skincare treatments

If you are interested in exploring clinical treatments to reverse wrinkles, sags, and other skin problems, you have probably heard of both IPL and Laser treatments, but you might be thinking that they are the same thing. That isn’t the case at all. It’s important to understand the differences between the two before you decide whether either one is a treatment that you should try.

The Fundamental Similarities Between the Two

There are a few fundamental similarities between the two types of treatments. One is that they both produce a form of light during treatment. However, the term “laser” stands for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation,” which is not the same thing as IPL treatment. IPL uses a non-laser light source.

Another similarity between the two is that versions of the devices are made for at home use and other, stronger versions of them are produced for clinical use. That means that you have the option of using either one to treat yourself at home or going to a clinic to have a professional technician perform the treatment. But you have to understand that you won’t get quick or consistent results at home that are the same as those you would get in a clinic.

Another good example of how they are similar is in the types of conditions they can treat. Both are commonly used for laser hair removal, but they can also be used to treat a wide variety of other issues associated with aging, including wrinkles and sagging skin.

The Major Difference Between the Two

The major difference between the two types of treatments is that IPL is a mild treatment that is usually used on a larger area of skin at a time. On the other hand, most laser devices are precise machines that penetrate the skin with pinpoint accuracy for very specific results. Laser devices also produce a greater degree of results, in general, because they generate more heat than IPL machines. Granted, there are exceptions on both sides. For example, laser skin resurfacing is generally done on a large area of skin.

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Does the thought of tiny needles rolling across your skin scare you? No need to fear. Micro-needling is actually an age-old treatment used to treat scars and stimulate collagen and ellastin.

Many clinical studies have shown that micro-channeling (Needling) is more effective than other methods of treatment including laser resurfacing, chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

Micro-needling or micro-channeling uses a micro-needle roller to painlessly penetrate the epidermis in order to stimulate collagen and elastin growth and to create clear routes to increase absorption of topical serums into the skin. This system also benefits acne scars.

Micro-needing became popular in 2004-2005, however the theory of puncturing the skin has been around for a long time. Have you ever punctured a zit? Afterwards, the healing process begins. Tattooing is also a form of micro-needling with a penetration depth of about 1.2 mm.

Histological findings of skin tissue that was microneedled with 0.5 to 1.5 mm long needles (according to facial skin thickness) revealed that they stimulated massive growth of elastin- and collagen fibres (in some cases up to 1,000%). The inventor called this form of microneedling COLLAGEN-INDUCTION-THERAPY (CIT in short). In the Nineties the Canadian surgeon Camirand used tattoo-guns without colour pigments to treat operation scars after plastic surgery. His intention was to perforate scars to take off their tension. They became softer and pigmentation sometimes came back. This post-operative microneedling technique soon disappeared from the operation rooms because it was a tedious job without income.

There are several micro-needling devices on the market for at home use. One product such system DermaFIT™ combines a dermaroller with a topical peptide serum to encourage the growth of collagen, elastin, keratin skin to give you a more youthful, smooth appearance. What I like about this system is that it comes with a topical peptide that has been specifically formulated for micro-needling, plus a sunblock and instructions. Your skin will be more sensitive to after each treatment. The roller is easy to maneuver and the needles are .25mm. It takes a little practice to learn how deep to press to the roller into your skin to get a uniform treatment.

The DermaFit is only sold to medical practices and spas, the aesthetician or MD demonstrate will demonstarte how to it effectively for home use.

An at home micr-needling treatment will not take the place of an in -office micro-needling treatment with DermaFrac, a new micro-needling office treatment.

I will post an update on this treatment is a couple of weeks.