Photo Facial Treatment

For one Photofacials done by IPL are significantly different from the ones undertaken with mere LED’s. LED’s rely on colour therapy whereas Photofacials done by IPL rely on filtering various wavelengths to react to different skin conditions.

As the name suggests, Photofacial or “Fotofacial” is the skin treatment of facial skin blemishes using the properties of light. Among the several uses of this procedure, the most common and popular are stimulation of facial collagen or in the treatment of acne and similar serious conditions with which one can superficially battle ageing and lighten the blemishes.

The use of light technology involves two entirely differing methods called LED (Light Emitting Diode) and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). To learn about the outcome you desire, it is imperative that you gain greater insight into the differing technology and what it entails.

Intense Pulsed Light

It is technically not a laser but a powerful light source that can penetrate the skin with minimal damage and keeps the epidermis free from any signs of treatment.

Photofacials for Skin Rejuvenation

IPL penetrates the skins surface to remodel collagen. It is helpful in reducing the appearance of age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, shrinking enlarged pores and improving the overall complexion and skin

Photofacials for Acne

IPL photofacialsheat and destroy the acne causing bacteria with specific wavelengthsresulting in smoother skin with reduces pore size. It is an effective treatment for facial acne.

How does it work?

Laser Skin Resurfacing relies on the principle of collagen remodeling. It involves making tiny punctures in the skin using the laser. This leads to new cell regeneration and smoother, tighter and more vibrant skin.

The procedure has the laser targeting the outer layer of skin while also heating the layers of skin below. This is done to promote collagen production. Collagen fibres help in producing smoother and firmer skin.

Regardless of the facial photo treatment chosen, the role of a beautician or aesthetician becomes important to design a customized skin-care regimen to prolong the life of the outcome and arrest the underlying condition.

LED Photofacial: The procedure in this form of technology focuses more on aesthetics achieved by the use of a narrow spectrum light. Being very mild, painless, cool and relaxing, it is used to boost collagen or to destroy acne-causing bacteria. Since this therapy involves only the outer layer of the skin’s epidermis, only minor problems can be rectified. The procedure is conducted through a handheld device and does not take much time. However, it is done in day spas, and the best results are obtained only after a series of sessions. Once over, regular monthly follow-ups and strict skin-care regimen under the supervision of a professional beautician is necessary to reap the benefits of rejuvenation and tightening of the facial tissue.

IPL Photofacial: This treatment is administered when the deeper layer of skin is involved in conditions like age spots, broken capillaries, and spider veins. This procedure is mostly conducted in medical spas and is popular primarily for the treatment that is considered to reverse the process of aging by erasing wrinkles. The procedure is not as mild as the LED but affords better results. The use of intense pulse lights generates heat, making it uncomfortable, but worth the trouble. The number of sessions recommended depends on the underlying condition and the outcome desired.

For undergoing the treatment, you need to prepare by avoiding the sun for 24 hours and not use any make-up or abrasive cleansers during this period. Only then, will you benefit truly from the rejuvenation procedure? Even after the session, you may have to avoid the outdoors to recover from the skin discoloration of the pain suffered.

Benefits of Photofacials:

Skin treatment through photofacials provides a host of benefits, making it a popular anti-ageing procedure.

  • Whether LED or IPL, they are both non-invasive.
  • It stimulates the collagen.
  • The red light LED promotes cellular activity.
  • Stimulation of fibroblasts helps to produce collagen that freshens the appearance of skin to look younger.
  • Collagen boost has a positive effect on the fine lines and removes wrinkles.
  • It is much natural, softer and cheaper than undergoing plastic surgery for similar outcomes.
  • The blue light from the LED is used to destroy Propionibacterium acnes, the causal bacteria of acne that thrive just below the surface of the skin.

Photofacial Protocol:

For LED treatment, the protocol recommended consists of at least six sessions per week for two and followed up by a maintenance routine every month. The time taken for the procedure depends on the type of device used and can consume anything between five and thirty minutes.

LED versus IPL:

The mildness of LED light makes the experience soothing, and even the eyes need not be covered. In the case of IPL, the strong blast of high energy light can be painful. While the LED procedure is ideal for the treatment of acne and collagen stimulation, the IPL is suited to treat serious conditions with deep skin involvement. However, the best results are obtained when it is used in conjunction with the watchful eyes of the aesthetician.

Bottom Line:

The efficacy of photo facial treatment in reducing a host of dermatological problems on the face and other visible areas of the body makes it a popular and cost-effective option. The therapy being instantaneous, there is no downtime. With every sitting, the outcome becomes more pronounced.