Reversing Visible Signs of Sun Damage With LimeLight IPL

At some point in our lives, almost all of us regret spending too much time in the sun. Once signs of sun damage become visible, premature aging takes hold. Sun exposure is the main culprit behind fine lines, deep wrinkles, freckles, age spots, and leathery skin texture. With LimeLight Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments, we can efficiently reverse visible signs of sun damage in a non-invasive way.

What Are LimeLight IPL Treatments?

1. The LimeLight system uses a broad spectrum of light energy to heat the pigment in your skin’s external layer.
2. Pigmented spots on your skin absorb the light energy.
3. Heating the pigmented cells has a therapeutic result, effectively destroying the hyperpigmented cells while removing discolorations and improving skin tone.
4. In the days following treatment, dark spots on the skin flake away revealing more beautiful and even skin.

Intense Pulsed Light systems are exceptionally effective at treating sun and age spots, uneven skin tone, redness, and pigmented lesions.

Effectively Reverse Sun Damage In These Areas

IPL can safely and effectively treat any part of the body showing visible signs of sun damage (like wrinkles, age spots or liver spots). The face, chest, hands, arms, and legs are the most popular treatment areas because they typically have the most sun exposure. The LimeLight IPL is ideal for any part of the face, neck, and decolletage exhibiting redness, brown spots, or telangiectasia (tiny visible vessels). Anyone with a light or medium skin tone may be an excellent candidate for LimeLight IPL treatments.  At the time of your consultation your particular skin type is assessed to determine if LimeLight IPL treatments can meet your aesthetic goals.

Before Getting LimeLight IPL

• Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment.
• Avoid sun tanning or self-tanners one month before treatment.
• Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks beforehand, including retinol products, waxing, depilatories, and laser hair removal.
• Notify your provider of all medications, supplements, and changes in your health history.

What To Expect During Treatment

During treatment, patients may experience a mild stinging or very brief pinch-like sensation. Cooling gel is used to help keep the skin cool and comfortable during treatment, and no other anesthetic or pain medication is typically necessary.

Immediately After LimeLight IPL

• Avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent further sun damage.
• Bruising, redness and minor swelling are common and will resolve with time.
• Pigmentation and freckles will darken in the first 24-48 hours post-treatment.
• Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms for 1-2 days.
• Avoid exercise for 24-48 hours post-procedure.
• Avoid skin irritants, including retinol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acids, and astringents for a few days after treatment.
• Notify your provider of any concerns, including blistering, excessive redness, unusual swelling, or other side effects following treatment.

When To Expect Results

In the first 24-48 hours post-treatment, pigmentation and freckles will start to darken. You may also notice a slight redness of the surrounding skin. This typically subsides within a few hours. For the next one to three weeks, darkened spots will flake off or fade with significant improvement visible two to three weeks after your treatment. Some patients experience minor swelling immediately after treatment that typically subsides after a day or two.

Other Options For Treating Sun Spots

Anyone with a light or medium skin tone may be an excellent candidate for LimeLight IPL treatments. Your particular skin type will be assessed at the time of your consultation appointment to determine if LimeLight IPL treatments are ideal for you. Your skin may benefit from a different type of treatment for reversing sun damage, such as the CryoCorrect Precision Pen. This treatment is ideal for single, isolated spots rather than a group of dark spots across a wider area of skin. To arrange a consultation, contact Vein & Laser Institute today. This is your opportunity to discuss options for reversing visible signs of sun damage and the best treatment for your needs.