What IPL can do for you

If you’ve got skin damage caused by aging, sun exposure or other environmental factors, non-invasive skin rejuvenation with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) may be just what the doctor orders!

What it is:

IPL is a laser procedure that uses specific wavelengths of light to diminish discolorations (age spots, freckles) and restore the smooth texture your skin had before it was damaged by the sun and other environmental factors. (Goodbye fine lines and wrinkles!)

Who it’s for:

The IPL procedure is safe, effective and gentle on all skin types and conditions and is performed as an in-office treatment in about 20 minutes. Pain is minimal (you may experience a slight stinging sensation).

No downtime:

Your skin may be red or blotchy after treatment, but usually disappears in around an hour. (No downtime required!) As for those age spots, they may become darker initially, but they will fade or flake off in the near term.

Maximum results:

For the best results, multiple treatments are required (3 to 5) every 4 weeks. This allows for gradual treatment, and improvement, that is gentle on the skin.

Importantly, you must take special measures to protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays after treatment. Not only will your skin be more sensitive while it is healing, but protecting it is the only way to maintain your rejuvenation results.

Lasers: No Pain, No Gain?

Lasers have earned the status of "miracle treatment" for many skin concerns: rosacea, age spots, wrinkles, hair removal, scar treatments and more. But the idea of having a laser zap your skin directly, possibly in multiple succession? That would make even the toughest of us squirm a little.

Truth be told, in the land of lasers there is a common misperception that you have to grit your teeth and bare it. It's time to toss this idea. No matter what laser procedure on your calendar, you shouldn’t have to be gearing yourself up mentally for it by chanting the mantra “no pain, no gain.”

The key? It's simple: pain management. Pain killers, numbing creams and advancements in laser technology are all ways to minimize—even eliminate—laser-related pain. Your doctor should advise you on your best options based on his or her knowledge of the lasers in the practice and also be the one who provides those solutions. Laser companies also know that if they can minimize pain and enhance comfort, they’ll keep both patients and practices happy. For example, one way newer laser technologies can achieve this is with an attachment that literally cools the skin during treatment.

At the end of the day, you shouldn't find your laser treatments painful and uncomfortable. If you do, it's time to request a different laser or move on to a different practice!

5 tips to repair your skin

Wrinkles, sagging and age spots, oh MY!

At the end of every summer, each of us has some (be it a little or a lot of) sun damage to show for it. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun breaks down collagen and elastin fibers, which over time causes the skin to lose its strength and flexibility, leading to deep wrinkles and sagging skin.

While the sun is the primary culprit of premature aging, there is good news. Here's 5 things you can do to repair that sun damaged skin:

1. Topical Treatments JW Aesthetic Kojilac-C Serum treats hyperpigmentation (sun spots) and JF Aesthetic Retinol 50 Serum is used to reduce those fine lines and wrinkles. Alternating these products every night can lead to a noticeably brighter and more youthful-looking face. Products available in the TFI/SkinSuite offices.

2. Laser Resurfacing Intense pulsed light (IPL) noninvasive laser treatment can reduce age spots and sun damage. Used on the face, neck, hands and chest, this high-tech tool will restore and rejuvenate your skin.

3. Chemical Peels These topical treatments will have you waving “bye-bye” to dry, dull skin and “hello” to an even skin tone and brightened complexion. Try our our Glo Therapeutics Salicylic Acid 30% Chemical Peel or our GLO Therapeutics Modified Jessner 14% Chemical Peel.

4. Hydrate Use a hydrating moisturizer daily. The sun can leave your skin feeling and looking dry. Try TFI Aesthetic Moisturiche, www.TFIskinsuite.com

5. Protect Prevention is Key! Once you’ve treated sun damage, be sure to prevent it from returning. Wear sunscreen year round (yes, even in the winter months!). Apply at least a 15 SPF everyday and reapply when necessary.