The primary cause of early wrinkles is overexposure to UV light, which presents as fine lines or creases appearing around the eyes, face, and neck. One way to limit the amount of exposure and sun damage to the eyes is to wear sunglasses.
Another way to reduce wrinkles or improve the tone and texture of your skin is IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy, also known as photofacial. Yes, IPL targets various skin problems like sun damage, broken blood vessels, and wrinkles.
What is IPL?
IPL is a non-invasive laser light that can safely treat and undo visible signs of wrinkles from photoaging and scars such as age spots. The light emitted by IPL is of many different wavelengths. The light scatters rather than focusing on one point and penetrates below the skin, with less damage to the top layer of the skin.
The short-wavelength light is absorbed by specific tissues, causing them to heat up. In the case of freckles and dark spots, the pigmented cells absorb the light, convert it into heat, and the heat destroys the pigment. In hair removal, the heat destroys the hair follicle and prevents it from regrowing.
How Does IPL Work to Remove Wrinkles?
Aging is the most common reason for wrinkles. Other causes of wrinkles are environmental factors, genetics, and hormonal changes.
The collagen in our skin degrades with age, resulting in fewer collagen and elastin fibers to support the skin. This causes the skin to sag and loses volume, causing wrinkles.
Light from IPL targets the loose collagen and destroys it. This, in turn, stimulates the body’s natural collagen production. As a result of new collagen formation, the skin tone improves, and the appearance of wrinkles diminishes.
How to Prepare and What To Expect with IPL Treatment
Before receiving IPL treatment, it’s imperative to discuss how to prepare and what to expect from your doctor. The recommendation to protect your skin and ensure results include avoiding the following activities before treatment:
- Direct sunlight from sunbathing
- Tanning beds
- Waxing
- Chemical peels
- Collagen injections
- Drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen increase your bleeding risk
- Creams and products that contain vitamin A
IPL Procedure
A medical professional will clean the area for treatment and apply a gel. With a handheld IPL device, light impulses emit onto the skin.
IPL treatments are not generally painful, although some people have reported minor discomfort due to stimulation of nerve endings during light exposure. Using a local anesthetic or numbing gel can help with this. Most people tolerate IPL with minimal discomfort.
Treatments can take between 20 and 30 minutes, with larger areas taking an hour or more. Treatments are 2 to 4 weeks apart to allow for healing, and more than one treatment is usually required depending on individual treatment plans.
After treatment, the skin may appear pink with some swelling and a mild sunburn-like feeling lasting for a few hours. Recovery time after IPL therapy is usually quick.
Benefits of IPL Therapy
The three most beneficial benefits of using IPL are a non-invasive procedure, no downtime after treatments, and the ability to treat wrinkles without causing damage to the skin’s surface (dermis). Other benefits include:
- Lighten the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improve skin’s overall texture, tone, and color
- Reduce the appearance of dark spots and sun damage
- Smooth out the skin for a more even complexion
Preventing Wrinkles and Slowing Their Development
IPL is an effective way to treat wrinkles and minimize the signs of aging. There are, however, some things you can do to prevent them if not visible or slow their progress:
- Protect your skin: Use sun protection such as sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen to reduce UV exposure.
- Moisturize well: Prevent dry skin and ultimately wrinkles by applying daily moisturizer.
- Stop smoking: Smoking can speed up aging and cause wrinkles.
- Consume less alcohol: Alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the skin.
Keep Wrinkles at Bay
While some people are okay with the presence of wrinkles, others wish to erase them from the skin. When used consistently, IPL can be an excellent way to maintain a youthful appearance while keeping your skin healthy. Book an appointment with Daniel Island Eye Care to discuss more on this non-invasive treatment.
