A. Yes, your dermatologist should review your current skin care products and protocol to make sure you will get the best results from your IPL therapy.
The exact products vary depending on the patient's skin type and what condition is being treated (rosacea, sun damage, acne discoloration, hyperpigmentation). In general, I recommend a good chemical free sunscreen and an antioxidant in the morning and a prescription retinoid and peptides or growth factors at night. It is important to continue your program after you finish the IPL series in order to maintain the results.
Q. I have sun damage and have been doing Botox for my wrinkles, but the texture of my skin is rough and even though I cannot frown after the Botox, I still have those ugly "11 lines" between my eyebrows. Should I do more Botox?
A. No. More Botox is not the solution. You should consider doing peels, Fraxel Dual, or one of my favorites, Intense Pulsed Light therapy. IPL improves texture, redness and irregular pigmentation over 3-5 sessions.
There is no downtime, making it very popular with busy people. There have been published, peer-reviewed medical articles showing the synergy of benefits when you combine IPL with Botox.
Q. My rosacea is better since I am on medications. I have had no new blemishes for months, but my skin is still red and flushes easily. Should I try a different medication?
A. Medications can control the papules and nodules of rosacea, but the redness and flushing will linger. Your best option is to try a series of Intense Pulsed Light treatments. IPL energy targets the blood vessels and generates heat to tighten and shrink them. It also stimulated new collagen.
The result is decreased redness. Rosacea is a chronic and relapsing skin condition, so maintenance will be needed periodically.
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