Why is Winter the Best Time for IPL Therapy?
IPL, Intensed Pulsed Light, therapy is the perfect procedure to help reduce, and in many cases remove, facial pigmentation (reds and browns) and areas of sun damage to brighten the skin and even out skin tone. And, with the summer months over, we have to deal with sun-exposed and damaged skin in the winter months. Luckily, winter is the perfect time for IPL therapy for more than one reason.
How does IPL work?
When our skin is damaged from sun exposure, including skin discoloration and abnormal growth of skin cells, IPL targets these unwanted damages and uses flashes of light, absorbed by the skin in the form of heat, to rid your skin of the pigment within these skin cells. As it targets darkened spots, a summer suntan can 'hide' or cover these discolorations, making the procedure less effective than if you were to get it done while your skin has settled and the unwanted discolorations are more apparent and visible.
Making recovery easier.
When you receive IPL treatments, this minimally invasive procedure can still leave patients with mild swelling and increased skin pinkness or redness. It is suggested by double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Jason Champagne, to stay out of the sun during this time. So during the winter months, since people are more inclined to stay indoors, this allows them the perfect time to recover and let their skin calm down. You won't have to debate whether or not to meet up outdoors with friends if the weather is cooler and sunbathing is rarer.
Also, when receiving an IPL procedure, it is a good idea to stay out of the sun as much as possible BEFORE your procedure as well. This again helps the discolorations of your skin to become more prominent allowing the procedure to do its job better. Pair this with less intense winter sun, again in addition to less time spent outdoors normally in winter, that makes this season the best time to get it done.
Visit our IPL Clear Complexion Photofacial Procedure
It is normal to have our skin exposed to the sun throughout our lifetime, unavoidable at times; and it is sometimes needed and can be beneficial. Yet overexposure can lead to skin discolorations and damage, so we're here to help. Please contact our office to schedule a personalized, confidential consultation with our facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Jason Champagne, during which he will address your goals and answer any questions you may have regarding The Clear Complexion Photofacial, IPLs, or any other procedure we offer.