Information on IPL Treatments for Dark Spots on the Skin
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy, which goes by many other names, including photofacial, photoderma, and photo rejuvenation, is a non-invasive cosmetic solution for various skin conditions. IPL is one method for treating dark spots on the skin. Does this Spark an idea?
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About the Dark Spots
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Hyperpigmentation, the technical term for dark spots, occurs for a variety of reasons, though the typical cause is sun damage. Other causes of dark spots include aging, melasmas, and residual damage from skin conditions such as acne. The spots are created by an overabundance of melanin (pigment) in the skin area.
IPL Features
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IPL treatment is often categorized under the same derma-medical umbrella as laser treatment, but it is not the same. By scientific definition, IPL does not use laser technology, but instead uses broadband light that flashes in multiple, simultaneous wavelengths (unlike lasers) over the skin's surface.
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Function
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The high-intensity light pulses penetrate the skin's surface (the epidermis) to reach the deeper skin tissues (the dermis) and target and dissolve the irregular blood vessels.The PhotoDerm PL is the type of IPL technology used to treat dark spots. The thermal (heat) effect of IPL treatment also stimulates new collagen growth.
Treatable Skin Areas
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Any skin can be treated with IPL, including the skin of the face, chest, neck, back, arms, hands and legs.
Procedure
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IPL therapy requires from four to six treatments, which do not need anesthesia or pain medication and have no downtime or recovery time. Special glasses are worn for safety, and sometimes topical creams are used to reduce stinging. Facial treatment sessions are approximately 20 minutes long, while treatment of the back or leg may require as long as 45 minutes.
Side Effects
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IPL is non-ablative, meaning it doesn't burn the surface skin tissue, therefore removing the risk of burns and tissue damage. Treated dark spots will darken more, at first, and then flake off like scabs. Redness or purplish discoloration is a possible transient side effect.
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