If pools, boating, beaches, runs, biking, or all of the above are on your summer agenda in Chicago, you, along with many other Chicagoans most likely are already thinking of how you are going to protect and renew your skin from the sun. Fortunately, protecting your skin from the sun doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to hide from the sun. Instead, a scheduled skin regimen that most importantly includes sunscreen can be the key to healthy skin so that you can still soak up fresh air and look great while you’re at it! Your next question may be, “How do I renew my skin from sun damage?” This is where the treatment Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) or more commonly known as the Photofacial comes into a skin care regimen.
So today, we bring to you everything you need to know about the IPL Photofacial:
First, what is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?
IPL devices use multiple wavelengths of light to treat sun-induced changes on the face, including discolorations including freckles, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, age spots and more. IPL is often used on the hands, neck and chest as well. IPL is safe, non-invasive and and our experienced medical staff at Reset will always tailor each treatment to the individual patient’s skin.
Even better, IPL can get you ready in no time for summer photo ops.
With summer, comes a lot of events, and with a lot of events, come a lot of photos. Get your skin photo ready in no time with IPL. The IPL Photofacial has little to downtime and makeup can be applied almost directly after your treatment.
What does IPL not do?
- IPL does not fill deep wrinkles or lines
- IPL does not treat sagging skin
- IPL does not treat certain forms of Malasma
Am I a candidate for IPL?
This question can truly only be answered with an in-house consultation as everyone has unique skin. Generally, IPL therapy is not for everyone. There is a lot of information that our staff will factor in when qualifying you for this treatment including medical history, skin color and skin type. Our staff at Reset takes time with each and every patient by completing a thorough free consultation to get to know you and your skin history so that we can properly prepare a healthy skin regimen for you.
What should I prepare for before and after my IPL Photofacial?
If your skincare professional qualifies you for an IPL Photofacial, there are a few things that you will need to consider. First, it is best to stay out of the sun for at least two weeks before your first treatment. The actual treatment itself is quite quick (roughly 30 minutes) and requires little to no downtime. After your treatment, it is pertinent to follow a regimen set by your skincare professional and to always wear sunscreen.
Can IPL prevent skin cancer?
The short answer is no, IPL is not a preventative method nor is it a treatment for skin cancer. However, regular skin consultations are a great way to get to know your skin to detect possible irregularities. Medical research highly recommends that the best way to practice sun safety is to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection and an SPF of at least 30 every day.
To learn more about IPL, schedule your free consultation with us on the web at resetmedspa.com/contact or call us at 312.939.4000. P.S. Mention this blog post and receive 25% OFF!
