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When Do You See Results from a Photofacial?

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A woman with clear skin holding her neck using left hand and looking directly at the camera.

We all want to look and feel great. But that doesn’t mean our skin will naturally look the way we want it to. Our environment is tough on our skin. In Focus Eyespa may be able to help! We have Intense pulsed light (IPL) in our eyecare clinic to treat dry eyes however our experienced hygenist uses the same equipment to perform facial treatments, including IPL photofacials. This treatment uses gentle pulses of light to treat your skin and make it shine. 

You’ll typically notice some results within 10–14 days of your treatment; however, you may need multiple sessions to see optimal results. Your In Focus Eyespa hygenist will meet with you after your appointment to get up-to-date advice for preserving your results.

What Is an IPL Photofacial?

IPL stands for intense pulsed light. These gentle pulses of light penetrate deep into the skin’s layers, targeting specific structures such as blood vessels and pigmented areas. Unlike laser treatments that use a single wavelength of light, IPL employs multiple wavelengths to treat various skin concerns at once.

This noninvasive treatment can address:

  • Sun damage
  • Age spots
  • Roseacea
  • Red spots
  • Uneven skin tones

IPL photofacials are one of the most common and gentle ways to  treat these skin issues. And there is almost no downtime! IPL triggers the body’s natural healing process and allows your body make the positive changes in your complexion. 

But IPL isn’t just an aesthetic treatment—IPL is a leading technology used  to help address dry eyes at the root cause. It does this by reducing inflammation pathways and improving tear gland gland function. So IPL isn’t just for improving your skin—you can also get treated to help relieve dry eye symptoms.

What to Expect During an IPL Photofacial

When you schedule an IPL photofacial, there are a few important things to know. Typically, it takes at least 3 or more treatments before you’ll start to see the best results. We recommend spacing these treatments at least 3–4 weeks apart so your skin can process the changes between sessions. You’ll likely notice some changes within a 10 to 14 days after each treatment.

During the appointment, there are a few steps:

  • Protective eyewear is provided to safeguard your eyes from the intense light.
  • The procedure generally takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
  • There is little to no recovery time required so you can resume most activities immediately after the session.

After your session, you may notice some redness and maybe some mild swelling, but this typically goes away quite quickly.

How Long Do Photofacial Results Last?

After your appointment, you may not see the effects immediately. Your skin will need some time to heal, recuperate, and regenerate; the effects are often gradual.

However, once you see results, you can expect them to last around 1 year. There are a few factors that can affect this. To preserve your results, it helps to:

  • Use quality skin care products recommended by your hygenist
  • Wear sunscreen when you’re exposed to the sun’s UV light
  • Follow a proper skincare routine
  • Live a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and adequate hydration

Remember to follow up with your In Focus Eyespa hygenist and ask for their recommendation! They have a great deal of experience working with IPL photofacials, so their advice can make a big difference in how long your results last.

Is IPL Photofacial Safe?

IPL photofacials are safe and effective when performed by an experienced and qualified professional. However, every person’s skin is different, and a few potential factors can affect your outcome:

  • If you are highly tanned or use a self-tanner, you’ll have to wait until the pigment reduces or is removed. 
  • High melanin content in the skin can affect the results. Some people with dark complexions cannot have IPL treatments
  • If you take Accutane or have a significant acne breakout, you must wait until done treatment or the breakout resides before IPL treatment.

Our team performs a consultation appointment before performing any treatment so we can determine if an IPL photofacial will be right for you. 

A woman in an optical clinic shaking hands with her optometrist.

Should I Try an IPL Photofacial?

If you’re dealing with sun damage, age spots, or overall skin discolouration, contact us at InFocus Eyespa at In Focus Eyecare for a consultation. We can assess your skin to determine whether or not an IPL photofacial can help. 

Our team is here for you, and you deserve to look and feel great, so please book an appointment with us today!

Written by Dr. Gerry Day, OD, P.Eng

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