PHOTOTHERAPY (INTENSE PULSED LIGHT TREATMENTS)

Phototherapy is a clinically proven non–invasive procedure that uses high intensity pulses of lights (not lasers) to treat a variety of skin conditions, including those caused by aging and overexposure to the sun.

What It Treats

Phototherapy helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, large pores and irregular pigmentations such as freckles and age spots, leaving skin looking smoother, more even–and younger. It also helps tighten lax skin and can lessen the symptoms of acne and rosacea.

How It Works

Phototherapy’s intense pulsed light technology produces a broad spectrum of light rather than the monochromatic single wavelength of laser light. As a result, several skin imperfections can be treated at the same time.

Phototherapy is a non–ablative procedure: It delivers light energy (heat) to the deeper layers of the skin (dermis) while leaving the surface layer (epidermis) relatively unaffected and intact. The heat works beneath the skin’s surface to improve skin tone and texture. The treatment also reduces melanin, the dark pigment in the skin responsible for the formation of age spots and other unwanted areas of discoloration.

What the Treatment Involves

Treatments generally last 20 to 30 minutes each. The pulses of light are transmitted through a small device that is gently placed on the skin. The procedure is essentially painless; some people say it feels like a rubber band being lightly snapped onto the skin.

There is no “downtime” after treatment; you can return to your activities immediately. You may experience some temporary redness and mild swelling. In addition, age spots may darken slightly before they begin to lighten and fade away.

Several treatments are usually needed for best results. The precise number will depend on the particular condition and needs of your skin. The sessions are generally scheduled several weeks apart to allow your body to dispose of the maximum amount of pigment cells between treatments.

See also:
Acne
Birthmarks
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Lax Skin
Hyperpigmentation/Melasma
Rosacea
Sun Damage/Age Spots
Visible Blood Vessels