Why the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial is My Favourite Skin Care Treatment

 

I admit that I have spent quite a bit of time and money on skin care.  I’ve had lots of issues with my skin throughout the years, with acne and flushing when I was a teenager, oily and combination skin, Eczema, Rosacea, and now sensitive and dry skin.  It’s definitely been challenging to find a skin care routine that works.  I’ve tried many different products and treatments to improve the health of my skin through the years.  And getting an IPL Photofacial treatment is my favourite for managing my aging skin as well as my Rosacea. 

See my blog post on Midlife Skin Care– what products/ingredients work for skincare as we age.

I went for IPL Photofacial treatment a few years ago when I was diagnosed with Rosacea.  IPL is a common treatment for Rosacea, but it is also a useful strategy against photoaging by reversing the signs of photodamage including wrinkles, fine lines, freckles, and age spots (1, 2, 3).  It is also used for spider veins and broken blood vessels, acne, birthmarks, stretchmarks, discolored skin, scars, stretchmarks, hair removal, and even tattoo removal (2, 4).

IPL uses broad wavelength light pulses energy to target the epidermal or dermal pigments in the skin and stimulate collagen production (4, 5).  By targeting specific areas, there is little damage that occurs to the surrounding structures of the skin.

While I was prescribed IPL to remove the broken blood vessels on my chin, cheeks, and nose because of my Rosacea, it had other perks!  After my first two treatments, I noticed that my freckles and age spots were disappearing, my skin looked smoother, and I had fewer fine lines and wrinkles.  I called it my miracle, no scalpel face lift.  I had never been told that I had great skin (and was always trying to hide it with foundations and concealers).  And now I often get compliments!  I’m definitely hooked!

So what can you expect from an IPL Photofacial treatment?

You absolutely must choose to have your IPL under the direction of a dermatologist or physician specializing in skin care, and from someone who is experienced in IPL therapy for your skin issue(s).  These treatments aren’t inexpensive, and you shouldn’t shop around for the best deal.  You should look for dermatologist clinics that are well-recommended instead.

You shouldn’t have IPL treatment if you have recently tanned your skin (which can cause burning/scarring), used retinol or glycolic acid, used doxycycline or other medications that can cause photo irritation, used medications that may cause bleeding or excessive bruising to occur such as aspirin, or any other precautions your dermatologist indicates.

Prior to your appointment, you will be prescribed a numbing cream for the area you are having treated that you will apply 15-45 minutes prior to your treatment.  The IPL treatment will last around ½ hr for the face, and longer if you are having multiple areas worked on, such as neck, chest, arms, etc.

You will lie on a bed and protective goggles will be placed over your eyes.  A cool gel will be applied over the treatment area and then the treatment will begin.  The IPL technician uses a wand placed in certain areas to deliver the light energy pulse.  Each light pulse feels like an elastic band snapping on your skin.  It’s really more annoying rather than painful.  This is a photo from my most recent IPL Photofacial treatment last week.

 

After the IPL Photofacial treatment- recommendations from my IPL technician

After all the treatment areas have been reached, the technician will use a cool washcloth to cool your skin and wipe away the gel.  Your skin will have a blotchy, reddened appearance and might even feel slightly swollen – like a sunburn.  A cool washcloth, or ice pack can help it to feel better.  My dermatologist recommends an antihistamine for me because my skin is so sensitive.  And I will usually put the cool air conditioning on my face when I leave the office, which helps a lot.  Here is a photo of me after leaving my recent treatment.

 

 

Later that day and for the next few days you can expect a little bit of bruising, some redness, and the brown spots start to get darker as the pigments move towards the surface of the skin.  If you are experiencing anything more than this that your dermatologist hasn’t warned you about, you should contact them for advice.

You should follow your dermatologist’s after-care advice which may include:

• Avoid hot showers/steam baths/hot tubs for 48hrs,
• Try not to get overheated too- so avoid strenuous exercise for 48hrs,
• gently cleanse your skin twice daily,
• avoid microdermabrasion or exfoliation for a few weeks,
• wear sunscreen and a moisturizer (this is important),
• ensure you don’t pick/scratch at the dry pigmented areas (they will flake off eventually)
• begin applying makeup as directed. I’ve been able to wear makeup once the swelling goes away, which is usually within 12 hours for me.

This is two days after treatment.  Yes, I do have makeup on, and you can still see some redness, but it is going away!

 

 

You will likely require more than one treatment to see the full effects of IPL.  Your dermatologist will recommend the treatments according to your skin condition.  I saw effects of improved skin tone and diminished freckles after only one treatment, but it took two treatments before I saw my Rosacea improve.  I now maintain my skin health with twice yearly treatments, once in spring and once in late fall.  IPL Photofacials really are my favorite skin care treatment.

Please note that results may vary and what works for me may not work for you.  Also, while I am a registered nurse, I am not your nurse and my opinions above do not constitute or replace medical advice.  Please discuss any questions or concerns with your dermatologist, physician or health care provider.   Also, see my disclaimer here for more information.

 

Take care,

 

Resources:

1. Kim J, Lee J, Choi H. Intense Pulsed Light Attenuates UV-Induced Hyperimmune Response and Pigmentation in Human Skin Cells. Int. j. mol. sci.. 2021;22(6)doi:10.3390/ijms22063173, 10.3390/ijms22063173
2. Fodor L, Carmi N, Fodor A, Ramon Y, Ullmann Y. Intense pulsed light for skin rejuvenation, hair removal, and vascular lesions: a patient satisfaction study and review of the literature. Ann Plast Surg. 2009;62(4):345-9. doi:10.1097/SAP.0b013e3181856d6a, 10.1097/SAP.0b013e3181856d6a
3. Ping C, Xueliang D, Yongxuan L, et al. A retrospective study on the clinical efficacy of the intense pulsed light source for photodamage and skin rejuvenation. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2016;18(4):217-24. doi:10.3109/14764172.2015.1114649, 10.3109/14764172.2015.1114649
4. Goldberg DJ. Current trends in intense pulsed light. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(6):45-53.
5. DiBernardo BE, Pozner JN. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Skin Rejuvenation. Clin Plast Surg. 2016;43(3):535-40. doi:10.1016/j.cps.2016.03.008, 10.1016/j.cps.2016.03.008