How Intense Pulsed Light Works to Erase Summer Sun Damage

Summer is a fun time to be out in the warm, bright light of day, but too much sun can cause a lot of problems. 

About 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun, and getting multiple sunburns can create worse problems over time. Along with sunburn, overexposure to direct sunlight can lead to age spots, atypical moles, wrinkles, and rough patches of skin. 

If you’re looking for skin treatments to help with sun damage and other needs, Peach Skin & Laser serves the Yuma and Tucson, Arizona, areas with the latest technology and professional results.

We use intense pulsed light therapy, or IPL therapy, to help rejuvenate your skin when it’s been damaged by too much time in the sun.

What is IPL therapy?

IPL is a type of laser therapy, but it’s not like other laser treatments where patients are exposed to a focused wavelength of light on their skin. 

Instead, IPL therapy uses multiple wavelengths, which allows the treatments to reach under the top layer of skin while doing less damage to it. 

How does IPL therapy help treat sun damage?

IPL therapy can treat a range of conditions caused by sun damage, and the skin can heal faster. 

The pigment cells in the skin are exposed to the light, which produces heat, and the heat eliminates damaged tissue, unwanted pigment, and other materials from the skin.

IPL therapy can also treat acne scars, hyperpigmentation, spider veins, stretch marks, and wrinkles.

What is the IPL procedure like?

Patients undergoing IPL therapy wear dark glasses to protect their eyes from the bright lights. 

After a cooling gel is applied, a handheld device is used to apply the light to the skin. The sensation in the treated area is often compared to the snapping of a rubber band against the skin. 

The whole treatment can take 20-30 minutes, depending on the area being treated. It may take three to six treatments to see the best results from IPL therapy, depending on your specific condition.

What happens after treatment?

Once the treatment is complete, you can go back to your normal routine. 

The treated area is likely to be red and sensitive for 4-6 hours. There may also be some swelling, but most side effects will only last a couple of days after treatment. 

Ice packs or a cool washcloth can help ease any side effects. Use moisturizer and avoid putting makeup on treated areas if they are still sore. Consult with your specialist to determine when to resume your normal skin care regimen. 

If you’re dealing with the effects of sun damage to your skin and need treatment, make an appointment with Peach Skin & Laser today.

If you have any questions, please contact us.