How IPL Changed My Skin
If you guys have been following my Instagram stories, you have seen that I've been on an IPL treatment plan since I had Stevie. In fact, improving my skin is a huge priority this year. IVF medications, hormones through my multiple pregnancies, sun damage and melasma from this last pregnancy did a number on my skin. It got so bad that I would rarely go anywhere without makeup on my face which is not like me. The hyperpigmentation had taken over and I wanted to fix it. The minute (literally the minute) I found out that IPL treatments were ok to do while breastfeeding, I booked my first appointment at LaserAway.
I chose to do my IPLs at LaserAway for a few, very important reasons. For one, you can't beat the convienence. There are so many locations, I have one less than 10 minutes of my house. I have visited LaserAway before for other services (they offer so many) and I love the vibe and how clean it feels there. The front staff is always friendly and medical professions are all so knowledgable. Everytime I came in for an IPL I was blown away by how much I loved my nurse and I had a differnet one each visit. Overall, LaserAway makes me feel comfortable, confident about the services I had done and I'm always happy with my results.
If you're not familiar with IPL's, I will give you a super quick run down. IPL is a laser treatment that uses gentle pulses of light to restore sun-distressed and mature skin. Common results from an IPL treatment:
- Reduce signs of age
- Stimulate collagen growth
- Harmonize pigmentation
- Smooths your complexion
- Treat acne flare-ups and rosacea
- Are noninvasive, nonsurgical, effective, and safe
- No recovery time
There are two kinds of treatments depending on your skin type and the results you desire.
- Photo Facial (LED - Light-emitting diode): Boosts collagen for firmer, younger-looking skin. They also help control acne flare-ups by killing harmful bacteria.
- IPL (Intense pulsed light): Treats brown spots, broken capillaries, spider veins, uneven pigmentation, and redness.
The Decision
IPL may be ideal for you if you have:
- Fair, untanned skin
- Shallow acne scars or large pores
- Age-related fine lines and wrinkles
- Irregular pigmentation caused by sun exposure, age, or medication
- Brown spots or facial redness
- Broken capillaries and spider veins
Photo Facials may be right for you if you have:
- Mild-to-moderate acne or rosacea
- Mild wrinkles
- Dull or uneven skin
- Sun-distressed skin
- Increased collagen production
Why I'm Obsessed
There is nothing better than instant gratification. The lasers address pigmentation challenges and other dermatological issues that chemical peels can’t. Not to mention the laser treatment is fast, convenient and there is literally no downtime. I have seen IPL results immediately but they become even more noticeable a week or two after the treatment. My hyperpigmentation was moderate so we put an IPL plan together at LaserAway which included three treatments, spaced out 4 weeks apart. After a few IPLs we assessed my results and decided to add another treatment. I just completed my fourth IPL at Laser Away and I'm so beyond satisfied with my results. See for yourself.
The Process
If you're interested in IPL at LaserAway, I will give you a quick overview of what to expect, some quick facts and how to prep for your first treatment.
You must have clean, makeup free skin to begin IPL . No self-tanner on the skin either.
Important! No direct sun contact, harsh exfoliants or self-tanning at least a week after IPL treatment.
Before your IPL treatment, a medical professional will apply a cold gel to the target area and give you eye protection to wear.
The treatment lasts around 20 minutes. During it your medical professional will gently apply the IPL hand piece to your skin. It delivers healing light in precise pulses.
People who have felt any discomfort describe the feeling as similar to a rubber band snapped against their skin. I thought it was gentle and painless and never experienced ANY pain associated with the light pulses.
Photo facials typically require little to no recovery time. More intense IPL treatments, however, may produce sunburn-like symptoms for up to two weeks.
You can expect outstanding results with both IPL and Photo Facials, if you’re diligent about scheduling treatments.
Optimal results from IPL and Photo Facials usually require one to six treatments. Multiple treatments must happen in two- to four-week intervals.
Though Photo Facial results can be subtle at first, they continue to improve after each successive treatment. You’ll likely notice a big change in your appearance after undergoing Photo Facials for three months or longer.
The most important thing you can do after completing an IPL is stay out of the sun (for at least a week). Lots of broad spectrum facial sunscreen and wide brim hats.
Hyperpigmentation had taken over my skin and I never thought I would experience results like these, especially in this short of time. Without a doubt IPL has been the most effective and amazing things I've done for myself since having the baby. Since my treatments, I've made a huge effort to protect my skin from the sun. Because sunscreen only lasts for 80 minutes, I've stocked my purses, diaper bag and cars with facial sunscreens so that I can reapply throughout the day. I don't want to lose these results. The proof is in the photos and I'm so beyond satisfied with my IPL experience at LaserAway. Please, feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about IPL. Thank you so much for following along!
XO, Shawna