Intense Pulsed Light Treatment or IPL is a method that uses flashes of light to improve skin tone and texture or to remove unwanted hair without any surgical intervention, especially in sun-damaged areas such as: the face, neck, hands, and chest.
IPL technology also helps reduce the effects of macular, brown, and red spots caused by health conditions.
How does IPL technology work?
IPL technology uses light energy to target a specific color of the skin, so the skin temperature increases, which prompts the body to get rid of unwanted cells. IPL devices transmit light waves of different lengths, unlike laser technology, which uses one fixed wavelength.
After completing the treatment period, the skin will look young due to the uniformity of the skin tone in the treated area. Compared to other treatment methods, the recovery period is faster because the light used does not cause damage to the tissues in the body.
What is the difference between IPL technology and laser?
The IPL method is somewhat similar to the laser's mechanism of action, with the only difference being the light wavelength used. The laser technology relies on one fixed wavelength throughout the treatment process, while the IPL technology uses different wavelengths.
The light in IPL technology is scattered and has a lower concentration than the laser focus, and is more selective, targeting the second layer of the skin known as the dermis without causing any damage to the outer layer or the phenomenon known as the epidermis.
The melanocytes in the skin absorb the light energy and convert it into heat, destroying unwanted pigmentation as well as freckles and other spots. Moreover, the intense light pulses technology can damage the hair bulb, preventing the hair from growing again. Check SilkySkin Hair Removal Solutions
What areas can IPL technology be used in?
You can use IPL technology anywhere on your body, but it may not work optimally in uneven areas, and it is also preferable not to use it if your skin has keloid scars or if it is dark in color, and the technology is not as effective for those who have light hair compared to those who have darker hair.
What can be expected during the application of the technique?
You may feel stings while using IPL purification, some liken these stings to a rubber sting, and the duration of treatment varies depending on the area, but usually ranges between 20 and 30 minutes.
To obtain the desired results, at least 6 sessions must be performed with a period of one month between each one. As for hair removal, 6 to 12 sessions must be performed.
Modern IPL techniques work just as effectively as laser treatment for some cosmetic conditions such as hair removal and vascular concealment.
What are the cases in which it is preferable to use the technique?
IPL works best on pale and light brown skin and can be used in the following cases:
- Acne.
- birthmarks.
- Stretch marks.
- Age spots or liver spots.
- ruptured blood vessels.
- Dark spots caused by hormonal changes.
- Skin discolorations.
- stigmas.
- Freckles.
- wrinkles.
- unwanted hair
You should consult a doctor before using the technique in the following cases:
- pregnancy.
- A human medical condition.
- Take some medicine.
Avoid using the technique in the following cases:
- If you are sensitive to light.
- If you tan your skin in any way.
- If you suspect that you have skin cancer.
- If you are using retinoid creams.
- If you have very dark skin.
- If you have many scars.
In general, the use of perfumes, cosmetics, and anything else that can cause skin irritation should be avoided. You should not even use deodorants or take blood thinners such as aspirin, because they lead to an increase in bleeding time. You should also refrain from antibiotics that make the skin sensitive to the sun, such as Doxycycline.
After completing the use of IPL technology, the following instructions must be adhered to:
- Do not use cosmetics if there is pain.
- Use of skin moisturizers.
- Use sunscreen (it should be of at least SPF 30 and have a physical protective material such as zinc).
- Use a face wash in cases of sensitive skin.
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