IPL - Intense Pulsed Light aka: Photo-facial; Everything You Need to Know!
The more of an active lifestyle we live, the more our faces may show it, including fine lines, uneven skin texture and pigment. After years of sun exposure, you may notice sun spots, age spots , freckles and also unwanted red vessels around your nose or rosacea on your cheeks. Now think, how would you feel if you didn’t have to settle for anything other than your best GLOWING complexion!
What is IPL:
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a laser that improves pigment (color) and texture of your skin, reversing sun damage (photoaging) anywhere on the body. Often times, IPL is used on the face, chest and hands. IPL may also target vascular lesions on the skin such as spider veins and telangiectasias and help with acne scars, even killing the acne bacteria!
Which IPL is used:
At Wisdom & Youth MedSpa, located in Westport, CT in Fairfield County Connecticut, we are thrilled to offer the Luxea IPL by Deka. This platform will reverse signs of aging and give you, your best complexion yet!
How many treatments are recommended:
We recommend a series of 3-5 treatments depending on a consultation. We also offer spot treatments, which may only require a singe session.
Treatments should be scheduled about 4 weeks apart.
What to expect:
During the session, our licensed clinician will remove all of your makeup and/or face products. They will then apply a clear gel to help the handpick glide over the skin and usher the wavelengths to the targeted areas. Once the affected area treatment is completed, the pigments will get darker and the surrounding tissue will be a little pink. You may feel as if you have a mild sunburn for the next 4-6 hours. You may apply icepacks or a cool cloth. Over the course of the next few days, you can expect the pigments to get a bit darker and than begin to break up - looking like coffee grounds. At the 5-7 day mark, the pigments with slough off, unveiling clear & glowing skin!
The treatment time will vary depending on the area being treated. Typically 5 minutes for spot treatments and 30 minutes for a full chest. This can easily be done during lunchtime. There is no downtime other the being a little pink / red in the treated areas.
Does it hurt:
Each person’s experience will be different, the Luxea has unique features that will add comfort and reduce recovery time. The area is treated evenly to promote natural healing, as well as a cooling system and sapphire tip to provide comfort. Most describe the sensation as a “rubber band snapping,” which last for less than a second.
When should I get IPL:
IPL and most other lasers can be done at any point in the year, however, most people will hold off on treatments during the summer months. After any laser treatment, you need to stay out of the sun and wear sun protection, a mineral based SPF 50 or greater, along with a hat. Just think, we are reversing decades of sun damage. This will leave your skin vulnerable to the elements and more susceptible to UVA/UVB damage.
In addition to SPF, you should stop using Vitamin C serums, as they may irritate your skin.
Can I have a base tan during my treatment:
Well - yes and no. The laser is targeting pigment. The lighter your base skin, the easier it is for the laser to target the pigment. So, a tan is not recommended for optimal results.
What skin types can get IPL:
When working with darker skin tones, your clinician will preform a skin spot test and adjust the setting appropriate for each patient. With that said, darker skin complexions will require more sessions at a lower energy to avoid any issues.
Who should not get IPL:
If you are pregnant, take certain medications such as antibiotics which may cause light sensitivity (such as doxycycline), might have skin cancer, using a retinol, retinoid or tretinoin or if you keloid.
You should refrain from IPL if you have recently gotten a chemical peel or waxed in the area you are planning on treating with the IPL.
Cost:
While IPL is an investment, we do offer financing options.
We have customized packages that also bundle skincare, to work towards getting your best skin!
Spot treatments may be as low as $50.
Single full face investment is $400
Please call for further information and package investments!
203.349.5000 or 475.471.0444
Complimentary consultations may be book online through: www.wisdomandyouthllc.com
Follow us on the Gram: @wisdom_and_youthmedspa