What Is A Photo Facial?

The Difference Between LED and IPL Photo Facials

Photo facial is a generic term for a skin treatment that uses some kind of light-based technology. Photo facials (sometimes called foto facials) have a number of different uses, but are mostly used for boosting collagen or treating various skin conditions such as acne, brown spots, broken capillaries, etc.

The two main types of technology used for photo facials are LED (light-emitting diode) and IPL (intense-pulsed light). They are completely different, so it's extremely important to understand which photo facial technology is being used. That way you are more likely to get the results you hope to achieve.

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 serious 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 with medical research. The results won’t be as dramatic as plastic surgery, but it’s a gentler, more natural, less expensive way to go.

Some medical spas call IPL (intense-pulsed light), which is a type of laser treatment, a photo facial. An IPL photo facial can treat a variety of skin conditions such as brown spots, broken capillaries, 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 have cooling devices, it can be uncomfortable, even painful.

An IPL photo facial is the better choice is you have brown spots, broken capillaries or facial redness. The number of IPL photo facials you need will vary depending on the condition you're treating, the results you want, and how your skin responds.

Photo facials work best in conjunction with a regular skin care routine that you develop with your esthetician.