How Many IPL Photofacial Sessions Are Required for Sun Damage?

Have you noticed some changes to your skin after years in the sun? Those sun spots and fine lines are common, but they don't have to last forever. At Essential Aesthetics and Laser, Lori Alessandrini helps clients in Charlotte, NC, tackle sun-damaged skin with IPL photofacial treatments. This state-of-the-art approach to skin rejuvenation is designed to lighten spots and soften lines without surgery, offering a fresh start for your complexion.

Most patients notice significant improvements in their complexion after a few IPL photofacial sessions, but how many might you need to fade the appearance of sun spots on the skin? Read on to learn more about this exciting treatment.

What causes sun spots on the skin?

Sun spots are flat brown spots that develop on areas of your skin that are frequently exposed to the sun. Over time, ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun accelerates the production of melanin, a pigment responsible for darkening the skin during sun exposure. As a result, excess melanin can clump together, forming visible patches that are significantly darker than the surrounding skin. These spots are a common sign of skin aging and are particularly prevalent among individuals over the age of 40, though they can appear on younger skin that has been overexposed to the sun.

How does IPL work to improve sun-damaged skin?

Intense pulsed light treatments use a broad spectrum of light to target pigmented and vascular lesions in the skin. Unlike lasers, which use a single wavelength, IPL releases light of multiple wavelengths, allowing it to reach different levels of the skin. The light energy is absorbed by the pigments (like melanin) and the blood vessels in the skin without harming the surrounding tissue. As the pigments absorb the light, they break down and are naturally absorbed by the body, leading to a clearer, more even skin tone. IPL is particularly effective in reducing the appearance of sun spots, rosacea, and other forms of skin discoloration.

How many IPL skin treatments will I need to address sun damage?

The number of IPL treatments required can vary depending on the severity of the sun damage and your skin type. Typically, clients see significant improvement in sun-damaged skin after 3 – 5 sessions, spaced about one month apart. Each session usually lasts about 20 – 30 minutes, with patients reporting minimal discomfort. The results are gradual; with each treatment, the skin looks more refreshed as discoloration is lessened and skin tone is evened out.

What other skin concerns can you address with intense pulsed light therapy?

IPL photofacial is not only effective for sun-damaged skin but also addresses a variety of other skin concerns, including:

• Rosacea: Reduces redness and the appearance of flushed skin.
• Redness and broken capillaries: Helps minimize the visibility of dilated or broken blood vessels on the face.
• Age spots and freckles: Targets and lightens darker patches of pigmentation caused by sun exposure.
• Fine lines and wrinkles: By stimulating collagen production, IPL can improve skin texture, making it smoother and more youthful.

Rejuvenate your skin with an IPL photofacial

If sun spots on the skin are a concern for you, an IPL photofacial might be the right solution. Lori Alessandrini, a certified laser technician at Essential Aesthetics and Laser in Charlotte, NC, has extensive experience using this innovative technology to help clients achieve clearer, younger-looking skin. To find out more about how IPL skin treatments can rejuvenate your complexion, contact our office in Charlotte, NC. Your journey to revitalized skin can be just an appointment away. Let us help you achieve the radiant look you deserve with the power of intense pulsed light therapy.