How To Reduce Sun Damage with Photofacials

Have you noticed that a woman who doesn’t really possess nice features automatically becomes beautiful if she has good skin? If you want to improve your looks, improving your skin should be one of your first steps. Does your skin have brown spots and discoloration? These may be due to too much sun exposure. If this is the case, you may want to consider undergoing photofacial treatments. If you want to reduce sun damage to your skin with photofacials, read on:

Understand what a photofacial is. A photofacial is actually a general term that refers to different types of non-invasive skin treatments (that is, no needles or injections) that use light-based technology. The most common skin conditions that are treated by photofacials include acne, broken capillaries, and sun damage.

Consult with your dermatologist about the best type of photofacial for you. The most common type of photofacial conducted to correct sun damage is Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL. In this procedure, powerful bright light from a handheld device is blasted onto affected areas of the skin. These zaps of bright light are precisely timed, and they aim to heat the skin’s dermis (or inner layer) as well as cool the epidermis (or outer layer). IPL treatments will result ultimately in reduction of brown spots caused by sun damage, and in an overall better, more even skin tone.

Prepare your skin before the treatment. The facialist or dermatologist will do most of the preparation, but men are asked to shave before the appointment. The photofacial practitioner should gently cleanse and remove all traces of make-up from your skin. A gentle exfoliation procedure to scrub away dead skin cells will follow.

Understand the procedure. During the procedure, a handheld device is held over the skin area to be treated. Pulses of light are emitted, each of which last about 2.5 milliseconds. The wavelength range, pulse pattern, light energy level, and the time between pulses can be controlled. At least three treatments, generally spaced two to three weeks apart, are usually required before noticeable improvement takes place. Patients describe photofacials as generally painless, except for the mild sting that accompanies each light pulse.

Know the side effects of photofacial. Do know that photofacials are best recommended for people with light skin tones, as they can potentially cause hyperpigmentation on those who have dark skin. Patients could also experience sunburn after the treatment. However, photofacials are generally low-risk and patients will experience no down time afterwards; that is, they could resume all normal activities after the treatment.

Protect your skin from the sun. To maintain the results of your photofacial, it’s very important that you be very conscious about taking care of your skin. Put on sunblock (at least an SPF 30) everyday, whether or not the sun is shining outside. That’s because as much as 80% of the sun’s harmful rays could penetrate even through clouds. Also, avoid going outdoors when the heat of the sun is at its most powerful, which is from 10 am to 3 pm. Wear a wide-brimmed hat every time you go out, and stay on the shade as much as you can. Well-maintained skin will mean that the photofacial’s effects of evening out your skin tone could last a year or more.

Improving your appearance poses many benefits, such as increased confidence. So consider yourself a worthy investment, and consider having a photofacial! Good luck!