Do you always get what you pay for when it comes to skin care? Let's hope not. While cutting-edge lasers have proven themselves effective at removing acne scars, the premium price for laser treatments may not appeal to everyone. Happily, another more economical option for correcting facial scarring includes intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments.
Intense pulse light treatments are typically more affordable than laser treatments for cosmetics corrections because the machines usually cost less than lasers. Moreover, unlike most lasers treatments- that are typically exclusively performed by physicians- estheticians can perform IPL facials, which brings the price down substantially.
Several medical journals have published reports on the effectiveness of IPL treatments for treating scars. For instance, a study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology examined how well IPL improved raised, inflamed and small scars and concluded that this method did show definite improvements in scarred skin.
Similarly, the Journal of Cutaneous Laser Therapy featured a study that reviewed how well IPL treatments promote new collagen growth. New collagen growth is essential for filling acne scar indentations and smoothing damaged skin.
Five volunteers took part in the study. First, researchers took samples from the patient's skin in order to measure changes in the skin's collagen levels. Next, each of the participants received four IPL sessions. Once the volunteers completed a series of IPL treatments, examiners took another skin sample from each subject.
After reviewing the before and after skin samples, every patient showed evidence of new collagen growth.
Since IPL treatments can help correct acne scarring, the next question is how long will the skin retain the improvements delivered by this type of phototherapy. An investigation that appeared in Dermatologic Surgery and that spanned five years answered this question.
In the study, eighty patients of various skin tones received IPL treatments to combat the signs of aging. Investigators took photos of the participants and measured the patients self-perceived improvements in skin texture and hypopigmentation after the IPL treatments. The volunteers had received an average of three IPL treatments.
Four years after the treatments, 83% of the participants could still see an improvement in skin smoothness while 79% were witnessed an improvement in hyperpigmentation clearing.
While studies suggest that IPL treatments can prove ideal for acne scarring, there are several factors to consider before opting for an IPL treatment to correct scars. The first is, how many treatments will you need to get the results you desire. In most studies, patients only received three IPL sessions to correct skin imperfections and skin discolorations.
Before your IPL treatment, explain to your physician or esthetician how you expect your skin to look after the IPL treatments. This way, you will get realistic numbers for how many treatments you will need and what improvements you can expect to see with your acne scars after you complete the IPL sessions.
Sources:
Cartier, H. Use of intense pulsed light in the treatment of scars. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; January 2005, vol 4, no 1, pp. 34-40.
Goldberg, David J. New collagen formation after dermal remodeling with an intense pulsed light source. Journal of Cutaneous Laser Therapy; June 2000, vol 2, no 2, pp 59-61.
Robert A. Weiss, Margaret A. Weiss, Karen L. Beasley. Rejuvenation of photoaged skin: 5 Years results with intense pulsed light of the face, neck, and chest. Dermatologic Surgery; December 2002, vol 28, no 12, pp 1115-1119.
Naweko Nicole Dial San-Joyz founded Noixia, a San Diego based research firm dedicated to helping people intelligently, safely and affordably enhance their image by offering custom skin solutions to people with acne scars [www.Noixia.com] on the face and body. San-Joyz She has appeared on radio stations, in newspapers and on TV shows across the United States promoting beauty through health consciousness. Anyone seeking to enhance their image and remove acne scarring [www.Noixia.com] can find custom, clinically proven solutions at Noixia.com.
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