If you asked someone to make a list of things that make a person look older, wrinkles would probably be at the top of that list. However, a 2006 study showed that a person’s skin tone has such an impact on perceived age that it can add or remove up to 20 years from their appearance.
Hyperpigmentation, more commonly known as ‘age spots’ or ‘sun spots,’ is the main cause of an uneven skin tone. It occurs when the sun’s UV rays trigger the body’s cells to produce excess melanin, the pigment responsible for freckles and age spots.
What Is a Photofacial?
A Photofacial is a noninvasive procedure that uses Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, to target those excess melanin deposits, breaking them up and allowing the skin’s natural shedding process to slough them away.
What Issues Can Photofacials Treat?
Photofacials aren’t just for hyperpigmentation. They can also help reduce the appearance of:
– Broken capillaries: Sometimes referred to as ‘spider veins,’ these are the tiny blood vessels that appear near the surface of the skin.
– Redness: A number of things can be responsible for facial redness, including scars, acne, lupus, and hormonal changes.
– Rosacea: This is a redness of the face that, if left untreated, can cause broken capillaries and pimples and can even affect the eyes.
Are Photofacials Only for Use on the Face?
Although the treatment is called a ‘Photofacial,’ the procedure can also be performed on the neck, chest, and backs of hands.
What Can I Expect During the Procedure?
The most common sensation felt during a treatment is a mild stinging similar to the snapping of a small rubber band against the skin. There may be a slight pinkness to your skin immediately following a treatment, but it can easily be covered with makeup. The procedure takes mere minutes, and with no downtime, you can immediately return to your daily activities.
If you are in or near the Scottsdale or Chandler areas, contact our office at 480-686-8121, and let us custom design a Photofacial package to fit your specific skin care needs.
