Skin rejuvenation with phototherapy is a non-invasive procedure which uses light pulses to eliminate the signs of aging and sunburn on the skin. It is effective in the case of:

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

The most important advantages of skin rejuvenation by phototherapy:

• treats signs of aging and sun damage on the skin simultaneously;
• a non-invasive method, with no time lost on recovery;
• the risk of side-effects is slight;
• a short treatment (15-25 minutes on the entire face);
• effective for every age group and skin type;
• can be combined with several alternative skin rejuvenation and anti-age treatments.

On damaged skin texture it can be applied in the following cases:

• soft lines, wrinkles;
• enlarged pores;
• elastosis;
• dull skin;
• superficial, not too deep acne scars;
• striae after pregnancy.

Skin rejuvenation by phototherapy improves skin texture by reproducing collagen. Skin rejuvenation by phototherapy applies broad-spectrum, intense light pulses 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.

For optimal results 4-6 treatments are necessary every 4 weeks. Improvement is already visible after the first treatment. The improvement of skin texture only applies to the soft lines; it does not affect deep wrinkles. The skin becomes more fresh and glowing. Skin rejuvenation by phototherapy does not substitute for more radical skin treatments such as fractional laser treatments or plastic surgery.

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, eczema).

Direct effects of the treatment:

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

Possible side-effects:

• Discomfort – numbness, burning sensation (for maximum one hour after the treatment).
• Hypo/hyperpigmentation – There is some risk that 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.

The disadvantages of similar anti-aging treatments compared to photo rejuvenation:

• Chemical peeling– Hard to control, difficult, is ineffective for vascular lesions.
• Laser – Invasive, followed by a recovery period. Is ineffective for vascular lesions. The intense redness following the treatment may last for 4 days.
• Microdermabrasion – Only removes the outer layer of the damaged skin. Is ineffective for vascular lesions. Can be combined with skin rejuvenation using phototherapy.

Alternative skin firming procedures which only improve skin texture but can be combined with phototherapy for skin rejuvenation:

• Ultrasound
• Electro-stimulation
• Radiofrequency
• Infrared light therapy