Photofacial

Photofacials are treatments that use different types of light emitting devices to treat skin discoloration and reduce the appearance of blemishes.

This procedure is ideal for those looking to treat a variety of common skin issues including wrinkles, large pores, and post acne redness and marks

There are two types of photofacial — intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacials and light emitting diode (LED) photofacials

IPL photofacials

IPL photofacials, also known as Pulsed Light Therapy, involve a handheld device that emits pulses of broad spectrum light through direct contact with the skin. It acts on the deeper layers of skin, making it ideal for treating broken capillaries, sun damage, and other impurities

LED photofacials

LED photofacials involve handheld devices or lamps that emit various colors of LED light. The effects of this procedure are believed to be influenced by the color of the light. For example, blue light treats acne by killing acne-causing bacteria, while red light stimulates collagen production which in turn treats fine lines and wrinkles.

Both IPL and LED photofacials involve light being absorbed into the skin. The more intense nature of the IPL photofacial’s light pulses allows this light to be absorbed more deeply.

IPL photofacial light is soaked up by the haemoglobin (red blood cells) and melanin (pigmentation) in the skin, intentionally damaging these areas. The damaged melanin breaks up and is absorbed by the skin, decreasing its appearance on the skin’s surface. The damaged haemoglobin stimulates blood flow, causing the melanin to be absorbed more efficiently.

LED photofacials work differently depending on the light color in question. Green light works similarly to IPL photofacials, breaking up melanin for easier absorption. Other colors, like the aforementioned blue and red light, act on different aspects of the skin.

Photofacials take 20 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the amount of skin being treated.

Typically, patients receive between three and six treatments spaced roughly one month apart.

 

After a single treatment, your skin may feel smoother and appear to have a more evenly distributed tone. However, results only appear gradually and multiple treatments will be required for them to become truly appreciable.