Photo-facials are commonly used for Rosacea (a condition in which certain facial blood vessels enlarge, giving the cheeks and nose a flushed appearance). When treating redness, Rosacea, or veins in the skin, IPL (Intense pulsed light) is targeted to the red color in the skin. The IPL heats up the blood under the skin and coagulates (cuts off blood flow) to the broken or enlarged vessel. After the first treatment you will notice your veins are smaller and less red. To treat Rosacea, most people require 2 to 5 sessions at least 4 weeks apart, with maintenance treatments every 3 to 6 months.
Using different colored light from across the light spectrum, IPL treatments quickly, safely and comfortably improve your skin's texture, tone and complexion. IPL reduces the visible signs of aging and sun damage including irregular pigmentation, age spots, enlarged pores, increased capillaries and facial redness (Rosacea). You will also notice your skin is tighter and firmer as a result of the IPL stimulating your fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen. Peptides, stem cells and anti-oxidants like L-ascorbic acid, AHAs, AFAs, and retinoids help to stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration process. These key ingredients optimize firming of the skin, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, redness, pigmentation and help to achieve natural radiance in the skin by stimulating cell turnover. Marine collagen and hyaluronic acid are rich in firming and highly hydrating. A facial or skincare product that contain beneficial amounts or percentages of any of these ingredients is a good thing and protects the skin. Use sunscreens with ingredients like zinc oxide, it now comes in invisible formulas so it won’t leave a white residue on your skin like it did in the past. It is gentle, mineral based not chemical and will not clog pores. It is important to read and understand the labels of the products you use, and with-that-in-mind, here are some ingredients that you should try to avoid. Skincare products should not contain harmful chemicals or animal by-products like Parabens, Petrolatum, mineral oils, or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. There are also suspect ingredients in SPFs. Stay clear of any sunscreens that contain Avobenzone, Dioxybenzone and Sulisobenzone. These ingredients listed above might interfere with the endocrine (or hormone system) and may cause health issues.
Finding an educated Aesthetician who knows about different ingredients, medications and how they work on the skin will help you enjoy the best skincare and facials for your skin type. This winning combination will also help you in the prevention of aging.
Melanie Bains is a medical aesthetician, award- winning makeup artist and facial expert.