Remove Sun Spots with an IPL Photofacial
Whether you call them sun spots, liver spots, or age spots, chances are you don’t want these areas of discoloration on your face. They can appear after repeated sun exposure and generally be a cosmetic nuisance that requires concealer or foundation to cover up.
If you’ve noticed dark spots on your skin, don’t stress just yet. There is a permanent remedy for the unsightly spots: the IPL photofacial.
Here’s everything you need to know about the treatment and how these facials can get rid of your sun spots.
What Are Sunspots?
The medical term for sun spots is lentigines or lentigos.
These spots can appear anywhere and are very common on the hands of elderly people. Some treatments, such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion, can eliminate them. But, if you’re sensitive to these treatments or the discoloration goes deeper, an IPL photofacial can help.
What Is an IPL Photofacial?
When you’re talking about photofacials, there are two terms you’ll want to know:
- IPL, which stands for intense pulse light.
- Photofacial, which is the term for the actual procedure.
During an IPL photofacial a skin care professional will hold a handheld device up to your skin. The device emits a bright laser light that penetrates the epidermis (inner layer of skin), causing a contraction of the collagen and blood vessels. While this is happening, the areas of discoloration absorb the light, moving towards and out of the skin’s surface. They actually flake right off, leaving clearer skin!
The treatment isn’t restricted to just the facial area, however. An IPL photofacial can be used on the hands, chest, neck, and anywhere else sun spots appear.
Not Just for Sun Spots
If you don’t like your skin but not because you have sun spots, an IPL may still work for you. IPL photofacials can be used to treat many cosmetic issues including:
- Spider veins
- Freckles
- Enlarged pores
- Rosacea
- Redness
Who Can Receive the Treatment?
Generally, clients with lighter skin tones make the best candidates for an IPL photofacial because darker skin tones can experience discoloration. So, if you have a tan or melasma, you may not make a good candidate for the treatment.
What to Expect During and After an IPL Photofacial
During
At your appointment, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed and your aesthetician will apply a cooling gel to the area. This gel helps intensify the light waves emitted from the laser.
The treatment itself is not entirely painless, but it’s not exactly painful either. In fact, many patients describe the pain level of an IPL photofacial to that of a rubber band snapping the skin.
The treatment time itself depends upon the size of the area being treated and the intensity of the spots. The average time for a facial treatment is 45 minutes.
After
There is some discomfort with the procedure but it goes away in a few hours, as does any redness. And, you can even apply makeup right away. It’s important to know that you must stay out of the sun for at least a week, however.
Repeat sessions may be needed to completely clear the skin. Usually, three to five sessions are recommended to improve the skin’s appearance.
Book an IPL Photofacial Treatment
Now that you know a bit about the IPL photofacial and how it can remove sun spots and skin discoloration, book your appointment online with us today. There’s no reason to feel self-conscious about your skin when an IPL facial can help you love it! Our Waukesha skincare spa is just minutes away from Milwaukee.
You can also contact us with any questions about the treatment and the other many solutions we have for your skin concerns.