IPL Treatment For Pigmentation

One of the most popular reasons to get a photofacial is to lighten and remove hyperpigmentation (dark spots). The light emitted in an IPL treatment breaks down the melanin (which causes dark colour) in sun damage (age spots) and freckles for a more even complexion.

Note that IPL is not the right solution for melasma. To treat pigmentation related to hormonal changes, we recommend Vivier’s Hyperpigmentation Program (topical skincare treatment), or micro-needling, or chemical peels, all of which are available at our Oakville location.

IPL Treatment for Antiaging

IPL not only reverses signs of aging, but it also helps keep skin looking younger for longer. Photofacial IPL activates collagen and elastin production in your skin. These proteins make young skin look plush, firm, and smooth.

That means IPL not only works to improve skin at the surface, but it also builds younger skin from the inside out.

IPL Treatment for Acne

IPL photofacials can be an effective treatment for acne. It directs the intense pulsed light into the deeper layers of skin (the dermis) where acne starts. IPL destroys acne-causing bacteria under the skin and disables overactive oil glands.

Unlike laser treatments, IPL does not damage the top layer of the skin. With IPL, there’s less downtime, and you don’t have to worry about aggravating skin already inflamed with acne. The result is a more even, calm complexion and fewer breakouts.

IPL Treatment For Rosacea

Photofacials are a very effective treatment for symptoms of rosacea, which include skin flushing (redness), visible spider veins, irritation (inflammation), and bumps (papules and pustules) caused by dilated and broken blood vessels beneath the skin.

Intense pulses of light create heat under the skin, destroying damaged capillaries without harming the skin. With sufficient IPL sessions, you’ll notice a more even skin tone and calmer skin. Photofacial also calms the irritation and itchiness associated with rosacea.

IPL photofacials deliver impressive, skin-rejuvenating results. IPL is also cost-effective and requires little treatment time or downtime.

Cost For IPL Treatment

The total cost of IPL varies based on the condition of your skin, the area you’d like treated, and your goals.

When you come in for a free consultation at our Oakville medical spa, we’ll assess your skin and recommend a series of treatments, each at a set cost.

DermaZone photofacial costs are competitive with IPL treatments in Mississauga and Burlington. You may find that our Oakville medical aesthetics are more affordable than Toronto IPL, where rates are highest.

How Many IPL Treatments Needed

How many IPL treatments you need depends on your unique skin.

To minimize the signs of sun damage, one to three sessions per year may be enough to promote collagen and elastin while breaking down age spots. For extensive sun damage, freckling, ongoing acne, and rosacea, more sessions may be required.

Get our best advice when you book a complimentary consultation.

Preparing for IPL

When you make an IPL appointment at our Oakville clinic, we’ll remind you of the dos and don’ts involved in photofacial. These include:

Protect your skin with 30+ SPF and avoid tanning before and after photofacials
Do not apply self-tanner for two weeks before IPL
Avoid alcohol for two days before treatment
Talk to your medical aesthetician if you take any medications, including over-the-counter pain medications
Until after your IPL sessions are complete, avoid retinol, glycolic acid, and other skin products that cause sensitivity

Downtime After IPL Photofacial

Photofacial downtime is relatively short compared to downtime for a deep chemical peel or laser skin resurfacing because IPL targets cells deeper in the skin. The intense pulsed light improves the skin surface by acting beneath the surface.

You can expect redness in the treated area and possibly swelling for 24-48 hours. Apply cold compresses to soothe the skin and expect to resume normal activities after about two days.

Any sun damage and freckles will darken when healing. IPL breaks up the pigment in the deeper layers of the skin, and that melanin rises to the surface before naturally flaking off. This typically takes a week or ten days.

Avoid exfoliating during the healing period, and treat your skin gently. Wash your face in lukewarm water, and avoid hot showers and saunas. Continue to avoid retinol and other active ingredients that can irritate your skin while it heals.

You may notice that your skin feels drier and itchier. Use plenty of moisturizers and keep hydrated. After a few days to a week, most IPL clients don’t notice any side effects.

Within a few weeks, you’ll enjoy the full results: brighter, noticeably more even, and younger-looking skin.