My Face Has Sun Damage. Is IPL A Good Treatment Option?

Who doesn't like to spend time in the sun? Unfortunately, one of the side effects of sun exposure is skin damage. It is hard to have healthy skin when exposed to sunlight for long periods. Over time, the skin develops sunspots, which can also be called the dreaded "age" spots. IPL laser treatment for sun damage can help lighten dark spots and reduce redness. It can even help with acne scars, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation, and correct other skin problems, so you have healthy skin and the complexion you desire. Those who want a nonsurgical treatment to get rid of sun damage spots can turn to the skin experts at Body+Beauty Lab in Philadelphia, PA. You can discover the benefits of IPL laser treatment for sun damage below or schedule a skin consultation at Body+Beauty Lab today.

What is sun damage?

Sun damage, also called photoaging, happens when ultraviolet (UV) light hits skin unprotected by sunscreen, causing it to change at a cellular level and melanin within the skin to darken. Different signs or symptoms of sun damage spots are:

• Freckles
• Moles
• Blotchy spots or uneven pigmentation
• Fine lines or skin laxity
• Melasma (gray or brown patches)
• Age spots
• Spider veins

IPL laser treatment for sun damage and how it works

It doesn't take long for evidence of sun damage to show up. Brown spots, dark patches, and freckles are just a few of the common issues men and women experience due to sun exposure. At Body+Beauty Lab in Philadelphia, PA, our skin experts offer IPL (intense pulse light) therapy for facial rejuvenation to address sun damage and more. Also called IPL photofacials, the intense light energy penetrates below the skin's surface to reach the dark melanin spots. The powerful flashes of light break down the dark melanin into small particles that will eventually release to the skin's surface as scabs and fall away, or be absorbed by the body naturally. The IPL process promotes healthy skin, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed as a result.

Enjoying your healthy skin and IPL recovery

Research has shown that IPL photofacial sessions are effective at treating sun damage and other skin issues. An IPL photofacial uses several wavelengths of light energy, similar to a camera's flash, resulting in a more in-depth and significant facial rejuvenation treatment. The sun damage spots are targeted with the light from the IPL's laser technology to start the healing process. In due time, dark spots and uneven pigmentation will begin to fade, revealing a smoother, more even skin tone. IPL laser treatment for sun damage is relatively quick and takes about 20 – 30 minutes for the entire face, longer to target other areas, such as the neck, shoulders, and chest.

How many IPL laser treatments for sun damage will I need?

First, it's best to determine whether you are the right candidate for IPL photofacial treatments. Upon arrival at Body+Beauty Lab, you will fill out a questionnaire to help our skin experts better assess your skin type. We will examine your skin, listen to your aesthetic goals, and determine an appropriate treatment plan during a private consultation. The number of IPL therapy sessions needed will vary by person. On average, most patients need 3 – 6 sessions, every 4 – 6 weeks, for optimal results. You will start to see healthy skin and lighter spots in about 4 – 8 weeks.

Correct sun-damaged skin with IPL sessions in Philadelphia, PA

You may not have thought about your skin much when you were younger, but sun damage and dark spots can have a severe impact on your overall health. Harmful UV rays can cause long-lasting damage to your skin but can be corrected with IPL facial rejuvenation treatments. At Body+Beauty Lab in Philadelphia, PA, we want our patients to feel confident and comfortable in their skin. To learn more or schedule a skin assessment appointment, contact one of our knowledgeable team members for an in-person or online consultation today.