Intense Pulsed Light Therapy, also popularly known as ‘IPL Therapy’ or ‘Flashlamp Therapy’, is one of the latest technologies practiced by licensed medical as well as beauty professionals for treating different types of skin conditions permanently. In this article, you will come across all necessary information that you should know about this technique before opting for it.
About Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy is basically a certain type of resurfacing technique in which high intensity broad spectrum (ranging from 515 to 1200 nm.) pulses of light (visible) is used to enhance the appearance of skin by targeting various chromophores present in it. It is non-persistent as well as non-ablative by nature and can be used for treating scars, fading blemishes, removing unwanted hair, and so on.
Why to Go for IPL Therapy?
IPL Therapy is beneficial for a number of skin conditions. These include vascular lesions such as rosacea, spider angiomas, rosy cheeks, port wine stains, etc.; signs of ageing such as wrinkles, age spots, fine lines, freckles, etc.; unwanted body hair, stretch marks, acne blemishes, and loose skin. Instead of targeting the epidermis (the surface layer of the skin), IPL works on the dermis (the inner layer of the skin). It means, it tries to eliminate the problem from its root, which makes it highly popular among people.
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How does IPL Therapy Work?
In the Intense Pulsed Light Therapy, each and every light pulse holds a wide range of wavelengths, which are focused on specific parts of the skin that are different from surrounding tissues in color. The chromophores or colored cells present in those pigmented areas of the skin are gradually damaged as the light energy gets converted into the heat energy and absorbed by the cells. Thus, we get perfectly clear skin through this technique.
Duration of IPL Therapy
As said previously, IPL Therapy is a non-persistent technique. The duration of each IPL session is near about 20 minutes and you have to continue it up to 1 or 1.5 months (depending upon your requirements) by undergoing 4 to 6 session per week. However, taking rest right after the treatment is not necessary as the recovery time gets reduced significantly.
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Side Effects of IPL Therapy
Like all other skin treatment procedures, IPL Therapy also comes with its own drawbacks. If not performed in a proper manner, the technique can lead to acute pain, soreness, skin discoloration, swelling, mild itching, blistering, white patches, hair loss, bruising, and so on.
Factors to Consider before Undergoing IPL Therapy
It is of utmost importance that you follow a few precautions prior to going through the IPL Therapy. Do not expose your skin to the sunlight weeks before the treatment. Seek help of a topical anaesthetic in case of intolerable pain. Do not ever forget to pit on a pair of protective eyewear during the treatment. Keep a cool gel handy if your IPL machine does come with a cooling system. Finally, consult with an experienced professional before taking any decision.
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