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There is no denying that sunshine brings tons of happiness to so many of us, but we also cannot escape the damage which comes from too much sun exposure. “While we know how important it is to wear sunblock and use preventative means such as sunglasses and hats, years and years of sun exposure can bring unpleasant long-term effects to even the most cautious,” explains Stacey Martin, a licensed medical aesthetician and certified laser technician at Sanova Dermatology in Pflugerville, Texas. This is where the importance of facials comes in, specifically a photofacial.
A Photofacial (also referred to as an IPL – Intense Pulsed Light or BBL – Broadband Light procedure) is a type of facial specifically designed to reverse the effects of sun damage and help correct rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and more. During this 30-minute procedure, your skin is deeply penetrated by intense pulses of light which lift and remove discoloration from the surface and beneath the skin.
The best time to get a photofacial would be during the fall and winter months when we tend to have less UV exposure. One of the purposes of a photofacial is to correct the damage caused by sun exposure and limiting exposure to direct sunlight will give you longer-lasting results. Even in the fall and winter, it is important to wear sunscreen and it is a good idea to avoid too much exposure to the sun in the days following the treatment, as your skin will be more sensitive.
There is no downtime after this treatment so getting on with your day should not be a problem. You may experience some redness or even brown spots, which is completely normal and will go away within a few days. This is actually a good sign because it means the treatment was successful in bringing discoloration to the surface. These spots will diminish within a few days as cellular turnover will reveal healthier, younger-looking skin. Makeup may be applied after the treatment to cover up any imperfections, and sunscreen should be applied regularly.
The effects of a photofacial go beyond repairing sun-damaged skin. Not only will this type of facial remove age and sunspots, but it will also reduce pore size and contribute to collagen production, decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you are concerned with unwanted sun and age spots, have rosacea, enlarged pores, acne scars, or broken blood vessels then you may be an appropriate candidate for a photofacial.
Those with darker or deeply tanned skin may experience side effects so it is important to speak with your dermatologist that does IPL photofacial in Vancouver, WA to discuss whether or not the procedure is right for you. Your dermatologist can also discuss with you the recommended number of treatments you should receive based on the condition of your skin.