Photo Rejuvenation- How Light Treatments Can Help Skin Look Younger

The Effects of Photo-Aging

The sun can do a lot of damage to our skin, and even a few minutes out in the sun every day can lead to changes in your skin that you won’t like very much. Not only does the sun cause freckles, which may look cute on kids but not on most adults, it can also lead to spider veins on the face, and rough skin that is almost leathery in texture. You may end up with a blotchy complexion, and if you are a true sun worshiper, it is possible that it could lead to skin cancer.

There are a few things that can determine how much a person is going to end up photo-aging. If you have fair skin, you are going to be more prone to skin damage from sun exposure, and it happens over a period of many years. The longer you expose yourself to the sun, the more damage you are going to do to your skin. If you do like to spend time outdoors in the sun, make sure that your skin is well protected. Use a sun block that has an SPF of at least 30 and protects against UVA and UVB rays, and be smart and minimize exposing too much of your skin to the sun.

If you have already reached a point where the effects of photoaging are already present, I have a question for you.

Are you looking for a needle-free, knife-free facelift type improvement in your skin?

Many people are uncomfortable with the thoughts of invasive cosmetic procedures. Injections and surgery are not for everyone but does that mean you have to live with the signs of aging you are now experiencing? With the current advances in light therapy and anti-aging technologies invasive treatments are no longer your only options.

Dermatologists are now able to use Intense Pulsed Light or IPL systems to dramatically reduce the signs of aging. Similar to lasers, a concentrated and controlled filtered light source is directed to the fibroblast cells within your skin layers. These cells are responsible for the production of collagen and elastin which is slowly lost as we age resulting in wrinkles and lines, enlarged pores and an uneven complexion. The light therapy stimulates those cells to produce more collagen and elastin and effectively reverse the aging process.

Photo Rejuvenation- What happens during the treatment?

A treatment session generally lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Your dermatologist will begin by cleansing the skin with an antiseptic cleanser and a mild facial peel to remove any surface dead skin cells. This will give a nice smooth fresh layer of skin to start the treatment. You will then be given a pair of dark goggles to wear to protect your eyes from the light source.

A chilled gel is applied to the area that is to be treated. This gel will help the light penetrate the skin layers. The doctor will then use a light applicator to begin the photo rejuvenation. The applicator is placed against your skin and small bursts of light will be released before moving on to another area.

When the treatment session is completed the chilled gel will be removed and your skin will be thoroughly moisturized.

The process is not completely pain free but most people find it only mildly uncomfortable and easily tolerated. The pulses of light are like that of a tiny pin prick. If you have a very low threshold for pain or if at any time you find it too uncomfortable be sure to tell your doctor as he/she can apply a topical cream to lessen the sensation.

Photo Rejuvenation- What to expect after the treatment?

There is no real “downtime” to IPL therapy, however, after the photo rejuvenation treatment your skin may feel warm and appear reddened. Applying an ice pack for a short time will help to relieve this. Any age spots you may have may appear darker for a short time until those skin cells are sloughed off. Over the next 24 hours your skin will continue to tighten and firm up. A typical course of treatment is six sessions spaced 2-3 weeks apart. Each session will result in firmer, younger looking skin and a more even complexion that will last between sessions. Once the recommended sessions are completed you will only need an occasional treatment as maintenance.

For more information download a complimentary copy of “Consumer’s Guide to Laser Treatments in Dermatology”