IPL -Photo Rejuvenation

IPL Photo Rejuvenation is a state of the art procedure that is non-invasive, safe, quick and effective in reducing the appearance of sun and age spots, brown pigmented legions as well as broken capillaries and acne/acne scarring. It also helps with reducing pores, fine lines, wrinkles whilst also helping even out skin tone – for a younger, more rejuvenated look.

Book now

How it works

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy uses multiple wavelengths of light to treat the affected area. Effectively, the structures of the condition causing the rosacea, pigmentation, capillaries or simply the aging of the skin, absorb the precise energy level and various wavelengths of light that are emitted from the IPL technology. In turn, the light then travels to the structures of the skin causing the condition to occur which are then destroyed and become absorbed by the skin.

Nowadays it is accepted worldwide that particular kinds of light interacts with target molecules in the skin in order to determine a particular biological effect. Light is composed by photons of different wavelengths that carry energy and ‘destroy’ the chromophores absorbing the highest degree of the luminous radiation. The word chromophore is intended to define all the structures able to capture photons of light and interact with them by means of the conversion of the light into heat. The chromophores involved with the IPL treatments are:

Melanin – which is found in the epidermis and the whole structure of the hair.
Haemoglobin and Oxy-haemoglobin - which are found in the blood vessels.
Water – which is found from the dermis.

- Anti- ageing- reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun spots and sun damaged skin
- Age spots
- Pigmentation

- Redness of the face- Roseca
- Vascular lesions such as broken capillaries
- Freckles
- Acne/ acne scarring

Skin Rejuvenation- Anti-ageing

The ageing process affects all layers of our skin, keratinisation, desquamation and cell division in the epidermis slows down creating a thicker, uneven and more susceptible to wrinkles. In the dermis Collagen linkages are replaced more slowly and elastin fibres become more brittle, making the skin more likely to furrow, line and sag.

Over time, our skin begins to display the effects of aging which is when IPL treatments can be helpful. Outside factors like sun, gravity and hormones can speed up the aging process.

The collagen found in our skin begins to break down and results in fine lines around the eyes and lips, deeper lines and grooves in the brow, and much more. One day we wake up to find that our face no longer has that youthful, vibrant appearance it once had. Various procedures can help treat skin conditions and restore youthful appearances to our faces however, Skin Photo Rejuvenation treatments, using advancements in technology are the only treatment that can treat your skin in a safe, easy, gentle and effective manner.

The main benefits with Photo Rejuvenation treatments is that there are visible even after the first treatment, you will see a freshness of the skin with a youthful glow, IPL also evens out skin tone and smooth’s skin texture. IPL keeps on improving the skins appearance with each treatment and best of all, the treatments can be safely used on any part of the body.

Additional advantages of Photo Rejuvenation include:

· Achieving healthier and smoother looking skin

· Reduction in pore sizes

· More even skin tone

· Reducing redness and flushing caused by rosacea

· Reducing the fine lines

· Enhancing appearance and boosting self-confidence

· Collagen and estrogen Activation

What can be treated?

Rosacea

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that has similar characteristics to acne and has been known - to be called ‘Adult Acne’ or ‘Acne Rosacea’. The cause for Rosacea
is unknown, but researchers believe it’s likely due to some combination of hereditary and environmental factors.

Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition that causes the blood vessels in the facial skin to become inflamed and swollen. It is characterised by:

Facial redness (erythema) and flushing/blushing
Fine blood vessels (telangiectasia) on the face
Inflammation / acne (papules, pustules)  swelling

Rosacea may begin as a tendency to flush or blush easily and progress to persistent redness in the centre of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. It also may involve the ears, chest and back.

Some people experience facial redness, inflammation, burning or warm tingly sensations.
As rosacea progresses, small blood vessels and tiny pimples begin to appear on and around the reddened area; however, unlike acne, there are no blackheads. Some people suffer from inflamed pustules or spots.Rosacea and facial redness and flushing may be accentuated by hot liquids, spicy foods, alcohol (hot or cold), exposure to sunlight and heat (e.g. chefs working near a hot stove). Symptoms can be eased by avoidance of such triggering factors.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology enables our specialist to treat Rosacea with optimum results. Intense Pulse Light IPL has been clinically proven as being successful in reducing the side-effects of Rosacea. Intense Pulsed Light therapy uses multiple wavelengths of light to treat the dilated blood vessels of rosacea in the face. Effectively, the structures and blood vessels causing the rosacea to flare up, absorb the precise energy level and various wavelengths of light that are emitted from the IPL technology.

In turn, the light then travels to the vascular structures of the skin causing the blood to clot within the vessels which are then destroyed and become absorbed by the skin. Over time and with the right course of treatment, the redness and flushing of the skin that causes the rosacea, becomes visibly reduced resulting in a more rejuvenated, younger look. Typically, just 4 -6 treatments over a two to four-month period will greatly improve the reduction of the redness and flushing appearance of the skin

VASCULAR LESIONS

Skin blemishes due to abnormal blood vessels located directly under your skin's surface that give the skin a red colour are called vascular lesions. The pulsed light beam causes a thermo coagulation (clotting) of the superficial blood vessels that are the responsible for the cutaneous reddening.

Rosacea, thread veins, spider veins and broken capillaries can be hereditary but can also be caused by the effects of extreme temperature exposure, trauma to the skin and exposure to the wind and the sun. Pregnancy and being overweight may also trigger certain conditions due to extra stress being placed on the veins. The only way to prevent these is to maintain an ideal weight, maintain a regular exercise regime and avoiding wearing high-heeled shoes! Alcohol has previously been considered a culprit, especially in the facial region; however, alcohol only dilates the veins making them more visible, as does coffee, tea, and heat and in some cases, emotions.

Lasers and IPL can be used to remove thread veins on the face, body and legs. Laser treatments will remove fine and large thread veins quickly and effectively two or three sessions is usually all that is needed to leave your skin feeling smooth and blemish-free. This is a non-invasive treatment for veins 1-3 mm in size. We generally recommend on average 5 treatments.

Pigmentation

Sunlight, environmental factors and the natural passage of time all contribute to the development of dark spots, skin pigmentation and freckles. Your face, hands and chest are the first parts of the body to show signs of ageing because they receive so much sun exposure. Sun spots, age spots, skin pigmentation and freckles are forms of pigmented lesions. They are caused by excess production of melanin in the skin by cells called melanocytes.

Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in colour than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin colour, forms deposits in the skin.

These patches result from excess melanin production, which can be caused by everything from acne scars and sun damage to hormone fluctuations.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) pulses uses wavelengths of heated light which are directly aimed at the pigmented spots.

The advantages of this technology include the fact that the pigment is able to be targeted precisely without damaging surrounding tissue. Skin pigmentation in the face, neck, chest and hands can be treated safely and effectively.

The light energy is gently delivered to the skin in pulses, through a delicate, computer controlled handpiece.

After your IPL treatment, the skin pigmentation or sunspots will gradually fade and disappear altogether; however, in some instances the pigment will fade much lighter but not totally disappear.

After your treatment the pigmented areas appear darker as it heals itself whilst in other cases it can flake up in a bid to eliminate the pigment in an external scab form.

The added benefit of the IPL Technology is that is also works to activate cells in the skin called fibroblasts which stimulate collagen remodelling and new collagen production. Effectively, this helps to rejuvenate the skin, improving its texture, visibly minimising pores and reducing superficial fine lines and wrinkles to reveal a more youthfully hydrated appearance of the skin.

Results after Treatment

IPL Photo Rejuvenation effectively reduces skin pigmentation in approximately 5-10 visits. Most clients report 70 -80% (or greater) improvement over the duration of their treatment course. Furthermore, there are virtually no side effects, no downtime and no exposure to harsh antibiotics that can affect your immune system. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain with clear, rejuvenated skin using the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Technology.

Acne/ Acne scarring

IPL uses non-coherent polychromatic light (various wavelengths and various colours) to select chromophores and destroy them. The pulsed light penetrates multiple layers of skin and, deep within the skin and triggers the body's natural bacteria fighting defences.

The heat created by the light encourages inflamed sebaceous glands to shrink and healing from the inside out

IPL treatment can help reduce pore size and the appearance of acne scarring and because the treatment is anti-sceptic it also helps to prevent the spread of microorganisms which as a result helps control breakouts.

Some common questions...

What does it feel like?

You will feel a momentary sensation of mild heat. I will always start at the lowest settings and work up until you can feel a sensation that is tolerable for each individual. Because the light is very bright, everyone will have to wear eye protection and although the eye is protected a bright glow will still be seen. Most people will find that it is the light and not the sensation of the heat they notice.

How many sessions do you recommend?

Normally a course of between 5-10 treatments is required. A gap of three weeks is left between treatments (three weeks is considered the period where collagen production ‘peaks’ following a treatment). Appropriate homecare products should be used to aid skin firming and collagen production.

You may feel the need to return every 30 to 90 days to have a top up treatment.

Recommended:

Normal/young skin- 5-6 treatments

Problematic/ageing skin- 8-10

When can I expect to see the results of my treatment?

Many people see the results after the first treatment, most will feel their skin is softer, smoother and tighter and more hydrated and have a ‘fresh glamorous glow’. You should not sunbath or use sun beds 4 weeks before and after your treatments.

How long do I have to avoid make-up after my treatment?

Mineral make-up can be applied straight after a treatment; however conventional

make-up must be avoided for 24 hours.

Is a ‘Consultation and a Test Patch’ required for IPL Photo Rejuvenation Treatment?

A consultation and test patch is always required to determine the possible realistic achievable results for Photo Rejuvenation.

Before performing a test patch, a full client medical history is recorded and whether you are taking contra-indicated medications from your doctor or hospital and/or any other type of contra-indicated herbal remedies you are or have been taken in the last 6 – 12 months must also be recorded. We also determine your particular skin type.

Before and after...

Before:

No sun exposure in treated area/s.
Avoid the use of sunbeds, activate the melanin in the skin and become contra-indicated until the skin has returned to normal pigment. This will delay treatment results due to the hair growth pattern. Could burn the skin as the light energy will be absorbed into the melanin of the skin as well as the hair.
Avoid any self -tanning products as well as tinted moisturisers as these give pigment to the skin and could burn the skin.
Do not use any oil base products on the skin – react to the light source and burn the skin.
Can exfoliate before the treatment, only using natural ingredients.
Avoid perfume products in the treated area prior to treatment
Avoid the use of oil base products 1 week prior to treatment
Avoid the use of Retinol A and AHA’S in the area/s of treatment
Please inform your therapist if you have started to use any steroid base creams, e.g. hydrocortisone, Betnovate.
Inform your therapist of any medical changes.
Inform your therapist of any changes in prescribed and non prescribed medication

After:

Avoid direct sun exposure and wear daily sunscreen of SPF 30to 50. Treated skin will be sensitive to the sun after an IPL treatment, which could result in a painful sunburn.
Use a gentle cleanser, toner and moisturiser at least twice a day . Avoid skin care products that contain benzoyl peroxide, Retin-A, Retinol, or glycolic acids.
Avoid perfumed products in the treated area.
Do not scratch or pick at blemishes that will surface. Allow them to heal and naturally flake off.
Avoid strenuous exercising, hot baths, showers, or hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas and swimming pools for at least 48 hours. Overheating the skin in the first 24 – 48 hours can alter the final results.
Self tanning products should not be used 2 weeks prior to treatment and 7 days after treatment.
Inform your therapist of any medical changes or prescribed non prescribed medications