Lucent IPL with Ducharme Dermatology: The Power to Enhance

When we think of “light” and our skin, our minds often go straight to UVA/UVB sunlight and artificial lights that we know to be DAMAGING to our skin. Intense pulsed light therapy (or IPL) is a whole different ball game. This is a breakthrough treatment that uses light energy to treat and repair many of those same issues CAUSED by sunlight, and more! Has your curiosity peaked yet? Let’s dive deeper into how this therapy works and what kind of issues it can help minimize.

IPL uses a spectrum spanning 420nm to 1200nm (nanometers) to provide a wide range of uses based on your skin concerns and its unique selective absorption. Common IPL treatments include sunspots, rosacea, blood vessel and spider vein issues, enlarged pores, melasma, appearance of surgical incisions and acne scarring. It stimulates collagen by targeting hemoglobin and melanin using a wide range of light waves. Because of this collagen stimulation, IPL therapy can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines! The depth of penetration fluctuates depending on the wavelengths used during each treatment. Shorter wavelengths have shallower penetration depths, and longer wavelengths can tackle deeper issues.

During an IPL treatment at Ducharme Dermatology, the skin is heated in a precise and controlled way, causing your body to rid itself of unwanted or damaged cells. The result is noticeable improvements in appearance, texture, and overall health of the treated area. This same increase in temperature is also what causes targeted blood vessels to coagulate, eventually leading to gentler and more even coagulation throughout the entire vessel.

Believe it or not, IPL can even be used for safe and effective hair removal! The light waves target melanin found within the hair follicles. The light is transformed into thermal energy as it’s absorbed by the melanin and this destroys the hair follicle, preventing future growth.

You may have also heard of BBL treatments. Like IPL, broadband light therapy is non-invasive and uses an array of light waves to rejuvenate skin, while also having the benefit of minimal post-procedure downtime. Almost any area can be treated, particularly those with increased sun damage. Both treatments vary in duration and quantity needed based on the patient and their unique needs, skin type, and healing. IPL and BBL results last between six and twelve months and both procedures can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight in the days immediately following the procedure.

Differences between these treatments may seem minimal, but they are notable in determining the best treatment option for you. Broadband light therapy (BBL) uses photothermal energy and broader ranges of light waves and is ideal for larger areas to reduce redness, firm skin, and minimize pores. Broadband light therapies often heat the skin to a higher degree than IPL. Most BBL treatment equipment includes cooling features that decrease discomfort and healing time.

At Ducharme Dermatology, we specifically offer IPL treatments because of their ability to work on more precise, targeted areas. Our skilled and educated staff use the Lucent IPL by LUVO Medical to perform these treatment sessions. The Lucent IPL has advanced cooling technology, which improves comfort and safety, similar to BBL treatments, while still maintaining its ability for high-powered precision.

Preserving and enhancing your natural beauty and making sure your skin is as healthy as possible are our top priorities! Through versatile intense pulse light treatments with Lucent that offer a plethora of dermatological and aesthetic applications, we are able to tackle many common skin flaws and concerns and help you achieve the filter-free confidence you deserve!

Though you will experience a mild snapping sensation and warmth, treatments are typically tolerated well! Improvement in complexion should be noticeable within 3 weeks after treatment, with some changes visible as early as one-week post-procedure. A 50-75% reduction in redness and broken blood vessels and a 70% decrease in quantity and prominence of brown spots are just a couple of the incredible statistics seen from IPL treatments. Most concerns will require a series of 3 to 5 treatments that are performed about one month apart. We love that kind of efficiency and efficacy when it comes to caring for your skin!

When you are ready to find out if IPL with Lucent is the right treatment for any of your cosmetic or medical skin concerns, call or email us to schedule a consultation with our team! Let us help you take the next step towards clear, smooth, even skin.