Looking for IPL Skin Rejuvenation Treatments in Christchurch?

IPL is otherwise known as Photofacials and Photo Rejuvenation

Intense Pulsed Light or IPL Skin Rejuvenation is indicated for the cosmetic reduction of sun-induced skin damage and aging, including superficial pigmentation (brown spots), telangiectasias (commonly referred to as broken blood vessels). IPL can also be used to improve acne and reduce background facial redness.

The biggest concern with any light therapy is causing burns, and possibly scars.  This is why we insist on a pre-treatment consultation regardless of if you have had IPL treatments previously. This identifies any risk factors before you start any treatment. A particularly important factor is determining your Fitzpatrick skin type, which indicates how much melanin is in your skin. Darker skins are not appropriate for IPL and neither is tanned skin (fake or sun-induced).  In both instances, too much light will be absorbed by the very surface of the skin and converted into heat causing burning blistering,  and possibly long-term scarring.  Strict sun protection is a non-negotiable after treatment, so it is much safer to have treatment in the less sunny months. 

Most people will be a bit red and feel quite warm in the treated area for a few hours afterward.  Any brown spots treated will most likely get darker and then flake off over the next (5 – 14 days).  Some minor bruising is possible following red vein treatment.

Prior to treatment: Before undergoing IPL treatment for pigmentation and sun spots it is recommended to have had a recent skin check within the last 6-12 months. If you have not had the areas of concern checked by your GP, Mole Map, or other skin scanning centre, we may ask you to proceed with booking a skin check before we can perform any treatment.

It can be a little uncomfortable. The sensation felt during IPL is that of heat and has been likened to a rubber band being snapped on the skin’s surface.

With your first and subsequent IPL treatments, improvement is most noticeable starting about a week after each session. You’ll see the greatest results after 3 to 6 months if you do a series of IPL treatments spaced out about a month apart for each session. Results can vary from session to session, but the goal is steady progress. We schedule your therapy appointments about a month apart because skin cells turn over every 30 days or so. This gives your skin time to recover and produce naturally skin-smoothing collagen, which is one of the great advantages of IPL therapy.

The reason you should plan for at least four treatments is that each IPL session builds on the progress of the previous session. Over time, this non-invasive cosmetic procedure builds upon each session to produce clearer, more evenly toned skin.

What Not to Do

There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your post-procedure experience goes as smoothly as possible. Knowing what to expect after IPL will help you remember these aftercare don’t’s.

• Don’t take hot showers, hot baths, or go in a sauna a minimum of 48 hours.
• Don’t exfoliate your skin within the first seven days as it may cause irritation.
• Don’t pick any crusting or blisters.
•  Wait at least two days before you exercise or participate in any strenuous physical activity.
• Don’t expose your skin to the sun unprotected. You’ll reverse all our hard work!
• Don’t use skin care products  contain high amounts of vitamin A, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, Accutane, Retin-A (tretinoin), glycolic acid, and retinoic acid for at least 4 days.

Aftercare To-Do’s

While there are a few things to avoid post IPL, there are certain things recommended that you shold do. 

• Do apply sunscreen with a SPF of 30. This protects your skin from UVB and UVA rays.
• Do cleanse your skin gently.
• Do keep using your moisturiser.
• Do have an enzyme peel approximatlet 14 days after IPL. This hydrates your skin while removing dead skin cells. 
• Do add stem cell serum to your skin regimen to increase collagen repair and give your skin a smooth and healthy appearance. Shop here