IPL Skin Rejuvenation

Intense pulses of various wavelengths of light are flashed at an area of the skin. Some light is absorbed by the blood trapped in broken blood vessels and angiomas.  This creates heat in the little blood vessels and shuts them off. Some wavelengths of light are absorbed by the brown pigment in age spots and freckles. This helps to break down the pigment. The heat created in the skin helps to stimulate collagen production.  Over the weeks and months ahead, skin appears  smoother, softer, brighter and clearer.

Some results are seen after just one treatment. Especially with brown spots.  To improve the complexion further, a course of 3 to 6 treatments are recommended. The skin takes around 2 weeks to heal and shed the treated brown spots. New skin cells take around 4 to 6 weeks to get to the surface. Each IPL treatment results build on the one before.  You may be happy after 3 treatments?  Maintenance will be required. This will depend on a few factors, such as; age, skin quality, general health and lifestyle. When treating someone with acne or rosacea, they may require an occasional treatment to keep skin in good condition?

At Primelase Berkshire, your therapists have 20 years’ experience in treating skin with IPL and laser. At the time of consultation, a personal treatment programme will be made for you and the right expectations set.

If you are taking light sensitising medication, or Roaccutane, laser or IPL is not suitable for you. Roaccutane should be stopped 6 months before a test patch.

You cannot have laser or IPL if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

At the time of consultation, your therapist will discuss suitability and expectations with you. You will require a test patch 24 hours before full treatment.

After cleansing, you will have small protective goggles put on. A cool ultrasound gel is applied. This helps to cool, as well as glide over the skin. An ice pack may be applied before, during and after treatment, if necessary.

You will experience a bright flash of light and the sensation of a hot elastic band snapping on the skin. Your skin will look and feel quite flushed afterwards. A cool pack may be applied afterwards for comfort.

Immediately afterward treatment, some little thread veins may appear purple, then gradually fade or disappear. Brown spots should appear darker, then dry out and slough off over the following week. You experience some temporary puffiness. Using a cool pack for a few hours after treatment can reduce the chance of this happening. Aloe vera will be applied, followed by an SPF factor 50.

Having a tan means that you have increased melanin in your skin, giving it a lovely glow. The laser light can be absorbed by the melanin in the skin as well as in brown spots. This makes treatment not only more uncomfortable, but also increases the risk of burning, hyper and hypopigmentation, leaving darker or lighter patches. This may be temporary, but is not attractive and can be sore. It may take many weeks and months to resolve. We ask that you do not have any sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before a laser test patch or treatment. This allows the melanin in your skin to be less ‘active’. Fake tan should be removed before treatment.

After treatment, your skin may be more sensitive and react more to heat and sunlight. Aloe vera is applied after a laser treatment, to soothe. You should use SPF 50 when in the sun at any time, but especially after laser or IPL treatment. Your therapist can help you find one suitable for you. Not only does this make your laser and IPL treatment safer, it is protecting your newly rejuvenated skin!