IPL filters releasing wavelengths over the range 550 to 1100nm target absorption peaks in haemoglobin and oxy-haemoglobin. Melanin also shows broad band absorption over these wavelengths, and so the IPL energy will be predominantly absorbed by areas containing high red vein or melanin content. The light absorbed by these areas is converted to heat, destroying the excess melanocytes or blood vessels.
Alongside abnormal pigmentation and irregular skin tone, sun-damaged skin often causes changes in the texture of the skin. Skin can become rough and dry, with fine lines occurring around the eyes and mouth. These symptoms can now be treated using the combination of facial chemical peels with IPL procedures.
Mild chemical peels or facial scrubs are well established as a method of improving the general facial complexion. They make the skin feel smoother as the upper layers of the epidermis are chemically detached over a period of days following treatment, however, these peels do not produce long lasting results.
Photo-therapy works by stimulating growth of new collagen and elastin, which lie in the deeper layers of the skin. The use of a peel prior to the photo-therapy to remove layers of dead skin cells allows better penetration of the light into the skin, hence lower IPL energies can be used to achieve excellent effects whilst minimising the possibility of any adverse effects.