severity. With this information, you can determine what power you can use on your skin without causing discomfort or burning.

Procedure

At the start of the procedure, the specialist will place special glasses with protective lenses on your face. The conductive gel is then applied, which will help isolate the heat and help you not feel any discomfort during the treatment.

As soon as the treatment begins, the light will cause heat to generate within your skin, directly damaging pigmented and unwanted skin cells, and burning them (this is possible since each pulse corresponds to a different wavelength).

Healing Process

During the healing process, these cells will be burned little by little, causing them to rise to the surface of your skin and appear like redness and peeling as if you had a sunburn.

Once that process is complete (which will last around 5 to 7 days), you will notice how your spots will have decreased considerably (even after the first session), and your skin will look brighter, with a more unified tone and a much softer texture.

Your skin will continue to heal during the following days, so make sure you keep it hydrated and protected from the sun. After at least a month, you must go to the second treatment session. Up until the end of your treatment, you should wait a month between sessions. In order to maintain results, it takes between three to five sessions (depending on your skin condition) and follow-ups every six months. Learn more about IPL aftercare at Lumenessa.

IPL Treatment Side Effects

Below we discuss a few probable side effects. Please keep in mind that not all people experience these effects because some skin types are more sensitive than others. However, it is important that you are aware of any symptoms you may encounter after receiving treatment, even if they are normal.

• Redness.
• Swelling.
• Darkening of the spots (during the first 3 to 7 days).
• Peeling of the skin or scabs (they will disappear after a week or ten days).
• Mild stinging sensation.

While the healing process takes place, you won't need to stop your daily activities. You will be able to continue with your daily routine, as long as you keep in mind not to forget the sun protection at all times.

To combat these side effects, once the inflammation of the first 24 hours disappears, we recommend avoiding the use of makeup and keeping your face clean and hydrated. If you experience swelling, redness, or stinging, cold compresses might help relieve.

Benefits Associated with IPL Laser Treatment

If you want to remove the traces of sun damage or give your skin a shiny, youthful look, IPL laser treatment is the best investment you can make. IPL offers a number of benefits for improving your skin's condition.

• Each session lasts about 30 to 45 minutes (depending on the size of the area being treated) and is spaced four to six weeks apart. For the treatment to be most effective, you will need to undergo IPL six times.
• Once your skin has healed completely, you will see the results from the first session, and they will last for at least six months.
• You do not need to have any rest, because it is not a surgery.
• There will be a noticeable difference in the tone and the shine of your skin.
• As well as treating the face and its spots, IPL can treat other conditions on the body as well.
• You will not feel pain and recovery will be fast.
• A combination of treatments is possible.

You will be able to enjoy the benefits of IPL in the long term if you comply with the correct care of your skin after completing the treatment. With the reviews that you must perform once or twice a year, you will keep your skin in good condition for quite some time and make sure that your skin won't darken or reproduce spots.