PHOTOFACIAL
Photofacial, also known as Intense Pulsed Light treatment (IPL), is a procedure that helps reduce the effects of sun damage, aging and hyperpigmentation. The procedure offers the advantage of improving skin tone and surface imperfections. It is a minimally invasive treatment, leaving virtually no down time in transforming your red/brown skin into a radiant complexion. A photofacial is a 20-30 minute procedure in which intense pulses of light are used to penetrate deep into the skin. IPL photorejuvenation then causes collagen and blood vessels below the epidermis to constrict, reducing redness and age lines leaving your face with a more polished and tighter appearance.
IPL is ideal for any part of your face, neck, décolleté, forearms and hands with skin redness, telangiectasia (tiny veins) or brown spots. Light (low contrast) brown spots, which were previously difficult to resolve, respond very well to treatment.
Immediately following treatment, brown spots will start to darken and your skin may appear slightly red. The treated areas may be mildy swollen. This typically lasts a few hours and possibly a day or longer makeup may be used to cover any redness.
Within one to three weeks, the darkened spots will flake off and fade. Diffuse redness or telangiectasia will decrease and your mottled complexion will improve.
We often combine Laser Genesis with IPL treatments for even more dramatic results.
3 days prior to photofacial:
IPL is ideal for any part of your face, neck, décolleté, forearms and hands with skin redness, telangiectasia (tiny veins) or brown spots. Light (low contrast) brown spots, which were previously difficult to resolve, respond very well to treatment.
Immediately following treatment, brown spots will start to darken and your skin may appear slightly red. The treated areas may be mildy swollen. This typically lasts a few hours and possibly a day or longer makeup may be used to cover any redness.
Within one to three weeks, the darkened spots will flake off and fade. Diffuse redness or telangiectasia will decrease and your mottled complexion will improve.
We often combine Laser Genesis with IPL treatments for even more dramatic results.
3 days prior to photofacial:
- avoid electrolysis, waxing, depiatory creams and laser hair removal
- cease using products containing Retinol or prescription Retinoids, Salicylic Acid, AHA's or Benzoyl Peroxide
- avoid exfoliating your skin
Post photofacial:
- Rinse your skin gently with water only the night of your treatment
- avoid vigorous activity, hot tubs and excessive sweating in the first 24 hours
- do not use products containg AHA, Retinol or prescription Retinoids up to 48 hours post treatment
- avoid harsh scrubs or abrasive loofahs for 48 hours post treatment
- do not pick or peel your skin following treatment and allow a week before any other facial treatments
- avoid direct sun exposure and wear a sunscreen daily that says "broad-spectrum” on the label, meaning it protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. A sunscreen containing a physical block is also highly recommended. A physical block is either Zinc or Titanium based like our Vivier Sheer. Even with wearing sunscreen, you should still limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
