Photo Rejuvenation with IPL – Turn Back the Clock on Sun Damage

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Photo Rejuvenation is a pioneering, non-surgical facial treatment that uses advanced light therapy to comprehensively address the visible signs of ageing and photodamage caused by sun exposure. Often called a “photofacial,” it’s not a laser, but uses a broad spectrum of light to target multiple skin concerns simultaneously.

The treatment delivers gentle pulses of light that penetrate the skin’s deeper layers. The light energy is selectively absorbed by two key targets:

1. Melanin in pigmented spots (like sun spots).
2. Haemoglobin in red, visible blood vessels (like broken capillaries).

This process generates controlled, therapeutic heat. This heat both breaks down unwanted pigment and vessels while also stimulating fibroblasts in the dermis to produce new collagen and elastin—the building blocks of firm, youthful skin.

IPL is uniquely effective as a multi-correctional treatment. In a single session, it can improve:

• Sun-Induced Pigmentation: Age spots, sun spots (solar lentigos), and freckles.
• Vascular Lesions: Broken capillaries, spider veins, and generalised redness or rosacea.
• Texture & Fine Lines: Stimulates collagen to soften fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth, and improves overall skin texture.
• Uneven Skin Tone & Dullness: Brightens a sallow complexion for a radiant, healthy glow.
• Enlarged Pores: Collagen plumping can make pores appear smaller and less noticeable.
• Mild Sun Damage: Improves overall skin clarity and health.

The Photo Rejuvenation Experience:

1. In-Depth Consultation: A mandatory first step. Our practitioner will assess your skin, discuss your goals, explain the process, and ensure you are a suitable candidate. A test patch is often performed.
2. Preparation: On the day, your skin will be cleansed, and you will be provided with protective eyewear. A cool gel is applied.
3. The Photo-facial: The practitioner will glide the IPL handpiece across your skin. You will feel a series of quick, warm sensations, like a light snap. A full-face treatment typically takes 20-30 minutes.
4. Immediate Aftercare: Your skin will appear flushed with mild redness. Treated pigmented spots may darken temporarily. A soothing cream is applied.

Key Benefits of Choosing IPL Photo Rejuvenation:

• Multi-Tasking Treatment: Addresses colour, texture, and tone in one go—true value for money.
• Minimal Downtime: No surgery, no lengthy recovery. You can return to work and most activities immediately with minor redness.
•  Natural-Looking Results: Works with your skin’s biology to promote gradual, natural improvement without an “overdone” look.
•  Non-Invasive & Safe: When performed by a qualified professional on suitable skin, it’s a very safe procedure with a proven track record.
•  Long-Term Skin Health: By stimulating collagen, it improves your skin’s fundamental health and resilience.

Recommended Treatment Course:
For comprehensive rejuvenation, we advise a course of 3-5 sessions, scheduled 4-6 weeks apart. This allows for progressive collagen rebuilding and the gradual clearing of pigmentation. Many clients see improvement after the first session, with results peaking after the full course.

Laser facelifts (like Fraxel) are more ablative, targeting texture and wrinkles by creating micro-injuries. IPL is non-ablative—it doesn’t wound the skin surface. It’s superior for treating colour issues (redness/brown spots) while also providing a collagen boost. We can advise on which is best for your primary concern.

Most describe it as very tolerable. You’ll feel a warm, quick flick with each pulse. Modern systems have integrated cooling for comfort. It is significantly less uncomfortable than laser hair removal.

The best candidates have fair to light olive skin (Fitzpatrick I-III) with visible signs of sun damage, such as brown spots, redness, and dullness. It is not suitable for dark skin tones (V-VI) or currently tanned skin.

An initial “glow” and fading of redness is often seen quickly. Pigmentation darkens before shedding over 1-2 weeks. The collagen-building effects continue for 3-6 months, with optimal texture improvement seen after your full course of treatments.

The treated sun spots and vessels are permanently removed. However, new signs of ageing and sun damage will develop over time due to natural ageing and future UV exposure. Maintenance treatments (e.g., one per year) are recommended to preserve results, alongside rigorous daily SPF use.

Yes, very effectively. It is often combined in a treatment plan with:

• Medical Microneedling: For deeper texture and scar improvement.
• Profhilo® or Skin Boosters: For intense hydration and bio-remodelling.
• Medical Facials: To enhance results and protect the skin.
  Your practitioner will create a bespoke plan during your consultation.