Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a treatment breakthrough that can correct many skin conditions with minimal down time resulting in clearer, more vibrant and youthful skin through a process called photorejuvenation. This treatment uses light in a good way to repair and revive the skin in an effective, non-invasive, and proven way. IPL Photorejuvenation reduces and eliminates the sun damage visible on your skin. Most of us recognize this as freckles, fine lines and the larger brown age or liver spots. Whether on your face, hands, neck, chest or back, this treatment can make you look like you’ve turned back time. The many benefits of IPL include: improvements in sun damage and wrinkled skin; removal of brown age or liver spots (lentigines); removal of freckles; removal of broken capillaries/redness of the face, neck and chest; reduction of the redness of rosacea; stimulation of new collagen synthesis to improve skin tone; reduction of pore size.

IPL Photorejuvenation uses a technology called Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). At first glance, it is similar to a conventional laser, which emits a fixed wavelength of light. But IPL technology is far different than laser technology. Instead, IPL systems produce a broad spectrum of light in a range of wavelengths. These wavelengths are customized to suit your type of skin. IPL treats the damaged superficial layers of the skin, while delivering thermal energy to deeper tissues.

The treatment requires a cool, clear gel to first be applied to the surface of the skin Then, the chilled sapphire crystal of the IPL handpiece is applied to the skin and the pulsing, bright light is activated. A bright beam of light from the IPL device lightens up pigmented brown spots causing them to gently flake off in a few days. The device also coagulates and removes blood vessels below the skin surface thereby reducing redness and improving skin color. In addition, photons stimulate new production of collagen from fibroblast cells. As the new collagen forms, fine lines and wrinkles are decreased and skin is firmed and tightened.

Men and Women who are concerned about the effects of the sun on their skin (brown spots, rosacea, chronic redness, flushing, rough texture) or individuals who want to eliminate fine lines, rosacea, spider veins or age spots.

Generally a full face takes approximately 50 minutes to complete. Larger areas will take a longer.

There is a mild stinging sensation but it is very tolerable. Most people describe the sensation to be similar to the snap of a rubber band. Your face will be covered with cold gel which reduces this sensation and cool cloths are applied to the area after the treatment.

Your face may appear flushed, but it usually fades within a few hours. Clients with pigment may notice their browns appear darker after the treatment. This darkness takes on a “dirty look” until it flakes off in 7-10 days. Makeup can be used right after the treatment. Rarely, a client can develop “purpura” or a bruise on the face. It does not hurt and will fade in about ten days. This bruising can be covered with makeup. If you have a lot of colour, browns or reds on cheeks and around eyes you may develop some slight swelling for a few days while the skin is healing.

Some medications and medical conditions can interfere with treatments so your nurse will review your history to assess your suitability. It is not recommended during pregnancy or if you have unrealistic expectations. These sessions can not be done on anyone with a tan.