Photo Skin Rejuvenation
Sun exposure and the resultant damage to the components of the skin are primarily responsible for the appearance of aging skin. Other factors, including disease processes, genetics, and the aging process itself also contribute to the appearance of our skin as we age. We are seeing the results of these processes in younger and younger individuals. This can be the result of many factors, including damage to the earth's protective ozone layer and voluntary exposure to sunlight and artificial sources of ultraviolet light.
Skin Rejuvination
The past twenty years have given rise to a host of skin rejuvination procedures. Dermabrasion and chemical peels are perhaps the most familiar of these, together with the more recent laser resurfacing. All of these procedures dealt effectively with some of the aspects of aging skin, but were all associated with certain undesirable side effects.
Non-Ablative Skin Rejuvination Using Intense Pulsed Light
Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments are used to treat Rosacea, spider veins, sunspots, and sun/age damage. The results are clearer and more even toned skin.
During an IPL treatment, light is absorbed by the pigment in the damaged area. The pigment is caused either by blood vessels (red pigment) or sun damage (brown pigment). The light is then converted into heat. The heat dissolves the cells that create the pigment or it will shrink the blood vessels.
Any area can be treated, except directly around the eyes. Immediately after treatment, you should expect a sunburn-like sensation, possibly accompanied by some minor swelling, or edema. This can last anywhere from one hour to 24 hours after treatment. Ice packs can be used to soothe the treated area. A minimum of two and up to six treatments will be necessary to achieve complete clearance of the damage.
Figure 1. Photographs showing sun damaged facial skin (left) and the same skin after IPL treatment.
