What is a Photofacial and what will it do for me?
Photo-rejuvenation with Intense Pulse Light (IPL) is the most versatile of all treatment options because it can treat numerous skin conditions at once. It is effective on red blemishes that originate from blood vessels, as well as brown pigment blemishes in the form of freckles, age spots and other sun damage. IPL also treats the neck, chest and hands, where sun damage is often most visible. See the brighter, younger YOU when you receive a Photofacial from LaVida!
​
​Using the latest IPL technology, our experienced and certified estheticians will not only rejuvenate your skin making it brighter and smoother overall, they can treat all three of the most common blemishes that discolor your skin.
​Brown Spots / Age Spots / Hyperpigmentation
Pigmented lesions occur when an abundance of melanin is concentrated close to the surface of the skin. These dark areas are often referred to as age spots. Nothing makes you feel better than seeing your freckles, sun spots, skin discoloration and age spots become diminished on your face or hands leaving a fresher and younger looking you!
​
Acne
Our IPL Acne Therapy destroys the most common bacteria that cause acne — without drugs. IPL is one of the safest acne treatments available today and is proven to be extremely effective on moderate inflammatory acne. This technology uses light that is UV-safe and has no known side effects. Most clients will notice the improvement in their skin a few days following their first treatment.
​
Broken Capillaries
Aging, sun exposure and other factors can cause the appearance of broken capillaries and blood vessels on the face which can appear as spider veins. Sometimes broken capillaries can cause a diffused redness in the skin, called erythema, a source of social embarrassment for many people. Rosacea is a common skin condition that is characterized by diffused erythema. These conditions respond well to our IPL therapy.
What is a Photofacial session like?
A consultation with our Esthetician is required before booking your first appointment for IPL Photofacial. You can call to book this free consult and print your intake form here to bring with you.
​​
Your licensed Esthetician will bring you to your private room, discuss your paperwork and your goals, take "before" pictures and leave you to get cozy on the table. Your session begins in a comfortable, heated bed with soothing music.
​
Your Esthetician will begin with a cleansing and analysis of your skin. After covering your eyes to protect them from the light, a cool gel is applied to the area and a cold surface will move along the area to apply the pulsed light. You may feel a slight stinging (like a rubber band snap) as your skin gets used to the light therapy. When your session is over, your esthetician will remove the gel and apply an SPF moisturizer and give you a cool gel pack for any discomfort. After taking "after" pictures, you are able to go on with your day!
​
To prepare for your session...
-
Avoid self-tanners and sun exposure 3-4 weeks prior to treatment.
-
Avoid all sunless tanner 2 weeks prior to treatment.
-
Avoid use of any Retinoids 3-6 months prior to treatment.
-
Avoid use of any photosensitive medication or herbs including antibiotics, steroids and St John’s Wort 2 weeks prior to treatment.
-
In the case that you suffer from herpes, initiate preventative treatment with antiviral medications under your doctor's supervision (note that preventative treatment does not ensure total prevention of Herpes appearance during treatment.)
-
Please note that we reserve the right to deny treatment based on your Estheticians professional discretion. ​​
Side Effects...
The main side effects of IPL therapy are mild, temporary swelling, redness, an accentuation of the brown spots, crusting, and an occasional bruise or small superficial blister (like a sunburn blister). Makeup can be used after the treatment, as long as it is applied and removed very gently.
​
For freckles and age spots, the spots generally look darker for 3-7 days. Crusting can occur, which may last up to ten days. The lesions will then begin to clear and will generally be resolving at one month. Remember, it takes an average of 3-5 treatments to clear age spots.
​
After your treatment...
-
It is very important to avoid sun and stay hydrated. (Your esthetician will apply moisturizer and SPF before you leave.)
-
Makeup can be used starting right after the treatment, as long as it is applied and removed very gently.
-
Protect your improved skin with daily sunscreen, or SPF make-up.​
How many Photofacial sessions will I need?
While you will see a difference in the very first treatment - optimal results are typically seen in 3-5 treatments. While treatment and results may vary for each individual, most can receive a treatment once every month.
​
Your specific treatment plan will be created during your consultation.
How much does a Photofacial cost?
Every skin type is different, so once you have a free consultation, we can offer a plan that is perfect for you! Discounted packages and membership discounts are also available.
