Skincare Solutions For Summer Fun

By LaSondra Gray, CMLSO, CLA, PTMA, MBA

Reflections Image Center

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Skincare Solutions For Summer Fun

Summer fun can have serious side effects if we don't protect our skin; for those who have experienced them there are now solutions.

The sun and the years take their toll on your skin.Photoaging is often the first sign that your skin has been damaged, but such repeated exposure can also lead to skin cancer. Luckily, many of the treatments for photoaging not only restore skin's youthful appearance, they also reduce your risk for developing precancerous cells and ultimately skin cancers.

Intense Pulse Light (IPL) has been shown to reverse sun damage as well as other targets of sun exposure and aging. This process can hinder the damaging events that may lead to cutaneous carcinogenesis. With the repair and rejuvenation of damaged skin, skin cancers are put on hold as the skin is now able to function and handle more stressors. Studies have shown that IPL treatments also known as photofacials do not promote or accelerate precancers or skin cancers on the skin; in fact it does quite the opposite. IPL treatments can give the skin a fighting chance. With renewed skin, the cutaneous layers are now able to take more damage which can halt the process of worsening sun damage or skin cancers. However, protective skin regimens should always be in place.

How Does IPL Photofacial Work?

The IPL photofacial targets a broad spectrum of light to the lower layers of the epidermis causing the skin to produce new collagen and connective tissue, which supports the upper skin layer better and makes the skin surface smoother. It also targets vascular lesions and symptoms of rosacea and signs of photoaging.

What Does IPL Photofacial Treat?

Studies have shown that IPL Photofacial improves vascular complexion problems such as vascular redness (telangiectasias) and rosacea by up to 80 to 90%. It also treats sun-damaged skin, large pores and hyperpigmentation. It is also used as a preventative measure against skin cancers and common signs of aging. A wide range of skin types can be treated.

What Are IPL Photofacial Treatments Like?

Treatments usually take less than thirty minutes in the doctor's office. Most patients will have a series of three to six treatments; each treatment is about three weeks apart. These treatments have low levels of discomfort. A hand piece is placed over the treatment area and delivers the light energy, which can feel like a rubber band snapping against your skin.

Topical anesthesia is not required but is an option if needed. After the treatment, discomfort is mild to nonexistent. Immediately after treatment the skin may feel warm and appear pink (easily covered with make up). Occasionally mild swelling or bruising can occur. Most patients can return to work immediately. Because IPL Photofacials are nonablative treatments (non-surgical), risk is greatly reduced.

What Should I Expect From
IPL Photofacial Treatment?

Treatments are performed in a series, and you will see more improvement after each treatment. After the first session, skin will already look and feel smoother and will have a more even skin tone. Over time sunspots will fade, pore size will reduce and fine lines and wrinkles will smooth out. Rosacea patients will see a progressive improvement with each appointment.