Treating Acne With IPL Photofacial

Acne is one of the most common skin disorders affecting men and women worldwide. While it is often the most problematic during adolescence, acne has been acknowledged as a prevalent and recurring skin disorder for adults as well. At its most minor stages, acne is an unsightly and embarrassing issue; at worst, severe acne can be painful and possibly lead to permanent scarring.

Current treatments for acne range from topical and oral medications, to formulated creams and cleansers, to cosmetic skin care procedures. The use of cosmetic enhancement procedures to treat acne has recently become a more popular practice. Some acne sufferers are drawn to cosmetic skin treatments' ability to correct multiple skin problems simultaneously. Many modern skin rejuvenation procedures are geared towards treating not only acne, but also wrinkles, rosacea, large pores and sun damage. Among the top cosmetic skin care treatments used today, these procedures are most commonly recommended for patients with acne:

• Microdermabrasion
• Chemical Peels
• Laser Skin Resurfacing
• IPL Photofacial
• Blue Light Therapy
• Photodynamic Therapy

What is IPL?

Among these listed procedures, IPL Photofacial is one of the newest, most talked about skin treatments. Intense pulsed light (IPL (tm)) therapy is the advanced technology behind IPL Photofacial treatments. IPL procedures treat skin by using high intensity light energy emitted in flashes of broad spectrum wavelengths. The pulsed light is focused and altered with various cut-off filters for greater control over treatment area and light intensity. IPL Photofacial lasers penetrate deep into the skin to stimulate new collagen growth and to promote the shedding of damaged tissue. This often helps boost the skin's regenerative processes, thus revealing the newer, healthier skin layers underneath the damaged, acne-prone skin. It is through this process that acne, often occurring in the surface layers of the epidermis, is temporarily eliminated and replaced with healthy, clear skin.

Is IPL Photofacial Safe?

Overall, IPL Photofacial treatments are considered low-risk procedures. They are non-ablative, and common minor side effects can include temporary redness, swelling, discomfort and possibly bruising. Whether or not a patient will experience side effects at all is largely determined by their individual skin conditions and their sensitivity to treatment. Some patients report feeling minor discomfort during treatment, likening the sensation of the IPL laser to the light snapping of a rubber band against the skin. However, many patients say they quickly grow accustomed to the sensation, and that it's quite tolerable as early as the first treatment session.

What Else Should I Know about Photo Facials?

The cost of IPL Photofacial treatments for acne can vary depending on where you go to receive treatment, and on the amount of treatment sessions you require. Additionally, it's best to research all possible acne treatment methods and talk to your dermatologist before choosing a course of action. Since there are several different types of acne, and because some IPL technologies are more effective for certain skin types than for others, doing your homework and getting expert advice will help you select the safest, most effective acne treatment for your skin.

More information about IPL Photofacial and other skin rejuvenation procedures can be found at Healthy Skin Portal.