Using lasers and lights to fix skin conditions may feel like a science fiction plot, and in some ways, it can be. Futuristic technology and the ongoing battle of good vs. evil can even show up in treatments for skin concerns—where skin conditions are the villains.
According to one study on patients experiencing rosacea, 90% of respondents said that the condition lowered self-esteem, 54% claimed they experienced anxiety and helplessness, and 43% reported depression. But you deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your skin!
At Bliss Medical Spa, we use the power of lasers and lights for good. With the help of intense pulsed light therapy in OKC, we fight skin concerns to help you feel like the best version of yourself!
Want to learn more about how our team harnesses the power of light? Keep reading to find the answers you’ve been waiting for.
What is IPL?
IPL stands for “intense pulsed light,” because this therapy uses light energy to improve your skin health at the cellular level.
It works by emitting broad-spectrum light at multiple wavelengths, which your skin absorbs. The light then converts to heat inside your skin tissue and causes controlled damage.
We know that sounds bad, but this actually activates your body’s natural healing response and boosts production of structural proteins like collagen, leading to healthier, rejuvenated skin.
Photothermolysis
The scientific name for how IPL works is “photothermolysis.” Let’s break down this word:
- Photo – light
- Thermo – heat
- Lysis – destruction
Photothermolysis targets 2 molecules: melanin, which is responsible for skin and hair pigmentation, and hemoglobin, a protein that affects redness in your face. When the light energy is absorbed by melanin or hemoglobin, it heats these molecules and destroys them. This helps to improve pigmentation and redness and produce more even and clear skin.
What does IPL treat?
Because intense pulsed light can target and break down pigment and activate your skin’s healing response, it effectively treats multiple kinds of pigmentation and inflammation. Here are just a few of the ways IPL can help you feel more confident.
Rosacea
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that causes redness on your nose, cheeks, and forehead. Flare-ups usually start after the age of 30, and they can cause pimples and swelling. Unfortunately, rosacea can’t be completely cured, but intense pulsed light therapy in OKC targets hemoglobin and shrinks visible blood vessels under the skin, reducing the redness and flushing in your face to make your flare-ups and symptoms more manageable.
Sun Damage
If you notice premature aging in your skin, it could be due to ongoing exposure to the sun or tanning beds, also known as photoaging. Signs of damage from photoaging include:
- Freckles and colored spots
- Uneven skin tone
- Lines and wrinkles around your eyes and mouth
- Spider veins on the nose, cheeks, and neck.
As the IPL device breaks up over-pigmented skin cells and stimulates skin cell turnover, increased collagen production gives your skin more elasticity and firmness and a more even tone.
Unwanted Hair
We all have a little bit of peach fuzz, but sometimes, unwanted body hair can bring down your confidence and take hours to keep under control. If you’re tired of shaving, waxing, tweezing, or threading, intense pulsed light therapy in OKC can save you time and provide long-lasting results!
The higher pigmentation of hair means that heat from the IPL treatment damages the hair follicle and halts further growth. We can use IPL to treat the following areas:
- Legs
- Bikini area
- Face
- Back
- Arms
Although we do offer IPL for unwanted hair, we also recommend laser hair removal, which can be more effective in permanently reducing stubborn hairs.
Acne Scars
As if active acne wasn’t bad enough, pimples can sometimes leave scarring that looks just as bad as the zit itself. Because IPL improves skin tone and texture and boosts collagen production, it’s also effective at treating acne scars.
Related Read: Treat Scarring With Laser Resurfacing in Oklahoma City.
Lasers vs. Light
Although laser treatments and light treatments work in very similar ways, sometimes one may be more effective than another in treating specific skin concerns.
A laser emits a single wavelength going in a single direction to target a concentrated area with precision. IPL treatments deliver multiple wavelengths in a single pass, so they treat larger areas than a laser would, but don’t target as precisely.
Want to learn more about laser resurfacing? We break down the difference between ablative and non ablative lasers here.
Our Devices
We use 3 different systems for intense pulsed light therapy in OKC, so we can target a wide range of skin concerns based on your skin tone!
Lumecca
Our Lumecca IPL delivers up to 3 times more energy than traditional IPL devices, making it optimal for vascular and pigmented lesions, including port wine stains, hyperpigmentation (brown spots), freckles, and rosacea.
Your Lumecca treatment shouldn’t cause any pain, because its sapphire tip delivers a cooling sensation during your treatment to maximize your comfort.
AlmaHarmony
Concerned with signs of aging? Our AlmaHarmony device is FDA-cleared to address multiple signs of aging across all skin types on the Fitzpatrick scale, as well as over 130 other skin conditions, including rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots.
Alpha
The Alpha 3D IPL improves complexion and enhances skin texture and tone by reducing or removing pigmentation, fine lines, acne, and rosacea—all while tightening the skin. This device has 5 treatment modes to help us target individual concerns. The Alpha 3D can also work for all skin and hair types, and it includes a cooling technology that responds to your individual skin, so you stay comfortable.
How do we decide which device to use?
You may be wondering which device for intense pulsed light therapy in OKC is right for you. We can decide during your consultation as we assess your skin concerns, goals, timeline, budget, and more! Then, we’ll work with you to create a custom care plan.
Consultation
We have even more options than IPL to treat your skin concerns, so during your consultation, our medical expert will discuss the different options and plan your treatment around a variety of factors, like your concerns, goals, timeline, and skin type.
Be prepared to discuss any medications you take, and if you have a history of cold sores, to determine whether IPL is the right treatment for you.
We will also assess if you are eligible for IPL treatments. Unfortunately, we will not be able to treat you with our lasers or lights if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Use photo-sensitizing medications or supplements.
- Have a history of skin cancer.
- Have an active infection or wound in the treatment area.
- Have used isotretinoin (Accutane) within the last 6 to 12 months.
Ready to start the consultation process? No need to wait! Try our treatment planner tool to get personalized recommendations from the comfort of your couch!
Treatment
Our certified laser technician, Krysta Hussey, will administer your treatment and determine which IPL is right for you. Krysta has been working in aesthetics since 2005, and she can guide you through the process and answer any questions that arise after the consultation.
The exact appointment duration will vary depending on your area of concern. Don’t worry—we make sure you’re comfortable throughout the process. Most people need 2 to 6 sessions, but this also depends on your skin type and your goals.
Results
You can expect to see results from intense light pulsed therapy in OKC within 2 to 4 weeks, with improvements following each treatment. Although you may experience some minor side effects after IPL therapy, they usually resolve themselves within 1-2 weeks. Don’t worry if you notice the following:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Redness
- Dryness
- Scabbing
Pre-Care
Before your consultation and appointment, we advise you to refrain from the following for 2 to 4 weeks before your appointment:
- Retinoids
- Exposure to direct sunlight
- Taking anti-inflammatory medications
Post-Care
Our post-care instructions come with a variety of dos and don’ts:
Do
For 2 weeks after your treatment, we recommend the following:
- Do wash the skin with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water.
- Do avoid the sunlight and wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Don’t
For 2 to 4 weeks after your treatment, we also recommend avoiding some things:
- Don’t expose your skin to excessive heat, like in saunas or hot tubs.
- Don’t expose your skin to environments that would irritate your skin, like swimming pools.
- Don’t use retinols or other harsh skincare products.
- Don’t pick or peel any pigmentation that flakes on your skin.
- Don’t use any topical acids, like salicylic acid.
- Don’t exfoliate the skin.
Maintaining Your Results
To support skin health during and after your intense pulsed light therapy in OKC, we offer medical-grade skin care to help you keep your skin clear and glowing.
We recommend these brands and products to add to your skincare routine following your IPL treatment:
- Alastin – We love the HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36. Our staff wears this in place of foundation, because it not only provides a glowing appearance, but it’s also hydrating. After receiving IPL treatment, this product creates a barrier between you and the sun and protects you from its harmful UVA and UVB rays.
- Epionce – This brand helps strengthen your skin’s defenses and repairs damage.
- Skinbetter Science – These products help with the appearance of redness, dullness and pigmentation.
During your treatment, our staff can help you decide which products can help repair and strengthen your unique skin.
Along with our products, we offer services like facials and chemical peels to hydrate your skin, boost collagen production, and help further reduce the appearance of wrinkles, acne scars, and more.
Harness the Power of Light for Good
At Bliss, we use the powers of intense light pulsed therapy in OKC for good. With our different treatment options and expertise in lasers, lights, and skin care, we can help you achieve clearer and more even skin. We are located in Wilshire Point, and Edmond to help empower, encourage, and educate our community, so everyone can feel more confident in their own skin. If you’re ready to meet your goals and learn more about your skin care, book a consultation with us to make the first step towards a clearer future.
