Photo facial is a relatively generic term for a skin treatment that uses some kind of light-based technology. Photo facials have a number of different uses but are mainly used for boosting collagen or treating various skin conditions such as acne, brown spots, broken capillaries, etc.
There are two main types of technology used for photo facials, IPL (intense-pulsed light) and LED (light-emitting diode). They are completely different, so it's extremely important to understand which photo facial technology is being used. This helps to achieve the results you are looking for.
An LED photo facial is a very gentle treatment that uses narrow spectrum light to boost collagen, which creates plumper, younger-looking skin, or to kill the bacteria that causes acne. This type of photo facial is more likely to be found in a day spa with a focus on esthetics.
LED photo facials are painless, cool and relaxing, and unlike laser treatments, carry no risk of burning. The best results come after a series of photo facial treatments. To begin, a series of six treatments with a one-to two weeks between is recommended. After that, maintain with a treatment every month or two. It can be part of a facial or a stand-alone treatment.
LED photo facials are a good choice for people who want to boost collagen or treat acne. Their collagen-boosting, facial rejuvenation properties have been proven by medical research. The results won’t be as dramatic as plastic surgery but it’s a more gentle, natural, less expensive way to go.
IPL (intense-pulsed light) is a type of photo facial that can treat a variety of skin conditions such as broken capillaries, brown spots, spider veins and facial redness. An IPL photo facial delivers a bright blast of light at very high energy levels through a hand-held device. While some IPLs do have cooling devices, it can still be uncomfortable or even painful.
An IPL photo facial is the better choice if you have brown spots, broken capillaries or facial redness. The number of IPL photo facials you need will vary depending on the results you want, the condition you're treating and how your skin responds.