Discover a remarkably versatile skin care treatment that’s effective for people of all ages and skin types. An intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacial addresses a wide range of skin concerns with minimal downtime. Learn if you’re a good candidate by booking a consultation at SkinOvation Advanced Aesthetics – South Asheville’s premier destination for leading-edge skin care.
Contents
IPL Photofacials at SkinOvation
An IPL photofacial treats many types of skin imperfections, including signs of aging, acne and broken blood vessels. It’s a virtually painless and quick procedure that improves the look and feel of your skin with just one session, and provides even greater results with multiple treatments.
How does it work?
IPL utilizes broad-spectrum light to target hyperpigmented, discolored or acne-prone areas of the skin. As opposed to laser beams, which are highly focused, IPL wavelengths consist of scattered photons that disperse in different directions; these wavelengths penetrate the skin deeply without destroying its topmost layer.
When IPL energy is directed at the skin, it’s absorbed by darker-colored cells, causing them to either flake off or be eliminated through the body. These unwanted cells are replaced with new, healthy ones, reducing dark spots, freckles and other forms of hyperpigmentation and brightening skin’s overall look.
As an acne treatment, IPL destroys acne-causing bacteria, calms inflammation and decreases oil production in the skin. With a series of IPL photofacials, recurrent acne can be significantly reduced.
IPL technology also treats redness due to broken blood vessels, including redness caused by rosacea. It works by constricting the blood vessels, making them less visible.
Lastly, because IPL stimulates the production of collagen—a key protein for skin health—regular IPL treatments can make your skin firmer, plumper and more youthful-looking.
Why Choose Us for Your IPL Photofacial?
SkinOvation Advanced Aesthetics is proud to bring today’s best cosmetic technologies to Buncombe County and Henderson County, NC. We use the Palomar Icon aesthetic system, an industry-leading platform from US developer Cynosure.
We take your safety seriously. That’s why our IPL photofacials are performed by a licensed medical esthetician under the supervision of a nurse practitioner or registered nurse. From the moment you walk into our South Asheville clinic, you can expect complete professionalism through every step of your skin care journey with us.
Before and After Photos
Please note that the patients featured in these images may have undergone other treatments in conjunction with an IPL photofacial. This photo gallery does not guarantee that everyone who undergoes an IPL photofacial will obtain these or similar results.
Most people see the results of their IPL photofacial within 2–5 days. After only one session, you’ll see a visible reduction in hyperpigmentation, acne, broken blood vessels or whatever issue the IPL is addressing. The total number of sessions you’ll need depends on the skin concerns you’re treating and their severity.
Who are the Best Candidates for an IPL Photofacial?
Ideal candidates for IPL photofacials:
- Have lighter skin color (I-III on the Fitzpatrick scale) that is not tanned
- Have unwanted hyperpigmentation, sun damage or redness
- Are generally healthy
- Do not have major skin texture problems
- Do not have severe acne; see a dermatologist before seeking IPL treatment
- Do not take photosensitizing medication
To determine your eligibility, book a consultation with one of our team experts!
What Can You Treat with an IPL Photofacial?
An IPL photofacial is an incredibly versatile procedure. It can treat:
- Acne
- Age spots
- Atrophic (depressed) acne scars
- Broken capillaries
- Enlarged pores
- Fine lines
- Freckles
- Melasma
- Minor skin laxity (looseness)
- Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Rosacea
- Stretch marks
- Sun damage
- Unwanted hair
What to Expect During Your IPL Photofacial
At your appointment, you’ll lie down on a comfortable bed. Your provider will apply a numbing cream to prevent any discomfort during the procedure, followed by a cooling gel to lubricate the IPL handpiece and keep skin cool during treatment. You’ll be given goggles to protect your eyes from the bright IPL wavelengths.
Your provider will then pass the IPL device over your entire face. It will emit short bursts of light that feel similar to a rubber band snapping lightly against your skin. Lastly, they will apply an ice pack or other cooling agent to calm your skin, then a rich moisturizer and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. The photofacial will take 30–60 minutes in all.
After your IPL photofacial, you’ll have a sensation similar to a sunburn that lasts for several hours. A few days later, you’ll see darker hyperpigmentation on the treated area. Don’t be alarmed – this is normal and expected. Over several days, the damaged cells on your face will flake off; damaged skin cells deeper in the dermis will be eliminated by the body.
Once your skin has fully healed, your skin will be brighter and smoother with fewer irregularities. Whatever issue was being treated—dark spots, acne blemishes or broken capillaries—they will be noticeably diminished.
Related Treatments
Many patients choose to add another service to their IPL photofacial. Because IPL penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, it’s safe to undergo another treatment that targets your skin’s topmost layers during the same session. The procedure will work in tandem with the IPL to provide even greater results.
Make your time at SkinOvation twice as effective by adding one of these services to your IPL photofacial:
- Chemical peels: A chemical peel exfoliates the topmost layer of skin, reducing hyperpigmentation and other irregularities
- Dermaplaning: Exfoliates your skin while eliminating peach fuzz; a scalpel is passed lightly over your face to give you smoother, brighter skin
- Microneedling: This procedure involves stamping a device tipped with tiny needles all over your skin; it stimulates collagen production, firms and tightens skin, and addresses hyperpigmentation
How Much Does an IPL Photofacial Cost?
The cost of your IPL photofacial depends on the size of the area being treated. You may also be eligible for a reduced per-session price if you purchase multiple treatments at the same time. For more information about our pricing, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Book Your Service Consultation
Start enjoying brighter, smoother skin after only one session. Book an appointment with a member of the SkinOvation team and discover the unbeatable benefits of an IPL photofacial! We’re proud to serve the communities of South Asheville, Asheville, Hendersonville, Black Mountain, and all of Buncombe and Henderson counties.
IPL Photofacial FAQ
How do I take care of my skin after an IPL photofacial?
In the first 48 hours after your photofacial, avoid very hot showers and any activity that causes you to sweat excessively. Throughout the healing process, apply moisturizer frequently, wear 30 SPF sunscreen every day and avoid excessive sun exposure. Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care products and don’t apply retinoids or chemical exfoliants.
How many sessions will I need?
You’ll see great results after just one session. But for even more dramatic improvements, you may wish to undergo several IPL photofacials scheduled 4 weeks apart. Typically, we recommend 3–5 sessions as an initial course of treatment. You may then continue to schedule occasional maintenance appointments.
Are IPL results permanent?
IPL results are considered permanent – the damaged cells are gone. However, as your skin continues to age, the same issues may develop in the future. Regular IPL photofacials will keep your skin bright and glowing, and prevent new skin irregularities from developing.
Is IPL only for the face?
No, while this procedure is known commonly as a photofacial, the same IPL technology can be used on the neck, chest, arms and back.
Yes, we telehealth!