- Acne is characterized by the overproduction of skin oil by overactive sebaceous glands. As the skin becomes too oily, dead skin cells become more difficult to shed; they become sticky and clog the pores. Once a pore becomes clogged, excess oil cannot escape, and acne bacteria have a perfect breeding ground. As the bacteria and oil build in the clogged pore, a raised and often pus-filled lump will appear, the classic acne breakout.
- IPL, or intense pulsed light, releases a series of short pulses of yellow, green and red light. The yellow and the green lights destroy the bacteria that cause acne, and the red light targets the sebaceous glands, causing the inflamed, overactive glands to shrink. The heating caused by the red light also stimulates the production of collagen, which aids in healing and improves skin tone.
- Patients are provided with goggles to protect their eyes from the intense light, and chilled gel is applied to the area to be treated. The gel helps to guide the light and cool the skin during the treatment. The light applicator is applied to the skin, and short pulses of light, less than a second in duration, are delivered. The applicator is then moved to another area of skin, and the process repeats until all areas affected by acne have been treated. Once the treatment is completed, the gel is removed and a moisturizer is applied to the treated area. Each treatment typically takes about 30 minutes, and most patients require between four and six sessions for significant improvement of their condition.
- IPL treatment is not painful, and no anesthesia is required for this procedure. Most patients feel a mild to moderate discomfort, rather like a sharp feeling similar to a pin prick as the skin heats with each pulse of light. Redness and a feeling of warmth in the skin are common after treatment, symptoms that are eased by a cooling pack that is generally applied immediately afterward.
- Most patients experience no side effects from IPL treatment, but in rare cases there can be skin discoloration in treated areas, the skin becoming either lighter or darker. Hair loss in treated areas can occur and can be permanent. Small blisters can appear as a side effect of IPL sessions as well. IPL treatments are not recommended for individuals with very dark skin or who are very tanned, and treatment has not been proven safe for pregnant women. Those who are on prescription medications for acne treatment, such as accutane, should consult a doctor before undergoing IPL treatment.
