As you move through the different stages of life, you may notice new fine lines around your eyes. It’s natural to look for safe and effective ways to refresh your appearance.
Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, is a modern approach that can help soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially in the delicate area around your eyes. This treatment uses gentle light to encourage your skin’s natural healing process, which can lead to a smoother and more refreshed look.
What Causes Wrinkles Around the Eyes?
The skin around your eyes is among the thinnest on your body, so it often shows earlier signs of aging. A number of factors contribute to the formation of crow’s feet and other fine lines in this area.
For instance, years of damaging sun exposure can break down collagen, the protein that gives your skin its structure. That’s why wearing quality sunglasses is crucial for protecting both your eyes and the delicate skin around them.
The natural aging process also plays a significant role in the development of wrinkles. As you get older, your body produces less collagen, causing the skin to become less elastic. Over time, this can lead to wrinkles and fine lines becoming more noticeable.
Even your daily facial expressions contribute to these changes. Every smile, laugh, and squint creates creases in your skin. After many years, these expression lines can settle in and remain visible even when your face is at rest.
An Introduction to IPL for Skin Rejuvenation
IPL is a versatile photofacial treatment that uses a broad spectrum of light, not a single laser, to address skin concerns. The device delivers gentle pulses of light to the deeper layers of your skin. This process creates a mild warmth that helps stimulate your body’s own collagen production.
As your skin begins to generate new collagen, you may notice a gradual improvement in its firmness and texture. This can help soften the appearance of fine lines and give your skin a more even tone. The treatment is designed to promote rejuvenation from within.
Why See an Optometrist for IPL Treatment Near Your Eyes?
The skin in the periorbital area—the part that surrounds your eye sockets—is incredibly thin and sensitive. An optometrist offers a deep understanding of the eye’s anatomy and all the structures around it.
Choosing an optometrist for IPL puts you in the care of a professional who is trained to perform these procedures safely and with precision. This includes safety measures, such as protective eye shields, to safeguard your eyes throughout the process.
When you seek eye care in Jamestown, ND from our team, you can feel confident in the process. We have the background to address both your aesthetic goals and your overall eye wellness.
What to Expect from Your IPL Session
An IPL session is a straightforward process, and knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable. Your visit includes preparation, the treatment itself, post-treatment care. We’ll walk you through every step of the journey.
How to Prepare for Your Treatment
Before your appointment, we’ll provide you with a few simple guidelines to follow. You’ll want to avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners for a few weeks leading up to your session. We may also ask you to pause the use of certain skincare products, like retinoids, for about a week beforehand.
The Treatment Process
During your appointment, we first clean the treatment area and apply a cool gel to your skin. We’ll have you put on protective eyewear while we use a small, handheld device to deliver the pulses of light. Many people describe the sensation as a quick, warm snap, similar to a rubber band flicking the skin.
A typical session lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. Our goal is to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Post-Treatment Care & Downtime
After your IPL session, your skin may appear slightly pink, much like a mild sunburn, but this typically fades within a few hours. There is little to no downtime, so you can usually return to your daily routine right away. We do recommend that you use a good sunscreen to protect the treated area as it heals.
Your IPL Results & Benefits
While you may notice some changes after your first IPL session, most people achieve their desired results with a series of treatments. A typical plan includes three to five sessions, usually scheduled about a month apart. This schedule gives your skin time to build new collagen between visits.
As your eye doctor in North Dakota, we can create a personalized plan based on your skin and aesthetic goals. The benefits of IPL for skin can include:
- A softer appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet
- An improved overall skin tone and texture
- A reduction in the look of sun damage or dark spots
- A smoother and more refreshed appearance
Interestingly, IPL technology is also an effective treatment for dry eye. As optometrist, we can help you address cosmetic concerns and functional eye health at the same time!
Your eyes deserve dedicated attention from someone who understands their complexity. At Professional Eyecare Centers, we’re passionate about providing comprehensive care that supports both how you see and how you feel. Schedule a consultation with us to learn more about our aesthetic services and find out if IPL is the right choice for you.
