Photo Rejuvenation

Skin pigmentation is a result of abnormal production and deposition of melanin by the Melanocytes. Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells.

The number of Melanocytes present in our skin will determine our skin colour. Production of melanin is dependent on UV or sun exposure, and is a natural protective mechanism of the skin.

Hyper pigmentation, or areas that are darker than the rest of the skin, result from excess melanin production and deposition.

Pigmentation occurs as a result of Sun exposure, Ageing, Hormones (melasma), Pregnancy (chloasma) and Skin Damage. The pigment can be near the surface (easier to remove) or deeper in the skin (harder to remove) and is often at various levels in most patients. Generally, the longer the pigment has been present the harder it is to remove, but reduction can usually be achieved in most patients.

Intense pulsed light is excellent at removing, or fading pigmentation caused by sun damage.

To successfully treat uneven pigmentation on the face or hands 4 treatments are recommended as a minimum. These sessions are generally performed around every 3-4 weeks. Immediately after your treatment the area may be a little red and or swollen with a mild stinging sensation.

Ice packs will alleviate this sensation. A SPF 30+, as recommended by your therapist is essential everyday if you want to permanently lighten and or remove any pigmentation.

When treating pigmentation, avoiding sun / UV exposure is crucial. You must do the following:

Every day use of a SPF 30+ or higher broad spectrum sunscreen.

Wear a broad-rimmed hat to keep your face in shade

Once the area has been treated you will notice the pigmentation will continue to darken and flake off, this process may take up to 2 weeks. Camouflage makeup can conceal any discoloration.

What can Photo Rejuvenation effectively treat?

  • Simultaneously treats
  • vascular changes – red blood vessels
  • telangectasia
  • redness from rosacea & flushing
  • skin discoloration & mottled pigmentation
  • sun damage and photo aging
  • brown spots such as freckles and lentigos
  • produces smoother, even-toned, more youthful skin
  • IPL minimizes red and brown spots while it evens out skin color and texture. It also decreases red flushed appearing skin

What is Photo Rejuvenation?

Intense Pulsed Light [IPL] Photo Rejuvenation technology is a simple proven treatment designed to produce younger and healthier looking skin. By the increase formation of collagen in the dermis (skin), the appearance takes on a younger looking smoother complexion. As most of us age we begin to see signs such as facial skin imperfections. This may include freckles, Rosacea, wrinkles, broken capillaries, dark spots, blotchy skin color, redness of the face and neck, enlarged pore size and sun damage. IPL offers a safe, non-invasive solution that can be tailored to your individual condition and skin type, providing superior cosmetic results and outstanding satisfaction, through a process called Photo Rejuvenation.

How it works?

High energy light of a specific wave length is applied to the skin surface. The energy is absorbed by the skin causing a reduction of pores and a tightening of the skin due to increased collagen. A cold connecting gel is usually applied to the area to be treated, and you will be given dark glasses to protect your eyes from the bright light. The smooth glass surface of the IPL hand piece is gently applied to your skin and pulses of light are applied. You may feel a slight sting, like the snapping of a small rubber band. The light energy is absorbed by the targeted area removing facial redness, erasing pigmented spots, reducing pore size and improving fine lines.

How often do I need treatments?

Treatment is generally administered in a series of 4 to 6 sessions at about 3-4 week intervals. It provides excellent long-term results, minimal adverse effects and high satisfaction. Each treatment takes about twenty minutes.

You can return to work the same day and resume all your daily activities.

By dividing the full program into several treatments, the procedure provides gradual improvement with very low risk – and, it preserves the wonderful “no down time” feature that people appreciate so much.

In some cases for minor capillaries only one treatment is required.

A repeat “Light IPL Facial” may be required once a year.

How to prepare for treatment sessions:

The face should be clean and free of all make up. Avoid tanning before and after your “treatment” as this will enhance blotchiness.

Possible side effects

You may experience slight swelling and redness right after your treatment. This may last a few minutes or hours depending on each individual. Brown age spots and uneven pigmentation will turn slightly darker after treatment and then over the next few days will exfoliate off.

After care

  • No tanning for 15 days after your treatment
  • Use SPF30+ sun block when exposed to the sun for 30 days
  • Keep the treated area moisturized
  • Avoid hot showers, baths or spa’s for 24 hours