Intense Pulsed Light is a fantastic treatment for mild to moderate acne and its associated skin discolouration. Intense Pulsed Light can be very effective at calming overactive oil glands and removing any bacterial infection, particularly when used with specialist skin care regimes.
How does Intense Pulsed Light Work?
The Intense Pulsed Light system releases yellow and red light that is emitted in a series of short pulses. The yellow/green light destroys the bacteria that live in the skin and cause acne, while the red light directly targets the overactive sebaceous glands that cause outbreaks of pustules. This targeted heating deep in the skin causes shrinkage of the inflamed sebaceous glands and helps to prevent over production of excess sebum.
a) Blocked pores cause a build up of the acne bacteria, which leads to comodones and inflammation of the skin
b) Light destroys the bacteria and causes a shrinkage of the inflamed sebaceous glands
c) Pustules begin to clear and the skin condition improves
How is the treatment carried out?
You will be asked to put on goggles to protect your eyes. A layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to cool the skin and guide the light. The light applicator is placed onto the skin and a short pulse of light is released. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area cooled.
Each pulse of light treats a large area of skin so the duration of the treatment is very short. A typical session will take in the region of 30 minutes. This treatment can be combined with glycolic acid facial peel treatments or Microdermabrasion for maximum results.
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| Before Treatment | After 5 Treatments |
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| Before Treatment | After 2 Treatments |
Am I suitable for treatment?
Almost everyone can be treated, apart from very dark skinned or tanned individuals. People taking the acne treatment Roaccutane cannot be treated.
How does the treatment feel?
The light energy is absorbed by the skin and heats up creating a sharp, short lived hot pin prick sensation. No anaesthesia is required other than cooling the skin and most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable.
What should I expect after the treatment?
Redness and a slight warming sensation are normal after treatment and the skin is cooled to ease these symptoms. The redness usually disappears within a couple of hours. Very rarely the skin may become lighter or darker, or a small blister may form. It is possible that some hair loss will occur in the treated area, and it could be permanent, so men should consider this possibility before agreeing to treatment of their beard area.
It will be necessary to avoid sun exposure and the daily use of high factor, broad spectrum sun block SPF30+ is strongly advised.
How many treatments are necessary?
The number of treatments necessary varies from person to person, but typically 6 Intense Pulsed Light and 6 Glycolic acid peel treatments should result in significant improvement, depending on the severity of the condition. Intense pulsed Light treatments should take place fortnightly, with glycolic acid peel between treatments.
Daily use of a high factor, broad spectrum sun block SPF30+ is strongly recommended.
