Dr. Marie Jhin, a dermatologist in the SF Bay Area's Premier Dermatology discusses how to freshen up the skin for Spring.
All the days of baking on the beach or frolicking in the sun can play havoc on our skin. Too much fun in the sun can make you look years, even decades older than your real age.
Why Does This Happen?
Ultraviolet rays are responsible for the breakdown of collagen fibers – that essential fiber that keeps skin looking young. These broken collagen fibers can lead to wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. Sun damage can also take the form of sun spots, and discolored patches. When our pigment producing cells, the melanocytes, become damaged by the sun’s powerful rays, they produce pigment irregularly, resulting in age spots and freckles. The combination of these unfortunate issues makes us look older than we need to. But, don’t get too discouraged. There is hope!
What Can You Do?
One of the quickest routes to removing sun damage and revealing younger-looking skin is the Photofacial or IPL (Intense Pulse Light). Photofacials work in a couple of ways. First, the high energy light waves are absorbed into irregular pigmentation and the pigment is destroyed. Second, the heat producing waves encourage skin cell turnover and increase the rate of collagen production resulting in plumper, fresher, smoother skin. This combination results in a more youthful appearance. Photofacialss can also treat broken capillaries and rosacea and can decrease the appearance of large pores. Photofacials are not just limited to the face. Intense Pulsed Light treatments can be performed on the chest and hands, or really anywhere that your skin is showing signs of sun damage such as your arms, shoulders, back and even your legs.
Does it Hurt?
A Photofacial is a little uncomfortable. Most people tolerate it very well. During the treatment, an intermittent and tolerable stinging sensation can be felt over the area that is being treated. A typical treatment takes about 30 minutes. Once the treatment is over, there is no real discomfort – only a mild sunburn-like feeling that may last for a few hours. You may notice right away that the sun spots and irregular pigmentation is darker than before the treatment.
In the days following the treatment, your skin will probably be even darker and more “peppered” looking. In about 7-14 days, this pigment will exfoliate off revealing newer, more even toned skin underneath. Typically it takes several sessions(3 to 6) to see the full results of the treatment. Your skin will continue to improve for months following the treatment as the collagen continues to grow, filling in fine lines and broken capillaries continue to fade. Many people notice pores decrease in size as well.
