Pulsed light treatment is a non-invasive method; it turns back the signs of aging and sun-damage by using photo impulses. Phototherapy is effective in the case of:

• increased pigmentation,
• vascularization (formation of veins),
• damage to skin texture.

Skin rejuvenation by phototherapy is usually applied on the face, neck, cleavage and the back of the hands.

The IPL-phototherapy uses broad-spectrum intense photo impulses optimized for absorption in melanin, haemoglobin and collagen. To optimize the results and reduce side-effects, wavelengths and pulse durations are based upon the theory of selective photothermolysis.

The most important advantages of skin rejuvenation by IPL-phototherapy:

• Treats aging and sun-damaged skin;
• A non-invasive method with no time lost on recovery;
• The risk of side-effects is slight;
• A short treatment (15-25 mins on the entire face);
• Effective for every age group and skin type;
• Can be combined with several alternative skin rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments.

On pigmented lesions it can be applied in the following cases:

• Lentigo solaris (sun spots)
• Dyschromia (unevenness in pigmentation)
• Mottled pigmentation
• Melasma (liver spots as a result of hormonal changes)

For optimal results, 4-6 treatments are necessary every 4 weeks. Phototherapy can only be applied on the pigmented lesions of the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) and not on dermalis nevus (e.g., warts, birthmarks).

Direct effects of the treatment:

• Slight erythema, redness in the 1-3 days after the treatment
• Slight oedema that may last for 1 day

Things to do after the treatment:

• Avoid direct sunlight, apply sunscreen!
• Make-up can be used except when blisters or scabs appear.
• Avoid hot water, cleanse the skin smoothly using lukewarm water and apply a moisturising cream for the night after the treatment!
• Cool aloe vera cream can be applied in order to reduce dryness.

Cannot be treated:

• a person who was exposed to sunlight or received an artificial tanning treatment during the 4 weeks before the treatment,
• anyone who has diabetes,
• pregnant women,
• anyone who suffers from a disease that is sensitive to light,
• anyone who suffers from a tumour disease,
• anyone with epilepsy,
• anyone who takes medicine or herbs that make them sensitive to light,
• anyone who has active herpes simplex on the area to be treated,
• those prone to the formation of keloids,
• those with fragile and dry skin,
• anyone who suffers from an uncontrolled hormonal disease,
• anyone who takes anti-coagulants,
• those prone to haemophilia,
• anyone with an active skin disease on the area to be treated (e.g., psoriasis).

Possible side-effects:

• Discomfort – numbness, burning sensation (for maximum one hour after the treatment).
• Hypo/hyperpigmentation – There is some risk of skin texture or pigmentation changes on the treated area. Hypo/hyperpigmentation mainly occurs on patients with darker skin.
• Skin becomes slightly cracked– The skin on the treated area and around it may become more fragile.
• Purpura (red discolorations) – may appear and last for 5-15 days on the treated area.
• Scarring may appear on darker skin.