IPL Explained
Laser Treatment in Colchester
A New Way to Treat Using Light
Light plays a critical role in the well being and lifestyle of all living creatures, so it is not surprising that since the early ages we have learned how to manipulate light to enhance our quality of life. The development of light technology has now led to the precise application of light to help the body to heal itself and improve our appearance. Since the development of lasers in the 1960's photo-therapy has been available to selectively treat specific skin problems. In recent years the Lumina® IPL and laser system has been successfully used for the treatment of a variety of conditions, with very good results in the following areas:
- Removal of red veins, including Rosacea, Spider Naevi, Port Wine Stain and leg veins
- Removal of pigmented lesions, including sun spots and age/liver spots
- Permanent hair reduction
- Skin Rejuvenation
- Control of active acne
Long term removal of hair
The Lumina system uses light to destroy the hair root to stop re-growth for as long as possible. The removal of hair depends on the absorption of the light by melanin in the hair, so it is essential that the hair is darker than the skin for preferential absorption of the light by the hair (not the skin). The Lumina system filters the light to a wavelength that raises the temperature of the hair follicle high enough to destroy the follicle whilst the skin remains unharmed.
Remove unsightly veins
In red vein treatments, either laser or IPL can be used. The light is specially selected so that when it is directed into the skin, it is absorbed by blood vessels. The blood vessels absorb the light and heat up, which destroys the entire vessel while causing minimal damage to the surrounding skin. Following treatment, the damaged vessels are absorbed by the body and little or no trace of the initial lesion remains.
Fade pigmented skin marks
Lumina releases light at a wavelength that is absorbed by melanin contained within freckles or sun spots/liver spots. The pigmented skin absorbs the light, and is heating up to start skin renewal underneath. As the skin renews underneath the pigmented area the pigment lifts away revealing unblemished skin. Following treatment, the damaged lesions turn darker and may crust, over the following weeks they will gradually flake away from the skin leaving little trace of the original mark.
Rejuvenate facial tone and texture
Lumina 'CFT' treatment warms the skin and initiates a repair response in the skin, which increases production of collagen and elastin, ironing out fine lines and wrinkles to give a firmer appearance and texture, with more uniform complexion and colour to the skin. The light helps to close enlarged pores, as it penetrates sebaceous glands and stops over-production of sebum. During the treatment a mild, relaxing skin peel is applied and is followed by photo-therapy using the Lumina applicator.
Treat acne without antibiotics
With the Acne handpiece Lumina releases yellow light, which destroys the bacteria that cause acne, and also red light which directly targets the overactive sebaceous glands that cause acne pustules. Lumina treatment can only be carried out on patients who are not taking other antibiotic treatment for acne, and offers a true long term alternative.