Why Does This Happen?

Ultraviolet rays are responsible for the break down of collagen fibers – that essential fiber that keeps skin looking young. Lower levels and weak/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. 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. Photofacials 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 only a little uncomfortable. 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 10-14 days, this pigment will slough off revealing newer, more even toned skin underneath. Typically it takes between three and six sessions 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. Enlarged pores will decrease in size and broken capillaries will continue to fade.

Photofacials are among the many services offered at the Robert Andrew Medical Spa. We will continue the discussion of establishing a consistent skin management routine in our next blog post, which will highlight 7 steps that you can take to improve the appearance of your skin!