Don't Let Sun Damage Dull Your Glow: How IPL Can Help

Sunlight plays a vital role in our health, helping our bodies produce vitamin D and even boosting our mood and energy levels. Unfortunately, too much sun can take a toll on our skin, leading to long-term effects, like dark spots or rough skin texture. 

While sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin, it doesn’t reverse damage that’s already been done. That’s where intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) comes in. The team at Vivash Medspa explains how IPL works and how it can help reverse the signs of sun damage in your skin.

The science behind IPL

Before delving into how IPL works, it’s crucial to understand how sun damage happens in the first place. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 

When your skin absorbs UV rays, they cause changes in the skin’s structure and pigmentation, leading to areas of rough texture and visible signs of aging, like dark spots and fine lines. In fact, sunlight is responsible for as much as 90% of visible age-related changes in your skin, a process known as photoaging.

IPL is a noninvasive treatment that uses the power of intense, focused light to target sunspots and other signs of photoaging. Specifically, the IPL device emits short, controlled bursts of light energy that penetrate your skin, breaking up clusters of excess pigment so your body can dispose of them naturally over the following days and weeks.

In addition to clearing up sunspots and other areas of hyperpigmentation, IPL also helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles caused by too much sun. Once absorbed into your skin, the light energy stimulates production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that help skin look and feel smoother, supple, and plumper.

Your IPL treatment: What to expect

Our team uses the state-of-the-art Lumecca IPL® system by Inmode® for optimal results. At the start of your treatment, we apply a cooling gel to the treatment area to keep you comfortable and promote optimal light absorption.

As we pass Lumecca’s special applicator over your skin, you may feel a mild “snapping” sensation, indicating the light energy is being absorbed. Most treatment sessions take about 20–30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area, and there’s no downtime afterward.

IPL is ideal for treating sun damage on your face — in fact, it’s often referred to as an IPL facial. But it’s also great for treating other areas, like your chest, neck, arms, and hands, which are typically exposed to lots of sunlight.

After treatment: Caring for your skin

After your treatment, it’s important to know what to expect and to take steps to protect your skin while it heals. Initially, you’ll have some redness, sensitivity, and mild swelling, similar to the effects of a sunburn. You can relieve minor discomfort with a cloth-covered ice pack applied for 10-15 minutes at a time.

You might also notice tiny brown dots, often called “coffee grounds,” a sign that unwanted darker pigments are breaking up. This is an entirely normal aftereffect of IPL. A natural part of healing, these tiny spots should not be picked or scrubbed; instead, let them flake away naturally over the following few days to prevent scarring.

During the first week or two following treatment, don’t exfoliate your skin and don’t use products containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) or retinols to avoid irritating your skin. Instead, wash gently with a mild cleanser and apply a hydrating moisturizer to support your skin while it heals.

Sun protection is critical after IPL treatment. Your skin will be a lot more sensitive to UV rays, so it’s essential to wear a high-SPF sunscreen every day. When outdoors, stay in the shade and wear a hat and protective clothing to cover treatment areas. 

Rejuvenate your skin with IPL

While many patients see results after a single IPL treatment, most see maximum benefits with a series of 2-3 treatments spaced several weeks apart. Your treatment regimen will be completely customized to suit your skin’s needs and your unique aesthetic goals.

To learn more about IPL and how it can help rejuvenate your skin, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Vivash Medspa in Mahopac and Cold Spring, New York, today.