What is this treatment/what does it do/what does it treat?

This treatment is for mild and moderate inflammatory acne.

It works by reducing the number of papules and pustules by 60-65%. This is achieved using three effective, safe and reliable clinical mechanisms: visible blue light absorption to destroy and eliminate the bacteria that cause acne, yellow light to coagulate the blood vessels feeding the acne/lesions and infrared light to dry the lesions.

How long does this treatment take?

Treatment time is approx. 10-20 minutes depending on the severity of acne.

Is there downtime?

Every individual is different, there may be some temporary redness that can last from a few hours to a few days.

What does it feel like?

It feels like a really light snap with an elastic band against your skin, or like if someone lightly flicked you, as the applicator moves around the treatment area. The good news is that our equipment has a cooling tip of - 8 degrees celcius which helps to soften the flicking feeling or alleviate discomfort.

What should I do post treatment?

You should apply sunscreen following post-treatment to protect your skin.

Be sure to keep your skin cool for at least 48 hours and avoid anything that create heat (such as hot showers, saunas, going to the gym, the sun, etc). Sunscreen is a must.

Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder caused by a number of factors including hormones, stress and the environment. As a result, acne clearing and control is an ongoing commitment. Proper skin care is essential, and good hygiene has been shown to improve and maintain acne treatment results.

Are results permanent?

Unfortunately, there are several different types of acne that require array of treatments needed. We recommend a skin treatment once a month for optimal results.

When will I start to see results?

Acne blemishes/lesions should shrink and become less noticeable and then fade after about one week.

Should this be done in a series?

We recommend a series of 8 treatments (2x a week for four weeks), for optimal results.

Client Compliance Pre-Treatment

ACNE TREATMENT

1. Discontinue Accutane 6 months prior to treatment
2. Discontinue use of Retinoic Acid products two weeks prior to treatment
3. Avoid sun exposure or the use of tanning beds and self-tanners for at least four to eight weeks (depending on the skin type), prior and/or between IPL treatments
4. Report all skin diseases, viruses, infections, cold sores, eczema or allergies
5. Do not exfoliate, use glycolic acid, benzyl peroxide or any other skin irritants two weeks prior to treatment
6. Avoid Microdermabrasion’s or peels for two weeks prior to treatment
7. If the skin is red, irritated or sunburned, the IPL treatment must be rescheduled
8. Report all medication taken within the week of the treatment.

Client Compliance Post Treatment

Avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds or self-tanners for at least 2 weeks after a treatment. Apply Sun Protective Cream of SPF 50+, 15 minutes prior to sun exposure and 15 minutes afterwards. Keep reapplying as needed throughout the day. Consider using protective cotton gloves for driving, a hat to protect facial areas.

1. If there are scabs or blisters, make-up should not be used for 3-4 days.
2. For at least two weeks post acne treatment, do not use harsh topical (exfoliators, glycolic acid, benzyl peroxide, acne creams etc.)
3. Avoid touching, rubbing, peeling or picking of the skin as this may cause hyper/hypo - pigmentation or scarring.
4. Gently apply pure Aloe Vera gel or antibiotic ointment to the treated area twice daily until healed and dry.
5. For 1 week, avoid hot baths, showers, hot tubs and saunas. When showering and washing, gently pat dry and do not rub.
6. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours following clinical treatment.

HOT AND HUMID WEATHER CONDITIONS CAN AGGRAVATE SKIN IN THE PERIOD IMMEDIATELY BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT.

Always additionally recommend:

1. To avoid Sun exposure for 4 – 8 weeks prior to IPL.
2. To always be wearing sun protection!
3. To avoid any heat 48 hours prior to, or 48 hours after IPL treatments (no cooking, dishes, vigorous cleaning ... etc.)
4. Avoid strenuous exercise or any activity which will cause sweating or excessive heat to the skin.
5. Avoid sauna’s ... hot tubs before and after treatments.
6. Avoid alcohol 48 hours prior to, or 48 hours after IPL treatments.
7. Avoid make up, antiperspirants or any topical creams which may not allow for the skin to properly breath, 24 hours post treatments.
8. Always encourage Clients to keep us informed on any changes to their medical history forms, or any new medications they may be taking.