IPL Skin (Acne, Facial Veins, Pigmentation/ Age Spots, Rosacea, Skin Rejuvenation)

Acne is a common skin condition that frequently affects teenagers and young adults of both sexes. However, adults of all ages from mid twenties through to mid fifties are increasingly affected and troubled by congested skin, blocked pores and skin blemishes. You don’t have to let acne spoil your life.

The presence of acne is often influenced by the following factors:

1: Hormones
For the majority of acne sufferers, outbreaks begin at puberty because the body begins to produce hormones called androgens. These hormones cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge, which is a natural part of the body’s development but for acne sufferers these glands are over stimulated. Androgens are also responsible for acne flare-ups associated with the menstrual cycle and, on occasion, pregnancy.

2: Oily Skin
When the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, it produces extra sebum (oil). Sebum mixes with common skin bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle. While this process is normal, the presence of extra sebum in the follicle increases the chances of clogging and can cause acne. Stress levels have also affected sebum production and can increase severity of acne.

3: Bacteria
The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes, (P. acnes for short) is present on all skins and is part of the skin’s natural sebum maintenance system. Once a follicle is plugged, P. acnes bacteria multiply rapidly, creating the chemical reaction we know as inflammation in the follicle and surrounding skin.

4: Inflammation
When you are exposed to unwanted bacteria your immune system sends in an army of white blood cells to attack. This is why pimples can be red, swollen and painful. The inflammatory response is different for everyone, but studies have shown that it is especially strong in adult women. Fortunately, you have options! There are many kinds of acne treatments available. Like you, acne is highly individual and response to treatments does vary from person to person. Often several treatments are recommended in combination. We offer an extensive range of acne treatments and will advise on the most suitable procedure for you and your skin.

How does Lynton Lasers IPL work for Acne?
The principle of the treatment of acne with any light-based system is the absorption of light which kills the acne bacteria present in the tissue treated. P-Acnes contains a specific molecule called Porphyrin which, when exposed to certain wavelengths of light, produces oxygen, which subsequently poisons the bacteria. If treatments are scheduled appropriately, bacteria death by this method exceeds bacteria proliferation and the client should see an improvement in their condition. Treatment energy levels are set after a thorough patch test procedure and are dependent on skin colour and sensitivity.

How many treatments will be needed?
For Acne, clinical observations have indicated that a course of 4-5 treatments should initially be scheduled for the client and these should be performed 2 times weekly. In some cases up to 10 treatments may be required to achieve results. Each patient is then likely to require a regular maintenance treatment – the frequency of this will depend on an individual condition but is usually performed every 1 – 3 months.

Is there a minimum age for IPL treatments?
We are able to treat anyone from the age of 18 upwards.

Does IPL hurt?
Not really, although the treatment sensation will vary from client to client. Mostly you will experience a tingling sensation or at most, like an elastic band momentarily flicking onto your skin. There are no lasting sensations.

Important requirements before & during all IPL Treatments
No UV exposure (natural or suntan beds) for 4-6 weeks before and throughout the treatment course, to reduce the melanin content of the skin and minimise possible side-effects from this. This is not just what clients would classify as sunbathing, but lengthy exposure to normal daylight. Thus it is recommended that SPF30 is used daily on all exposed treatment areas. Self-tanning creams also produce increased skin colour and if used between treatments, should be stopped a week prior to each treatment and exfoliation of the area should be performed each day to remove this artificial colour.

What kind of precautions would I need to take after treatment?
For 24 hours after treatment you should avoid: HOT baths & showers, make-up and deodorant, which may irritate the treated area. It is also advised that the treated area should not be exposed to sunlight for 4 weeks after treatment. If this is unavoidable the area should be covered or a total sunblock (SPF30) used.

Free Initial Consultations will cover:
Client’s full medical history is required . How the treatment works. Possible side-effects and how they would be dealt with . Number of treatments required to reach particular goals. Cost of treatment. Length of time before a result will be visible. Other treatment options available. If the client decides to proceed, they should read and sign the Client Declaration Form to confirm that they understand all the implications of the treatment.

Facial thread veins or broken red veins (telangiectasia) are small unsightly superficial red, purple or blue veins that occur around the nose and across the cheeks and chin. These broken veins occur when the vein dilates and become larger so they are visible through the transparency of the skin. Although facial veins / spider veins are quite common they can cause some distress and embarrassment for those who have them.

Facial veins may be hereditary or as a result of a variety of factors including damage from sun exposure, wind and the extremes of temperature. The over use of steroid creams and certain auto immune conditions may also induce thread veins. Often the exact cause is unknown and may just be part of the natural ageing process or as a part of a skin condition called rosacea.

Facial vessels are effectively treated with Intense Pulse Light (IPL) or laser with minimal downtime or risk in just a few quick, easy treatments.

Treatment is suitable for you if you want to:

• Reduce overall facial redness and reduce blushing
• Be rid of embarrassing broken veins or red spots
• Have clearer, brighter, fresher looking skin
• Suitable for face, neck and chest

How are thread veins treated?
Both Intense Pulse Light and laser systems emit light which is readily absorbed by blood vessels, heating them to point where they are destroyed. Following treatment, the vessels quickly clear as they are reabsorbed by the body, leaving little or no trace of the original lesion. For Intense Pulsed Light treatment a thin layer of chilled gel is applied to the skin to aid light absorption by the vessel. The light is then pulsed over the entire area to be treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area cooled. A similar process is carried out for laser treatment except the chilled gel is not required. During the treatment, protective eyewear will be worn.

How many treatments are necessary?
Typically three to four treatments are needed for maximum results, though small lesions may clear in just a single session. For general redness and rosacea five or more treatments may be required. Repeat sessions are spaced every four to six weeks.

How long does each treatment take?
Treatment is relatively quick and can be just 10 minutes for a single lesion or up to 45 minutes for a full face.

How long do the results last?
Immediately after treatment some thread veins will disappear but may re-occur a few days later, but be less visible. With further treatment these vessels will disappear and are not likely to reoccur. However, once you have a tendency to facial redness you always will so new veins may appear at some point in the future making further treatment necessary. Maintenance sessions may not be required for several years though as results are long-lasting. To help prevent new veins forming we strongly advise the use of a good sunscreen such as ‘Radical Defence’ to protect the skin from damage.

What does treatment feel like?
Treatment is mildly uncomfortable but there is no need for anaesthesia and the procedure is actually quite quick. Sensations vary but most people describe it as a very quick, hot pin prick.

Why choose Beauty Box?
The Beauty Box has high calibre equipment to complete the task. More importantly we really understand how laser light works and interacts with the skin. Our Lumina system is from Lynton Lasers who have been manufacturing lasers and IPL’s for over 15 years and their knowledge and expertise is passed onto us.