The Good and the Bad of Light
- Posted on: Mar 30 2017
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You don’t have to be a self-proclaimed sun-worshiper to love the warmth of the first rays of Spring. The sun offers us the opportunity to get outside and breathe in the fresh air. It adds a lovely glow that can last for months on end. Finally, the sunshine is an essential factor in maintaining healthy vitamin D levels. For the most part, this is where the benefits of a daily dose of the sunshine end.
Too much time in the sun, or anything more than about 15 minutes without sunscreen, can do more harm than good. If you have started to notice concerns like dark spots on your skin, you know the downside to UV damage. Hyperpigmentation, as well as rough, leathery texture and spider veins on the face, are indications of photo-aging; the effects of sun exposure. How interesting is it that light therapy, or IPL treatments, may be one of the best things you can do for sun-damaged skin?
What is IPL
IPL therapy, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a method of reducing the signs of aging (or keeping them at bay!). Sometimes, IPL is referred to as a laser treatment, but the technique and the effects are quite different. Yes, IPL uses concentrated, controlled light to positively affect the skin. But the gentler method does not remove surface cells. Instead, light passes through the uppermost layers of cells to target fibroblasts, the cells in which elastin and collagen are made. As these cells are stimulated through each IPL treatment, the production of these vital substances continues to rise to optimal levels. As a result, you look younger and more vibrant!
What is an IPL Treatment Like?
IPL treatments conducted in our Plantation plastic surgery office require about 30 to 45 minutes. After your skin is cleansed, surface cells that are either dead or damaged are gently removed with a mild peel. During IPL treatments, your eyes are protected with dark goggles, and a light gel is applied to the skin to maximize the absorption of light in the deeper layers. Then, pulses of light are delivered as the applicator is slowly moved across the skin. These tiny pulses are felt as small “pricks” or “snaps.” Most patients do not describe them as uncomfortable, just noticeable.
One of the benefits of IPL treatments is that there is no downtime, as there may be with other procedures. Your skin may look slightly red for a short time, and you will likely notice that any dark spots that were present on your skin become darker. Those darkened cells will fall off shortly, and you will notice a tighter, more supple appearance.
Are you in need of a little addition to your skin care routine? We can help! Call Suria Plastic Surgery at (954) 472-8355.
Posted in: Facial Rejuvenation, Laser Treatments
