Guestpost: What you need to know about Intense Pulsed Light Treatments

Hello everyone – My name is Anna. I’m a make-up addict, as well as a beauty lover, like many of you. I’ve had a few years of experience working with various cosmetic treatments, and now I write part-time for Cosmerience, a site where you can see reviews and photos of cosmetic procedures and beauty treatments. I’d like to share some of my knowledge about skin care with all of you, and my thanks to Fräulein Schnee for giving me the chance!

What you need to know about Intense Pulsed Light Treatments

Every woman’s dream in life is to possess the face that could launch a thousand ships. While some say that beauty is a state of well-being form within, it is undeniable that most people still pertains to beauty as something pertaining to the outward appearance. While it is our lifelong dream to maintain a youthful appearance, truth be told that eventually, aging will steal away the beauty and youthfulness that we are currently enjoying right now. Our body goes through all these natural changes and the best way that we could do about it now is to take care of our skin while it is still young, fresh and glowing.

But how about those who have been in this world for so long yet still desire to be young, fresh and glowing? Environmental elements of today have been causing damage and injury to our skin no matter how we try to safeguard and give utmost importance to it. Little as we know it, our skin has suffered from these environmental elements and signs of damage are starting to be noticeable which include the appearance of sun spots, age spots, brown blotches on face, neck, chest and other areas of the body, redness and dilated blood vessels and lack of firmness. In as much as we want to preserve healthy skin, these signs of damage will eventually appear.

Good thing, modern science has provided us with the technology that will keep aging at bay.

Dermatologists and skin care experts have been resorting to intense pulsed light treatments or commonly known as photo rejuvenation or photofacial to counteract these skin care problems. This treatment was initially developed in hospitals where it was usually given by licensed physicians but with the growing demand for this treatment, independent treatment salons have been offering it as well.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) provides a myriad of benefits – a few of which include the removal of redness and blitzing of spider veins in the face, improvement of skin texture and pigmentation and making fine lines and wrinkles less visible and hair removal as well. The ideal candidate for this treatment is one who wants to experience treating sun damage, broken capillaries and lack of skin firmness all at the same time.

IPL works by using blasts of polychromatic, high intensity light to penetrate just below the skin’s surface, targeting the melanin production which causes the brown age spots and the blood vessels which create broken capillaries. Skin repair comes from underneath the skin surface, thus leaving you with a more even skin tone. Collagen and elastin production are boosted as well. While many people may see it as a laser treatment, IPL treatment is different as it uses multiple different wavelengths of light in comparison to the laser treatment which uses only one wavelength of light. These multiple wavelengths of light penetrate the skin at different levels and intensities, thus allowing treatment of different skin problems.

After treatment, the skin may appear mildly red, which usually lasts for 2-5 days. Make-up can be applied after treatment but exercise caution when removing makeup.

When done properly, it usually takes a series 3-5 sessions that last for around 60-90 minutes per session, with one session every 3-5 weeks to notice significant skin changes. Little discomfort such as mild pinging on skin and warm tingling sensations may be felt but as the skin begins to clear, treatments become usually more tolerable and more comfortable. However, some reports have escalated that there are some people who manifested adverse reactions to treatment so caution must be exercised prior to the procedure.

It is therefore important that the person administering treatment is a skilled professional who is licensed to perform these procedures. Do prior research and read on the things you need to know and need to expect before, during and after treatment in order to minimize the possible complications associated with intense pulsed light treatment. This procedure is a bit costly and may range from $300- $500 per session, and great results are not guaranteed until you subject yourself to treatment. If you want to get the best value for your money, read about more information about this procedure, weigh the pros and cons, and should you decide to experience it, ensure that a licensed skilled professional or a doctor will do it on you.

Author Bio

Anna Tan is a part-time writer (at Cosmerience) and mad about beauty – especially anything related to facial and cosmetic products. She loves nature and spends time taking long walks in the park (if the weather permits), thinking about life in general.

If you are interested in guestposts on Berries in the Snow, please feel free to contact Fräulein Schnee via the contact form above.