Everyone wants flawless, beautiful skin free from obvious superficial imperfections. However, most people aren’t born with a perfectly clear complexion and sometimes, even skincare products can help people improve stubborn concerns. Fortunately, a treatment such as photorejuvenation at Still Waters Day & Medical Spa in Pensacola, FL can be an ideal option to reach peak skin perfection.
How Effective Is Photorejuvenation?
Photorejuvenation is an exceptionally powerful treatment option. This non-invasive treatment works by applying specific wavelengths of light to the skin, which kick-starts the skin’s natural regenerative ability by promoting the turnover of new skin cells and the production of fresh collagen. Photorejuvenation is typically performed with IPL and LED light treatments, so there is an option suitable for you even if you have a medium or dark skin tone.
In terms of comparing photorejuvenation to laser therapy, the former is friendlier to the skin and much less risky for those who have sensitive skin types. While laser therapy will usually resurface the skin by removing the upper layers of the epidermis, IPL and LED treatments work by triggering the natural behaviors of your skin cells all the way down to the sub-dermal layers to improve superficial skin concerns.
How Many Treatments Do You Need?
Although these light-based treatments are very powerful, most people will need multiple treatments to reach optimal results. One treatment will be effective enough to reduce some of your visible concerns, but the best results can be achieved after a series of three to five treatments that are spaced at least four weeks apart. We will be able to estimate how many treatments you need during your consultation after your skin condition is assessed.
Naturally, people who have varied skin concerns or severe superficial concerns will require more treatments than people who have mild or moderate concerns. Chronic skin conditions like acne may require ongoing treatments as well. Finally, if you want to treat the face and other areas of the body, you will likely need more treatments.
What Are the Benefits of This Treatment?
The main benefit of photorejuvenation treatments is the fact that these treatments work with your body to improve your skin condition. By stimulating new collagen and elastin growth within the skin, and by turning over dead skin cells more regularly, your skin will naturally improve without using any chemicals or harsh techniques. This ultimately means that this treatment is a good option for people who are not candidates for laser treatments or chemical peels.
Sun Damage and Pigmentation
Sun damage can include pigmentation from previous sunburns that have shown up as you age, as well as melasma and other hyperpigmentation. Many pigmentation concerns such as freckles and birthmarks are benign but may cause people to feel self-conscious about their appearance. Dark spots can also be caused by skin inflammation, such as post-acne marks.
Fine Lines and Skin Laxity
Fine lines and skin laxity tend to appear between the ages of 30 and 40, which is when collagen production begins to slow in the skin due to the natural aging process. Fine lines can improve when more collagen is produced in the skin. Elastin production can also be stimulated with this treatment, which can improve the elasticity of the skin and restore skin structure.
Acne and Rosacea
This treatment is also beneficial for chronic skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that responds positively to LED treatments in particular because of how LED light can reduce both inflammation and acne-causing bacteria. People who have rosacea-prone skin can also benefit from this treatment since light therapy can reduce the inflammation associated with rosacea without causing additional skin sensitivity.
Where Can This Treatment Be Used?
This treatment can be used on virtually every area of the body. Many people use IPL and LED light treatments primarily on the face to address sun damage and acne spots, but these treatments can also be used on the chest, shoulders, back, and neck to improve sun damage. Many people also use this treatment on areas such as the hands to rejuvenate the skin.
What Can You Expect From Your Appointment?
Your treatment appointments will usually take between 30 and 60 minutes. Treatments are very comfortable and will have very little downtime. Most of the time, you can treat multiple areas of the face and body during the same appointment.
How Should You Prepare for Treatment?
To prepare for a light-based treatment, you will need to follow a few preparation guidelines, so you can reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation. For one week before your treatment, you should avoid unprotected sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanning products. You should also stop using certain skincare products at home, such as retinol. If you are taking medications that cause photosensitivity, you may also need to temporarily discontinue these prescriptions.
What Should You Do After Treatment?
After your treatment, you will need to protect your skin from irritation and hyperpigmentation. The best way to do this is by avoiding direct sun exposure; if you have to go outside, be sure to wear SPF 30 to 50 in all treatment areas. To avoid skin irritation, you should avoid steam, hot water, and heat, as well as skincare products that can cause dryness, such as chemical exfoliants.
For best results, you should focus on using skincare products that soothe and moisturize your skin after treatment. Products can include ingredients such as
hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, aloe vera, and vitamin E. You should be able to use your normal skincare products, including retinol and AHAs/BHAs, about one week after your treatment.
How Soon Will You See the Results?
Most of the time, it will take several weeks to start seeing visible results from this treatment. After your first treatment, you may see a reduction in redness and inflammation. However, because you will likely need several treatments for optimal results, you may not notice any significant skin improvements for at least three to five months.
How Long Do Results Last?
The results of this treatment will usually last for six to 12 months. However, the longevity of your results will depend on the specific skin concerns you are treating. If you are treating fine lines, then your results will last for as long as the mature collagen remains in your skin, which can last for about a year. If you are treating pigmentation, your results will last for as long as you can avoid new pigmentation concerns. For acne, results may last three to six months.
How Can You Maintain Your Results?
To maintain your results for as long as possible, you may need to reconsider some of your current skincare habits and lifestyle factors. Whether you are treating pigmentation or textural concerns, your skin will look its best when your body is healthy. Eating a balanced diet full of nutrients and low on high-sugar, high-sodium processed foods can be beneficial. Some patients may even take vitamins designed to improve skin health.
Skincare
Your skincare products can make or break the longevity of your results. When you are using skincare products designed for your skin type and skin concerns, you will be able to keep your complexion clear and even-toned. It’s important to keep your skincare routine simple, but targeted, which means using no more than one or two active ingredients at any given time.
Sun Screen
While sun damage is an obvious risk for new photodamage concerns, exposing your skin to the sun without the protection of sunscreen can also speed up natural aging and make skin inflammation worse. People who have acne, rosacea, and concerns about fine lines should wear sunscreen every day to maintain results.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Candidates for photorejuvenation treatments include people who have mild to moderate superficial skin concerns, especially fine lines, dark spots, and acne. These treatments may be suitable for all skin types and tones, including dark complexions and sensitive skin. You will need to attend a consultation to verify this treatment is an ideal match for your aesthetic goals.
Get the Perfectly Flawless Skin of Your Dreams
If you want to have flawless skin, but your skincare products alone aren’t doing the trick, incorporating a treatment such as IPL or LED therapy may be a good idea. Light-based treatments can greatly improve the overall condition of your skin so you can feel more confident.
Reach out to us at Still Waters Day & Medical Spa in Pensacola, FL, to schedule your initial appointment today.