Acne therapy using IPL
Acne therapy using IPL
You pay attention to your diet and do your best to lead a healthy lifestyle. You have already tried everything in your skincare routine. Yet, sometimes you experience a severe outbreak of inflammation. Or you cannot get it under structural control. With Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), Medicadermis offers an advanced treatment method that uses light to directly address the causes of acne. Acne is a common skin problem for many people. Approximately 85% of people suffer from it at some point in their lives. Teenagers, referred to as acne vulgaris, make up 60% of the population. Adults, referred to as acne tarda, represent the remaining 40%, with women leading the way, particularly those who have taken the pill for a long time. Acne can lead to physical discomfort and negatively impact your emotional well-being. Fortunately, our acne IPL offers an effective, non-invasive solution for those who want clear and healthy skin without resorting to heavy artillery. Because if at all possible, medication is preferable. IPL stimulates your skin's natural repair mechanism. It can be an alternative to the medication Roaccutane, also known by the active ingredient 'Isotretinoin'. Both our Acne IPL and Isotretinoin have the property of reducing sebum production. Make an appointment now to see if your type of acne would benefit from this treatment.
Available treatments:
- Large (L): face with neck, or part of the back
- Medium Size (M): whole face
- Small (S): part of the face, or a small part somewhere on the body
How IPL works for acne: safe and secure
IPL therapy uses short flashes of very intense light. IPL is unique due to a combination of multiple wavelengths in a single light flash. Our skin therapist selects the right mix of wavelengths for your specific needs, in this case acne.
The mechanism of action of IPL for acne includes:
- Destruction of acne-causing bacteria: The intense light of the IPL treatment can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. It delivers energy to the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, killing the bacteria that cause acne. As a result, inflammation is reduced and future breakouts are largely prevented.
- Reduction of inflammation and redness: IPL helps reduce the redness and inflammation associated with acne, giving the skin a smoother and more even complexion.
- Regulation of oil production: By targeting the sebaceous glands, IPL can reduce the production of excess oil. And as we know, sebum production is a major factor in the development of acne.
Benefits and guarantees of IPL for acne summarized:
- Non-invasive and safe: Provided it is performed with the correct medically certified equipment and by a trained professional, IPL treatment is a safe, non-invasive choice that requires no recovery time. This makes it attractive to people seeking an effective acne treatment without side effects or downtime. The technology has been a proven treatment among medical specialists for decades. There is no evidence of an increased risk of oncological consequences for the skin.
- Fast and effective treatments: IPL treatment sessions are fast, often completed within just 20 to 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for people with busy schedules.
- Sustainable Results: Many users experience long-lasting improvements in acne and overall skin quality after a series of IPL treatments, making it an effective long-term solution for managing acne.
- Versatility: IPL can be combined with other treatments. This ensures you are not limited in personalizing your acne treatment, allowing for a holistic approach to your skincare.
The treatment: frequency, procedure and recovery
Expected frequency
The IPL treatment procedure
- Cleansing: the skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove make-up, oil, and dirt.
- Protection: you will be given protective goggles to protect your eyes from the intense light.
- Gel application: a cool, transparent gel is applied to the treatment area to protect the skin and conduct the light better.
- IPL treatment: the IPL handpiece is guided over the treatment area, emitting light pulses. You may experience a mild stinging and burning sensation, similar to snapping a rubber band against the skin.
- Duration: each session lasts approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on the area to be treated.
Aftercare and recovery
- Immediately after the treatment: it is normal to experience some redness and swelling, with a tingling or burning sensation similar to a sunburn. Although these symptoms are usually mild and disappear within a few hours to days after the treatment, they can be uncomfortable.
- Skincare: carefully follow the skin therapist's aftercare instructions, such as applying a soothing lotion or gel and avoiding direct sunlight exposure. The do's and don'ts are also described in more detail in the 'informed consent'. By adhering to these, you help accelerate the recovery process and maximize the effect of your acne IPL treatment. If you have any questions or experience unexpected side effects, do not hesitate to contact our skin therapist.
- Sun protection: it is very important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin against UV radiation and minimize the risk of pigmentation changes.
- Results: improvements may be visible after the first treatment, but optimal results are usually observed after completing the full series of recommended sessions. Our skin therapist will schedule follow-up appointments with you to monitor progress and provide any additional treatments if needed.
In the first hours after the treatment
- Cooling the skin: applying a cold compress or gel ice pack (not directly to the skin) can help reduce any immediate swelling or redness. However, it is preferable to avoid frequent cooling. Cooling can slightly slow down the healing process and the production of new collagen and elastin. But the intention is certainly not for you to suffer.
- Avoid heat: for at least 48 hours after the treatment, avoid hot showers, saunas, and intense physical activity that may cause excessive sweating or heat on the treated areas.
- No make-up or perfume: avoid applying make-up, perfume, or scented products to the treated area for at least 24 hours after the treatment, unless our skin therapist advises otherwise.
In the days after the treatment
- Gentle skincare: use a gentle, non-irritating cleanser and moisturizing cream to keep the skin clean and hydrated. Avoid using products with exfoliating ingredients, such as retinoids, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid, until the skin has fully recovered.
- Sun protection: protect the treated area from direct sunlight and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Sun exposure can increase the risk of pigmentation changes and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
Long-term care:
- Follow-up appointments: closely follow up on any follow-up appointments with the skin therapist to assess progress. Some treatments require low-frequency maintenance after completion. Our skin therapist will inform you about this if it applies to you. This way, you can enjoy the results achieved for a long time.
- Adjustments to skincare routine: the skin therapist can recommend specific products or routines to support the results of the IPL treatment and reduce the chance of future acne breakouts.
General advice
- Avoid scratching or rubbing: the treated area may be sensitive or itchy, but it is important not to scratch or rub to prevent irritation or damage to the skin.
- Be patient: it may take several weeks before the full results of the treatment are visible. The skin simply needs time to recover and renew itself.
Possible risks
- Pigmentation changes: IPL treatments can lead to temporary and, very occasionally, long-lasting pigmentation changes. This includes hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin). These risks are higher in people with dark skin or in people who have been exposed to sunlight before or after the treatment without adequate SPF protection. If this occurs, the skin therapist can, in most cases, reverse these side effects with another treatment.
- Acne breakouts: Some people may experience an increase in acne breakouts immediately after treatment. This may be due to skin stimulation or changes in sebum production in response to the heat generated by the IPL. However, this is temporary.
Other treatment options for acne
When considering treatments for acne, it is important to also know something about the available alternatives to Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. Each of these alternatives has its own benefits and risks. The choice often depends on individual circumstances such as skin type, severity of acne, and your personal preference. Our skin therapist can inform you about this during a personal consultation. Some commonly seen alternatives for acne treatment are:
Topical Medications
- Advantages: Topical medications are easy to use and can be effective for mild to moderate acne.They can help reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and stimulate skin cell renewal.
- Risks: Side effects may include dryness, redness, and irritation of the skin. Some ingredients, such as retinoids, can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Furthermore, certain products are not suitable for dry skin. Because it is conveniently assumed that acne involves oily skin, this is not always clearly stated on the packaging.
Oral Medications
- Advantages: Oral medications can be more powerful and help treat acne from the inside out, which is especially useful for severe acne.
- Risks: They can have side effects such as stomach upset, dizziness, and in the case of isotretinoin, more serious risks such as birth defects during pregnancy and possible mood swings.
Other Light and Laser Therapies
- Advantages: These therapies can target specific aspects of acne, such as killing bacteria or reducing inflammation and scarring, with minimal downtime.
- Risks: Possible side effects include temporary redness, swelling, and in rare cases, pigmentation changes or scarring.
Chemical Peels
- Advantages: They can be effective in reducing the visibility of acne scars and fine lines, and improving overall skin texture.
- Risks: Risks include redness, scaling, and, with deeper peels, a risk of infection or changes in skin pigmentation.
With our extensive treatment options, Medicadermis is ready to answer your skin questions. However, we understand that all the choices we offer online can be overwhelming. And that sometimes you need advice in addition to the information we share online. Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation consultation. consultation in the Medikadermis Skin Therapy practice with our skin therapist. But also low-threshold contact in the form of a free video consultation That is of course also possible. Discover which treatment(s) best suit your needs. Receive compliments with a clear, even, and firm skin. Enjoy minimal recovery time with lasting results.
With medicademis, you take good care of yourself.
In the competitive market of beauty and skin treatments, it is crucial to find a trusted partner. One who not only excels in quality and service, but who also uses the best and proven technology. Because when it comes to your health and appearance, you shouldn't take risks. Medicadermis distinguishes itself precisely through its dedication to high standards. In both knowledge and expertise, as well as in the application of clinically proven equipment and treatments.You won't easily find hypes with a 'latest and greatest' promise at Medicaremis, because it takes time before scientific evidence becomes available. Only then do we decide whether to offer something.
The reality of the beauty industry
The beauty industry is now flooded with all kinds of laser, IPL, and other types of devices, many of which do not meet the quality requirements according to our Western medical standards. Furthermore, there is often no scientific evidence for these treatments. Variation in equipment, a lack of basic dermatological knowledge, as well as insufficient training and experience on the part of the practitioner, can lead to unsatisfactory results. It can even result in an increased risk of side effects or skin damage for the patient.
Feel beautiful and confident through the Quality of Medicarems.
We aim for the highest quality when it comes to K and work with, among others, the M22 Stellar from Lumenis. This system is used worldwide due to its superior performance in hospitals and clinics by dermatologists. The M22 stands for reliable treatment for a wide range of skin conditions, including pigmentation spots. And last but not least: our equipment undergoes frequent technical maintenance. Because just as you cannot write sharply with a blunt pencil, an uncalibrated laser or a worn-out IPL tube is ineffective.
Our skin therapist has years of experience, but continuously enriches her knowledge and skills through training and education. Our choice of equipment and expert care enable us to offer you safe, proven effective, and personalized treatments. Your (skin) needs are guaranteed to be in good hands at medicademis.
Worth the trust
Our commitment is not only to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. But we also give you peace of mind, because with medicademis, you know you're in good hands. We may not be the cheapest, but we do offer the best value for money. And you can rely on that.
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Personal guidance disclaimer
A Fair Use Policy applies to personal guidance, including video calling, whereby medicademis reserves the right to limit the number of contact moments at its own discretion in the event of excessive demand for support (i.e., a structurally higher number of contact requests than the average for our other clients), and to communicate this unilaterally before proceeding to do so. Naturally, this reservation does not apply should complications unexpectedly arise after the treatment.