Age, genetics, and external elements can all have an effect on the skin. Inflammation, persistent redness, and broken capillaries are just a few of the many conditions which can damage the overall appearance and health of the skin over time. Photorejuvenation is a treatment which can restore damaged skin and improve skin health and appearance.
Photorejuvenation is the process of healing skin damage using light. It is a non-ablative rejuvenation, meaning that it refreshes skin cells with damaging or removing the epidermis in the process. Ablative rejuvenation processes, such as chemical peeling, dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing, are effective, but potentially damaging to both the epidermis and, in some cases, the dermis as well. IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a newer method of rejuvenation that is not intrusive to the epidermis and can be safely performed on the face, neck, chest, forearms, and hands. It emits only infrared and visible light, and does not use any ultraviolet or other harmful rays in treating the skin. Ideal candidates for this form of treatment include those with dark skin patches–known as hyperpigmentation, and those with persistent skin redness, also known as erythema. These conditions can appear as a result of lifelong sun exposure as well as such skin conditions as rosacea.
IPL treatment involves the focusing of a large beam of intense pulsed light onto the area being treated. Multiple pulses of light are required in order to treat the total area. Patients can expect a mild stinging with each pulse of light, and slightly swollen skin following treatment, but discomfort after an IPL treatment session is minimal to nonexistent. All normal activities may be resumed immediately following treatment, including use of regular skin care products. If redness persists following treatment, however, any products that can irritate the skin should be avoided. Also, as the majority of skin damage treated by IPL is caused by the sun, sunscreen for all outdoor activities is recommended.
