Our skin protects us from countless threats. It keeps germs out, protects us from the elements, and helps us to regulate our body temperature.
While skin is incredibly versatile, it is not infallible. It accumulates damage while trying to keep you safe, and your body’s natural regenerative processes can only heal so much of it.
The good news is that technological breakthroughs have made it so you don’t have to deal with lasting dermatological imperfections like blemishes, fine lines, scars and wrinkles.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is one of those breakthrough treatments. It can help rejuvenate your skin without the need painful or uncomfortable surgical procedures.
What is IPL Therapy?
IPL therapy uses a few unique scientific principles to selectively affect certain cells under the skin without touching others. This allows it to precisely manipulate the causes of dull, misshapen or unattractive skin.
The way IPL therapy does this is through using laser light that can be tuned to certain frequencies. The light will harmlessly pass through cells that lack the correct chromophores.
When the IPL light reaches the target cell, that light will transform into heat. This allows the cells to selectively be destroyed, as with the case of collagen-related issues, or rejuvenated to initiate changes within the cells.
While the exact mechanisms targeted by IPL therapy will depend upon how the therapy is performed, the end result should be clearer and more youthful skin.
What Can IPL Treat?
IPL therapy can treat numerous skin-related conditions and conditions that can affect your overall appearance. It can be used on almost any area on the body where you have skin.
Some of examples of what IPL can treat are:
- Acne
- Damage or degeneration caused by exposure to the sun
- Dull or unattractive skin
- Rosacea
- Pigment issues such as birth marks or liver spots
- Sebaceous gland hyperplasia
- Visible vascular lesions
- Unwanted hair, which includes peach fuzz
Are There Any Side Effects of IPL?
The side effects of IPL tend to be incredibly limited when IPL therapy is performed by an experienced dermatological care provider.
The most common side effect of IPL is irritated or reddened skin, which can subside within the first few days of receiving treatment.
Pigmentation changes can also occur, but these should be very uncommon.
It is worth noting that IPL can make the skin sensitive to sunlight. You should do your best to wear sun screen and to cover areas where you have received IPL treatment for at least a few weeks after receiving treatment. This ensures your body can repair itself without experiencing other side effects.
Is IPL Therapy What Your Skin Needs?
Only an expert can determine if IPL therapy is what your skin needs to rejuvenate itself.
Contact Doctor’s Approach today to schedule a consultation appointment. We will do our best to create a comprehensive and customized plan that treats the dermatological imperfections your skin might have.
