ACTIVE
ACNE TREATMENTS WITH IPL
IPL ACNE TREATMENT FACT SHEET
Questions and Answers about Acne IPL Treatments
How does the Lumina work?
The Lumina consists of yellow, green and red intense light
that is emitted in a series of short pulses. The yellow light
emitted by the Lumina destroys the bacteria that live in the
skin and cause acne, while the red light directly targets
the overactive sebaceous glands that cause outbreaks of pustules.
This heating effect of Lumina deep into the skin helps to
prevent over-production of excess sebum.
How is the treatment carried out?
It is necessary to apply a thin layer of gel to the skin
prior to treatment. This helps to cool the skin, as well as
ensuring maximum transmission of light from the applicator
to the skin.
A test patch should always be taken; the rectangular quartz
applicator is placed in contact with the skin surface over
the affected area. The light is pulsed through the quartz
and onto the skin. If the results of the test patch are satisfactory,
the applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area and
the process is repeated. During treatment you must wear protective
eye goggles.
Which patients can be treated?
Almost everyone can be treated, apart from very dark skinned
or tanned individuals. People with mild to severe acne should
see an improvement. Pregnant women or people taking the acne
treatment Roaccutane should not be treated.
Does it hurt?
As the light energy is absorbed by the skin, it heats it
up, and creates a sharp pinprick sensation. Most patients
describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable. No anaesthesia
is required, other than cooling the skin.
What should I expect after the treatment?
Redness and a slight burning sensation are normal after treatment.
Any redness generally dies down within 30 minutes, but some
people may remain red for up to 24 hours. A cooling pack will
be applied to the skin to ease these symptoms. It will be
necessary to avoid sun exposure or use a high protection sunscreen
for 2 weeks after the treatment.
What are the side effects?
The visible light is completely safe so no special precautions
are needed apart from glasses for the brightness. The skin
of some patients becomes quite red immediately after treatment.
However, most patients experience no side effects and the
redness usually disappears within hours. Very rarely the skin
may become lighter or darker, or a small blister may form.
It is possible that some hair loss will occur, and it could
be permanent, so men should consider this possibility before
agreeing to treatment of their beard area. There are some
positive side effects as well as acne reduction, many people
find that their skin texture and tone dramatically improve.
How do I prepare for treatment?
Patients must avoid tanning and must not use any fake
tan 6 weeks ahead of and during the entire treatment period
to avoid excessive discomfort from light absorption in the
epidermis. Products containing glycolic acid such as cleanser,
creams and facial peels used after in combination with Lumina
can further improve the results seen. Immediately after the
treatment, the skin is particularly sensitive to UV light,
and strong sunlight should be avoided for 2-3 weeks.It
is essential to wear a sun screen every day during, inbetween
and up to 3 weeks after your treatment(s).
How long does treatment take?
A typical treatment session will take in the region of 15
to 45 minutes.
How many treatments are necessary?
The number of treatments necessary varies from person to
person, but typically 1-5 treatments will be needed. Treatments
should take place approximately every 2 to 4 weeks.
Prices depend on the extent and size of the area to be treated.
Please ring for a free consultation.
Click here to see our latest information sheet on Acne Treatment
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