Intense Pulsed Light Therapy is also commonly referred to as PhotoFacial therapy. It was initially called 'Intense Pulse Light Therapy' and is now regarded among the most progressive of contemporary cosmetic procedures. The treatment is a major progression over the conventional form of anti-aging laser therapy. Instead of using lasers of a single type, IPL is aimed at combining different types of pulsed light that have more penetration than laser, but offer a lesser scope for possible complications. During the post-Intense Pulsed Light Therapy period, the patient needs to adopt some lifestyle changes and follow the maintenance guidelines explained below:
Taking Care of Minor Side-Effects
Despite offering overall safety, IPL is prone to causing some degree of burning sensation or skin irritability among a few people. This is particularly applicable to people with sensitive skins. However, rather than using medications for such issues, it is better to adopt safer and undemanding aids. For instance, using ice-packs or water-soaked cooling pads throughout the day is very comforting.
This is also applicable when the effects of Intense Pulsed Light Therapy start surfacing in a more visible manner. The newer, rejuvenated skin might appear to be a bit blushed in appearance among some patients. This really isn't swelling and can be easily resolved by using hypoallergic moisturizers and wearing a bit of camouflage make-up.
Self-Hygiene and Cosmetic Application Precautions
It is vital not to bathe or shower with any soap or cleaner that contains irritating chemicals. In this regard, bathing with only plain water is recommended. This is particularly applicable for the first few days following the treatment. The skin shouldn’t be exposed to very hot water. In fact, all forms of temperature extremes like saunas and jacuzzis should be avoided.
It is advisable to not to use deodorizers, perfumes or any kind of artificial fragrance that can irritate the facial skin. All cosmetics, particularly those with an astringent action, should be avoided for about a week after the treatment. Most IPL specialists advise avoiding any cosmetic that contains retinoids and benzyl peroxide apart from any derivative of glycolic acid. These compounds are common cosmetic ingredients, but aren’t recommended for the rejuvenating skin layers.
Similarly, the use of abrasive agents like scrubbers should be avoided. In fact, even wiping the face with rough cloth is not recommended during the first two weeks of the post-treatment period.
Avoiding Sweat
The skin should be kept sweat-free. The acidity of sweat under sunlight might irritate the freshly-treated skin. The patient should avoid touching the face since the hands are the most common cause of contaminants, and sweat and can easily induce an infection in the skin. For the same purpose, heavy exercising or running should be avoided. This is seriously recommended for at least two weeks after the treatment.
Maintaining Basic Sun Protection
The more appreciable effects of IPL become visible within a few weeks from the date of treatment. This is because the collagen synthesis is initiated in a more comprehensive manner and the rejuvenated skin is more capable of replacing its older, dead skin cells. During this stage, the newer skin layer can be a bit vulnerable to redness or itching. This becomes more pronounced when the skin is exposed to external agents like sunlight and dust.
Sunlight in particular is known to irritate the healing skin as it contains harmful UV rays. The patient should apply a SPF with high-strength rating. In fact, the sunscreen should be used whenever stepping out of the house. This precaution should be maintained for about three weeks after the treatment.
