As the skincare industry and the availability of various treatments continue to evolve, the field has seen an increased interest in and demand for non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatments. No shade, of course, against the tried-and-true realm of various laser treatments, but for those looking for alternative options for skin treatments, intense pulsed light, or IPL treatments, are a tantalizing option.
IPL skin tightening treatments, appealing to many for its lack of injections or invasive procedures, also appeals for its versatility, its cost-effectiveness, and its long-term success, even with quick treatment sessions with little-to-no-downtime after. Before you decide to offer IPL skin tightening as a solution for your clientele, what do you need to know?
The Science of Skin Rejuvenation
While it often gets categorized with skin treatments that use lasers, IPL’s method of operation is right there in its name – pulsed light! Unlike laser devices, which operate at a single, focused wavelength, IPL technology uses a range of wavelengths of light, usually between around 500 and 1200 nm. These wavelengths of light pass through the skin’s top layer, or epidermis, to target the dermis, the layers of skin beneath. The targeted skin tissue is destroyed, stimulating the body’s healing process and creating collagen and firmer, more rejuvenated skin as a result.
Besides IPL skin tightening, pulsed light treatment can also be used to treat birthmarks, acne scars, sun damage, rosacea, and a variety of other skin conditions. It’s also sometimes used to remove unwanted hair or tattoos, as well as to treat blood vessel problems.
Tailoring IPL Treatments to Your Patients
A huge benefit of IPL is how it can be used to cater to a provider’s clientele. Most IPL machines come with adjustable settings, offering a customizable treatment experience for patients. Most equipment that uses pulsed light technology has adjustable pulse durations and energy settings for sensitive skin. Although IPL skin tightening is generally pretty painless, often being described as a pinching sensation or an elastic band being snapped against the skin, IPL skin tightening treatment often includes cooling systems or a chilling gel to reduce patient discomfort and the chance of skin irritation. Patients will also wear protective eyewear for the duration of the session.
Typically, patients will need to prepare for their IPL therapy by abstaining from tanning, sunbathing, cosmetic treatments, waxing, and antibiotics in the days leading up to the treatment. While treatment plans will of course vary from patient to patient, treatment sessions usually last about 20-30 minutes. For best results, the patient may need up to six sessions, each spaced 3-6 weeks apart. Because pulsed light therapy is not invasive, most people who receive these treatments require little-to-no downtime, and go about their business immediately after their session ends.
IPL skin tightening may have some side effects, including mild irritation and sensitivity in the skin, a stinging sensation comparable to that of a mild sunburn, and some swelling. People who are pregnant, highly sensitive to light, or have serious skin conditions should not receive IPL skin tightening treatments. While technology continues to advance and there are machines that treat all skin types, some IPL machines are less effective on patients with darker skin tones.
How to Pick the Right Device
Providers who want to offer IPL treatments to their clientele might struggle with which machine, exactly, to choose. When researching the best device to buy, consider the machine’s versatility, the safety features it offers, its reputation within the greater skin rejuvenation treatment community, and its operating reliability.
Here’s a quick look at some of the best options for IPL skin tightening treatments on the market:
Lumenis M22
One draw of the Lumenis M22 is its versatility. As well as Nd:Yag laser treatments for vascular lesions, and ResurFX for non-ablative skin resurfacing, the Lumenis M22 has a handpiece with changeable lightguides and filters to offer IPL skin tightening using photorejuvenation.
Alma Harmony XL Pro
The Alma Harmony XL Pro offers a variety of treatments for skin remodeling and rejuvenation. Its IPL applicators have a variety of spectrums, as well as cut-off filters to optimize patient safety during treatments targeting acne and hair removal, vascular conditions, and pigmentation. Because of its high versatility and customizable treatment parameters, this machine is a good choice for med spas looking to offer a variety of services.
Cutera Xeo
The Cutera Xeo boasts a multi-application platform that allows it to provide a range of treatments to customers, including IPL. This machine is also known for its high level of customization, allowing providers to tailor treatments to the patients’ individual needs.
Cynosure Icon
The Cynosure Icon offers IPL among other laser treatments, with advanced cooling systems and dual filters to maximize patient safety and comfort, as well as high power for quality results with fewer treatments. It’s also recognized for its Skintel® Melanin Reader , which helps customize treatments based on skin type.
Candela elos Plus
The Candela elos Plus uses elos technology, a combination of IPL and radio frequency (RF) pulses. These two targeted energies effectively target hair follicles for efficient and accurate hair removal treatments. This machine also treats a wide variety of skin conditions.
Find the Right Laser at Laser Resellers
Equipment that offers IPL skin tightening options are a massive boon for any business that wants to offer a wide array of diverse treatment options to its clientele. But where can you find the best equipment on the market without breaking the bank? Look no further than LaserResellers, where we offer a wide variety of top-of-the-line cosmetic equipment at competitive prices, so you can update your inventory without depleting your bank account.
Our team of technicians inspects and refurbishes every machine we sell, so that our customers will never receive defective equipment. Just to be sure, we also offer a 30-day warranty with all of our inventory. To learn more about how LaserResellers can help you find the best equipment for your business, contact us today!