IPL Acne Treatment

IPL (Intense Pulse Light) is a safe, effective and FDA approved procedure designed to control existing acne breakouts and reduce future acne breakouts. The IPL system generates high energy pulses of light that are filtered to emit specific frequencies of light. One of these frequencies causes porphyrin, a naturally occurring molecule in the oil glands, to release oxygen. The acne bacteria are killed by the oxygen. The second frequency disables the overactive oil glands, causing them to shrink. This controls the overproduction of sebum (oil) to help prevent later outbreaks. Multiple treatments are necessary for optimal results.

What is acne?

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous hair follicles. Each follicle contains a tiny hair and multiple sebaceous glands. With acne, sebum, the oily substance made by the sebaceous glands, is trapped within the follicle and bacteria multiplies in the clogged pore. These bacteria make chemicals that stimulate inflammation and cause the wall of the follicle to break. The sebum, bacteria and skin cells spill into the skin causing redness, swelling and pus-a pimple. Acne develops on those areas where sebaceous glands are most numerous: the face, scalp, neck, chest, back and shoulders.

How do you treat acne?

The treatment of acne starts with having your skin care specialist design an at home skin care regimen for you. Having regular facials and/or laser treatments can optimize your skin care. Your doctor may also prescribe medications such as birth control, antibiotics or topical creams to control your acne breakouts.

How does the IPL treatment work?

Yellow, green and red light are emitted in a series of short pulses. The yellow/green light destroys the bacteria that causes acne. The red light targets the overactive sebaceous glands causing them to shrink thus, reducing excess oil.

Can anyone have this treatment?

Almost everyone can be treated, apart from very dark skinned or tanned individuals and pregnant women.

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