Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment has gained a reputation as one of the safest and most convenient ways to keep your skin looking youthful and healthy. At Rejuvené MD in El Paso, TX, intense pulsed light therapy stands at the forefront of our aesthetic treatments, offering a versatile and effective solution for many skin concerns. This innovative IPL therapy harnesses the power of light to rejuvenate the skin, targeting issues like sun damage, age spots, rosacea, and more.
If you have been dealing with skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, rosacea, sun damage, or fine lines and wrinkles, you could benefit from an intense pulse light skin rejuvenation treatment provided at Rejuvené MD. Contact us today to book your appointment and learn everything this treatment can do for you.
What Is Intense Pulsed Light?
Intense pulsed light therapy, or IPL therapy, is a cutting-edge treatment designed to address various skin issues with minimal downtime. IPL therapy utilizes a broad spectrum of light to target the lower layers of the skin (dermis) without harming the top layer (epidermis). This process, known as photorejuvenation, stimulates the skin’s natural healing process, promoting collagen and elastin production.
How Does Intense Pulse Light Skin Rejuvenation Work?
While it is light-based, IPL is different from laser treatment. Instead, the process consists of delivering pulses of light to the skin, which can result in many different therapeutic benefits. Visible sun damage, enlarged pores, fine lines, and red, splotchy skin can all be addressed with IPL therapy. Our professional staff utilizes the M22™ workstation from Lumenis® to perform these treatments.
This non-invasive treatment targets different pigments in the skin with its multiple wavelengths of light—melanin and hemoglobin—depending on the area of concern. The light energy is absorbed by these brown, red, or purple pigments, creating heat that breaks them down while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. By addressing different colorations in this way, IPL can improve areas with uneven tone, redness, or hyperpigmentation.
What Is M22?
The M22 is a versatile and advanced modular aesthetic treatment system for various skin conditions and concerns. It integrates multiple technologies into one platform, allowing practitioners to offer a variety of treatments with a single device. The M22 is particularly well-known for its intense pulsed light therapy module, often used in treatments for skin rejuvenation, pigment correction, and vascular lesions, among others.
The system’s IPL technology is highly customizable, featuring various filters and settings that can be adjusted to suit different skin types, conditions, and treatment areas. This adaptability makes the M22 an excellent tool for addressing a broad spectrum of skin concerns, from sun damage and age spots to rosacea and broken capillaries.
The Benefits of IPL
Little to No Downtime
Intense pulsed light treatment is designed for minimal disruption, enabling patients to resume their normal routines almost instantly after the treatment. This contrasts sharply with more invasive skin procedures that require extended recovery periods, making IPL an attractive option for those with busy schedules.
Comfortable, Non-Invasive Treatment
Intense pulsed light therapy is renowned for its comfort and non-invasive nature. Unlike surgical procedures that can require incisions and sutures, IPL therapy is performed on the skin’s surface, offering a gentler alternative.
No Anesthesia
One significant advantage of IPL treatment is that it does not require anesthesia. This benefit reduces the risk associated with anesthesia use and simplifies the treatment.
Versatility in Treatment Areas
Intense pulsed light therapy is not limited to facial treatment; it can be effectively used on the neck, chest, hands, and other areas of the body that show signs of aging or sun damage.
Long-Lasting Results
When followed by an appropriate treatment regimen, IPL therapy promotes sustainable improvements in skin health and appearance. These enduring effects allow patients to enjoy a clearer, more rejuvenated complexion over time without frequent maintenance sessions.
Tailored Treatments for Individual Needs
IPL therapy is highly adaptable, with settings that can be adjusted to address a wide range of skin issues, including redness, age spots, and fine lines. This customization ensures that each session is optimized for the patient’s specific skin type and cosmetic goals, providing targeted and effective treatment.
Enhanced Product Absorption
Following an IPL therapy session, the skin can better absorb skincare products, making your at-home skincare regimen more effective. This improved absorption helps in maximizing the benefits of serums and moisturizers.
Quick Treatment Sessions
Each treatment session can also be completed in under an hour, and individuals can return to their normal daily activities, making it a perfect treatment option for those who don’t have much time to set aside.
What Can IPL Treat?
Dark Spots
Dark spots, often caused by sun exposure or aging, develop when melanin builds up unevenly within the skin. With IPL, targeted light energy can penetrate these areas, heating the melanin to break it down gradually. This non-invasive treatment encourages a more even skin tone, diminishing the appearance of dark spots over time.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic condition that results in redness and visible blood vessels, especially on the cheeks and nose. IPL’s light pulses target hemoglobin within the blood vessels, reducing redness by breaking down these vessels without affecting the surrounding skin. This treatment can calm visible rosacea symptoms for a clearer, more balanced complexion.
Spider Veins and Broken Blood Vessels
Spider veins and broken blood vessels, usually caused by sun exposure or genetics, can become prominent as they sit close to the skin’s surface. IPL breaks down blood vessels and allows the body to absorb them. As they fade, the skin becomes clearer and smoother.
Acne Scars
Acne scars often develop from previous breakouts and can leave uneven patches or discoloration. IPL can stimulate collagen and elastin production which can help scars to be less noticeable. It can also help to resolve post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which often causes darker skin in areas affected by breakouts.
Wrinkles
Wrinkles form as collagen production decreases with age, leading to skin laxity and fine lines. The collagen synthesis that IPL stimulates can bring additional support to the surface of the skin and can lead to a firmer texture over time. With each session, the skin can regain a smoother and more rejuvenated appearance.
Freckles
Freckles are natural pigmentations that can become more prominent with sun exposure. IPL targets melanin in these pigmented areas, allowing for a more even skin tone by breaking down excess melanin deposits. If you want to reduce your freckles, IPL can help.
How to Prepare for Your IPL Treatment
To get the most out of your IPL session, avoid sun exposure and tanning products for at least two weeks before treatment. Sun exposure increases melanin in the skin, which can interfere with IPL’s ability to target specific pigments and can also increase sensitivity during your session.
If you’re using any exfoliating skincare products like retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acids, it’s best to pause them for about a week before your appointment. These products can make the skin more sensitive, which we want to avoid for your comfort. Also, avoid any waxing or hair removal treatments on the area, as IPL works best on undisturbed skin. Arrive at your appointment with clean, makeup-free skin. This helps us perform the treatment more effectively and gives your skin the best chance to respond.
What to Expect During IPL Treatment
IPL therapy is a comfortable, non-invasive treatment that can typically be completed in under an hour. Our provider will pass a handheld device over your skin, delivering concentrated pulses of light to the area to be treated.
You will likely need more than one treatment session to achieve the desired results. The exact number of treatments you will need will depend on the type and severity of the skin concerns you are looking to address, which we will discuss with you during your consultation.
Caring for Your Skin After Your IPL Session
After your IPL treatment, you may notice that certain areas, like dark spots, may initially appear darker—this is completely normal and part of the healing process. These spots will typically begin to flake off within about a week as the skin renews itself. For those treating spider veins or broken vessels, you’ll see these gradually fade over the next two weeks as the body reabsorbs the treated vessels.
To help your skin recover, keep it moisturized and avoid any exfoliating products for at least a week. Opt for gentle, hydrating skincare that won’t irritate the skin as it heals. You might also notice some mild redness or sensitivity; a cool compress can be soothing if needed. If any areas feel particularly warm or sensitive, avoid using hot water on the skin, as it can increase redness. Following these steps will support the healing process and help you see the best results from your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About IPL
What Areas Can Be Treated With IPL?
IPL is suitable for skin rejuvenation on commonly affected areas like the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and hands—places most prone to sun damage, dark spots, and visible veins. Each of these areas can benefit from IPL’s ability to target pigmentation and blood vessels, helping to reduce discoloration and improve overall skin tone.
How Long Does Each IPL Therapy Session Last?
Each IPL therapy session typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the treatment area’s size and the specific concerns being addressed. The process is quick and efficient, allowing patients to easily fit their treatment into a busy schedule.
Is Intense Pulsed Light Therapy Painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during IPL treatment. The sensation is often described as a light snap against the skin, similar to the feeling of a rubber band. The treatment is generally well-tolerated, and no anesthesia is required, thanks to its non-invasive nature.
How Many IPL Sessions Will You Need?
The number of IPL therapy sessions required varies depending on the individual’s skin condition and desired outcomes. For optimal results, a series of three to four treatments, spaced about four weeks apart, is typically recommended. During your consultation, we will create a personalized treatment plan.
Can You Go Out in the Sun After Receiving IPL Therapy?
Limiting sun exposure and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to the treated area for at least a month after treatment is advisable. This precaution helps protect the skin and maximizes the treatment’s effectiveness while minimizing the risk of complications.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Treatment With IPL?
Intense pulse light skin rejuvenation is a gentle and completely non-invasive treatment, which makes it a safe option for just about anyone. M22 allows treatment to be customized and tailored to you and your unique needs. The best candidates include those who have begun to experience the noticeable effects of sun damage, such as fine lines and dark spots. Patients who struggle with persistent skin redness can also benefit greatly from this treatment.
If you are unsure whether IPL therapy is right for you, our professionals will provide you with more information during your consultation. We will discuss your skin concerns with you and help you find out if this is the best course of action for your needs.
What is the Difference Between Laser and IPL?
Both laser and IPL are light-based treatments that can help improve your skin, but they work a bit differently. Laser treatments use a single wavelength of light which is very focused, making it ideal for targeting specific areas like deeper wrinkles or concentrated dark spots. IPL uses a broad range of wavelengths so it can address multiple concerns at once, like sun damage, redness, and fine lines.
A Little More About Our Services and Philosophy
At Rejuvené MD, Dr. Karen has built a practice focused on your skin health, overall wellness, and aesthetic goals. We combine dermatologic care, aesthetics, and restorative medicine and create a setting where you can feel supported and empowered. Through treatments like IPL for skin rejuvenation, we aim to help you defend, enhance, and rejuvenate your skin. Each person you will come into contact with at our office is dedicated to providing you with exceptional care using advanced techniques and equipment.
Our philosophy is rooted in a team-based approach, where we believe every patient experience should be positive, personal, and uplifting. We celebrate each patient’s unique qualities while nurturing whole-body health, vitality, and beauty. Rejuvené MD is “where art meets medicine”—a place to let your natural radiance shine.
Learn More About Intense Pulse Light Skin Rejuvenation in El Paso, TX
If you’re interested in renewing your skin without any surgery or downtime, you could benefit from intense pulse light skin rejuvenation therapy with M22 from Lumenis at Rejuvené MD in El Paso, TX. This treatment effectively addresses various skin concerns with customizable settings tailored to each individual’s needs. Contact us online or call (915) 800-2288 to explore how IPL therapy can enhance your skin’s health and appearance and schedule your consultation to start your journey to a more vibrant complexion.
