Prolonged sun exposure can take a toll on your skin. Over time, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages the DNA of your skin cells and accelerates the breakdown of elastic fibers, collagen, and supporting structures of your skin. The result: you get wrinkles, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, uneven skin texture, sagging skin, and other signs of photoaging.
If you’ve spent too much time in the sun and your skin is already sun-damaged, don’t fret! A Photofacial can repair sun-damaged skin and reverse the signs of photoaging.
What is a Photofacial?
A Photofacial is a noninvasive, state-of-the-art dermal treatment that uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to address a wide variety of skin imperfections. Unlike a laser that employs one wavelength of light, the IPL treatment uses different wavelengths of light, which are less focused and more scattered. The light energy penetrates the deep layers of the dermis to break up melanin cells or broken capillaries that discolor the skin.
Your skin responds by repairing the “damage” and forming new collagen, elastin fibers, and skin tissue. The spots on the surface of your skin will gradually flake off, exposing a more even skin tone, diminished wrinkles and fine lines, and a younger-looking complexion. A series of Photofacials can reveal an awe-inspiring naturally tighter and more radiant layer of skin.
What Does an IPL Treatment Involve?
Before your procedure, your skincare expert will evaluate your skin and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. You can receive a Photofacial on your face, neck, shoulders, décolleté, and other areas.
During your IPL Photofacial procedure, you’ll wear protective eyewear and then a cooling gel will be applied to the designated treatment areas to help alleviate discomfort and decrease redness. The technician will glide the handheld applicator over your skin. The light pulses may cause slight stinging sensations. A single treatment takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area.
After your treatment, you may have some redness, tenderness, swelling, and mild discomfort within the first couple of days. This may be reduced by applying a cold compress. It’s important to avoid direct sunlight exposure and use sunscreen for the first week following your IPL Photofacial treatment.
One treatment session may be enough for people with minor discoloration. Others may need several sessions for optimal results. Depending on your lifestyle and skincare needs, an annual Photofacial session may be needed to tackle new trouble spots and maintain your beautiful results.
IPL Photofacial in North Scottsdale
Do you feel self-conscious about your skin? Our skin care experts at The Skin Clinic are ready to help you blast away the effects of years of sun damage and achieve your aesthetic goals using Photofacials and other skin care treatments. To schedule a consultation or to learn more about our services, book an appointment online or call us today at (480) 448-0918.
