Skin damage is common and ranges from complaints of wrinkles and sunspots to thinner skin and dark patches. Overexposure to sunlight can lead to skin texture irregularities and can cause long-term damage.

In the past, the only way to treat sun damage was through plastic surgery and invasive laser procedures. Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments can help repair the skin and reduce the appearance of sun damage. You can learn more about treating sun damage with IPL skin rejuvenation. 

Understanding Skin Damage 

Skin damage refers to skin changes occurring due to overexposure to the sun. Sunlight is made up of UVA, UVB, and UVC light. UVC rays are stopped by the ozone layer and do not directly reach the earth's surface. The different UV lights can cause damage to the skin tissue.

UVA radiation accounts for 95 percent of the rays that affect the human skin. The rays can cause sunspots, wrinkles, and other forms of skin damage. UVB rays affect the skin's upper layer and often cause sunburns. They damage skin cell DNA and can also cause skin cancer. 

Common Sun Damage Problems

Sun damage often causes issues that include:
 

• Sunspots.
   

• Hyperpigmentation or dark spots.
   

• Signs of premature aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. 
   

• Reduces skin redness by constricting blood vessels. 

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment

Intense pulsed light treatment is a form of light therapy that targets large areas of the skin. It is gentler than regular laser therapy and effectively treats damaged skin. The light is pulsed in multiple wavelengths that penetrate the deep skin layers. The heat from the IPL triggers collagen production, resulting in smooth skin. The treatment targets the damaged areas, permanently reducing the appearance of sun damage. 

IPL Treatment Process

During IPL treatment, the skin absorbs the light, transforming energy into heat. The heat damages specific skin cells, such as those damaged by the sun. The goal of treatment is to reduce the appearance of sunspots and dark patches, ultimately permanently removing them.

Targeting the darker skin cells causes melanin to break down. The tiny pigment particles flake away or are removed by the lymphatic system. A series of treatments may be recommended, depending on the severity of the sun damage. 

After IPL Treatment

The skin is extra-sensitive after treatment, so it is necessary to avoid exposure to direct sunlight for up to two weeks. It will help the skin recover. It is the reason most people schedule their treatment during winter. However, wearing good quality sunscreen and protective clothing can help protect your skin in any season. You can continue your regular skincare regime after two to seven days. 

It is essential to avoid the sun for one or two weeks before the treatment. IPL is not effective on natural or artificially tanned skin. It is also crucial to avoid products with active skincare ingredients one to two weeks before the treatment. It will reduce the risk of irritation. It is essential to wear sunscreen after treatment to protect the results of IPL therapy. 

For more on treating sun damage with IPL skin rejuvenation, visit Perceptions Medical Aesthetics at our Southport, North Carolina office. Call (910) 454-9226 to schedule an appointment today.