All you need to know about IPL Photo Facial

Dark spots are the new wrinkles!

For decades the number one beauty concerns were fine lines and wrinkles. With the advancement of treatments like Botox and laser resurfacing, many have found a quick and easy solution. Once the wrinkles have minimized however, we are left with our next major concern, brown and red pigments. IPL treatment and good at home care are the solutions for face and body!

What is IPL?

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, a non laser, non ablative therapy that targets specific chromophores (color components) in your skin. The use of different light wavelengths enables the light to target not only dark pigment, but red spots, broken capillaries and rosacea as well. Because this is a non ablative treatment patients have almost no downtime and still have very impressive results. Once the damage is corrected home care and SPF are a must to maintain the results as long as possible.

Who can benefit?

Since the light is attracted to dark pigment this treatment is not for everyone. If you are a Fitzpatrick skin type 5 or 6 IPL is not a safe treatment for you. If you are unsure about your skin type, stop into the office for a free consultation and we will let you know your options. You must avoid unprotected sun exposure for at least 4 weeks prior to treatment and wear sunscreen everyday during your treatments. Most patients need a series of 3 treatments, 1 month apart, to achieve optimal results, but that can vary by person.

What to expect?

The treatment is generally about 30 minutes for full face. You will feel a quick flash of heat as the light pulses, followed immediately by cooling. After the treatment you will be slightly pink, or not at all. The spots are either absorbed by your body or they 'pepper', meaning they appear darker and raised, almost like pepper on your skin. This can happen immediately and continue for about 48 hours. They can be covered with makeup and then exfoliated away after 5 days. Once the treatment is completed your skin has a much brighter, more even tone and complexion. Results generally last 3-5 years and can be maintained longer with proper skin care. Most patients choose to come in and do 1 "maintenance" treatment every year or two to keep up optimal results.

How to Maintain the results?

Proper skin care is very important in the success of the treatments and the length of the results. Use of sunscreen everyday is the number one thing that will determine how long your results last. If you get rid of the dark spots and then go right back out and damage your skin they will be back before you know it! During your series exfoliation is key to getting the most out of your treatments. We recommend coming in 2 weeks after each IPL treatment to have a HydraFacial to clear off the dead pigment cells. This will ensure we are treating clean and clear skin at your next IPL appointment. After your series is complete, we recommend using a skincare line formulated for reducing and preventing dark spots. The Iluma Intense Brightening Line by Image Skincare is the perfect compliment to your IPL package. You can get your Image Skincare products here at Ageless Image.

* HydraFacial is a treatment that deep cleans, exfoliates and hydrates your skin. For more information on HydraFacial please review the video under 'Treatments' on our website.*

Ageless Image is proud to offer the Palomar Icon MaxG IPL. Below are some before and after pictures showing treatment of reds, browns, and broken capillaries. At Ageless Image we strive to make your photo facial experience comfortable, enjoyable and satisfying. If you want to schedule a FREE, no obligation consultation, please email the Ageless Image staff at ageless.image@hotmail.com or call us at 248-212-0799. Ageless Image looks forward to uncovering a new, more radiant you.