IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Photofacials have proven effective in treating sun spots, age spots, spider veins, Rosacea and other types of skin discoloration. IPL Photofacials pulse light based energy onto the skin while targeting blood vessels at the same time. The light seeks out discoloration on the surface and beneath the skin to lift it up and out.
How Many Photofacial Treatments Do You Need?
The typical client requires between 3-5 monthly Photofacial treatments
Why Are Multiple Photofacial Treatments Necessary?
Each treatment will allow us to reach cells causing pigmentation (melanocytes) deeper in the skin. As treatments progress, these melanocytes begin making their way to the top of the skin, eventually reaching the surface to flake off the skin. Many of these cells are embedded deeper into the skin and will require multiple treatments before they can break the surface and be removed.
This is especially true for sun damaged areas. Years of sun exposure can result in larger, more prominent patchy brown and red spots. IPL Photofacials actually prevent the appearance of these spots over time.
How Many Photofacial Treatments Will I Need To See Results?
It is important and exciting to note that results are noticeable immediately as spots make their way to the skin’s surface. Over a few days, discoloration begins to dissipate. The spots will resemble coffee grounds on the surface of the skin and will eventually slough off, revealing a clearer, more even skin tone.
Note: A single Photofacial treatment is not sufficient to permanently remove sun damage and dark spots.
The image above reveals damage caused by sun exposure. You can clearly see all of the larger melanocytes (darkest spots) on her chest, neck and face, as well as lighter spots that will become more prominent over time. Photofacials targets both the darker, more prominent spots as well as the smaller more hidden spots that have yet to become visible.
How Often Should You Get a Photofacial?
Photofacial treatments should be spaced approximately 4 weeks apart to allow cell turnover and give the skin enough time to recover and return to its normal state. Photofacials also promote collagen production, which enhances skin cell turn over. A skin cell only lives approximately 28 days and when the process is sped up, dead cells are forced to the surface of the skin and new, healthy skin cells replace the discolored skin.
Are Photofacial Results Permanent?
In short, yes, Photofacial treatment results are permanent, however, the skin is susceptible to additional damage through sun exposure. At Derma Health, we recommend a maintenance schedule after your initial treatment of a minimum 1-2 Photofacial treatments per year.
The accompanying picture shows the impact of just one single Photofacial treatment on a woman’s chest. You can see the noticeable results, but more treatments will be necessary for her brown and red spots to disappear completely.
Read more from Stanford Medical University about how Photofacials can actually reverse the signs of aging within your skin cells. Download the study below to read their conclusions.
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