The IPL device emits specific wavelengths of light when pressed against your skin. This light is attracted to a target in your skin which converts to heat to absorb the target – either melanin (the dark pigment in your hair & skin) or haemoglobin (the red colour in your blood vessels). This causes a controlled wound in the targeted skin tissue, causing it to regenerate to reveal a rejuvenated appearance.

Anywhere from 2-6 treatments is generally required, however this will vary.

Pigmentation should be treated at 21 day intervals.

IPL Skin Rejuvenation for vascular lesions (e.g broken capillaries, redness, rosacea) should be treated at 21 day intervals, however for some clients this may be as soon as 7 days if we deem necessary.

You will NOT be suitable for IPL Skin Rejuvenation treatments if any of the following applies to you:

• Very dark skin
• Recent sunburn
• Unprotected sun exposure or solarium use 4 weeks prior to treatment
• Application of fake tan within 3 weeks of treatment
• Use of melanotan injection
• Pregnancy
• Epilepsy
• Weakened immune system
• Active infections
• Use of medication for severe cystic acne in the last 6 months
• Use of photo-sensitising medications.
• Pace maker, facial threads, surgical implant or metal implants
• Keloid or Hypertrophic scarring

We perform a skin analysis & Fitzpatrick skin assessment to ensure you are a suitable candidate for IPL Photo Rejuvenation.

We will gather information about your skin, lifestyle, medications & health to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for IPL Skin Rejuvenation.

A test patch is also performed a minimum 48 hours prior to any treatment, this is to assess how your skin will respond to the IPL treatment & minimise the possibility of any adverse reaction.

You will also be given appropriate before & after care advice.

Your health comes first. If any spots look suspicious, we will ask for a doctor’s certificate approving your suitability for IPL treatment.

Your skin will be cleansed & gel will be applied to the skin. You will also need to wear the protective eye goggles supplied.

When you are ready, your therapist will count down and notify you when the gentle pulses of light are being performed. 

The IPL hand piece itself has an inbuilt chiller system to also keep your skin feeling cool & comfortable throughout the treatment.

During treatment you may feel a slight sting similar to that of a small elastic band to the treated area.

The whole treatment itself generally takes 20-30 minutes.

Following your treatment you will wear SPF 30 & be given after care advice.

• Keep out of the sun for 6 weeks before the treatment
• Wear a sunscreen (at least SPF30+) every day to protect your skin and to prevent any future UV damage.
• Avoid spray tanning 3 weeks prior to any IPL treatment.
• Do not use any Vitamin A products in the week leading up to your treatment.
• Avoid any irritating or fragranced products for 3 days before the treatment.
• Start using a cosmedical range of products. Skin in better condition will have better results.
• You must advise your IPL technician of any medications you are using while undergoing IPL
• If you have a history of herpes in the area being treated, it is recommended that you take antiviral medication before IPL

Immediately after treatment you may feel a sunburnt sensation. It is normal for the skin to look red and flushed.

This will gradually reduce over the next 24-48 hours.

• Clients with loose skin may experience swelling.
• If needed, apply a cold compress for 10 mins per hour to reduce heat in the skin.
• Apply a cooling gel such as Medi Soothe.
• Use only mineral based makeup for 48hrs after treatment. 
• If you experience prolonged redness, blistering or any other issue, please contact us immediately for further advice.

Until all redness has gone, avoid:

• Using AHA, BHA or Vitamin A products.
• Waxing the area.
• Hot showers, steam etc.
• Swimming pools & spas with chemicals/chlorine.
• Activities that cause excessive perspiration.

PIGMENTATION:

The pigmented lesions should become darker after IPL Skin Rejuvenation.

This is referred to as “miloing” as it looks like fragments of milo on the skin.

This will fall off over the following seven to ten days.  If you are having your chest or other body areas treated, the recovery will be slightly longer than if it was your face.

Do not pick, scratch or force the removal of this skin as this can lead to permanent damage.

VASCULAR:

The vessels undergo immediate greying or blanching. In some cases, only a slight purplish change is noted. Bruising can occur – if this does, do not use blood thinning agents.

Vessels either fully or partially resolve in about 10 to 14 days & areas of diffuse flushing gradually fade leaving skin with normal appearance.

Vascular lesions may re-appear within 7 days after treatment, whilst the capillary is still compromised, a further treatment is highly recommended within 14 days, failure to do so, will reduce efficacy of treatment.