Pigmentation

These wavelengths target the melanin in pigment in the epidermis and dermis. By the process of selective photothermolysis the affected target it destroyed whilst the surrounding tissue intact.

Causes of Pigment

• UVR(ultraviolet radiation)
• EFAD essential fatty acid deficiency
• Hormones
• Birth marks
• Medication
• Fragrance
• Chemical
• PIH (post inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) trauma.
• Vit B12, C &A deficiency.

There are several forms of pigmentation that are caused by different triggers. Some of these types of pigmentary problems can be treated effectively by IPL, whilst others such as melasma/chloasma cannot.

Sun Damage

Freckles and other forms of sun damage are more common in fair-skinned people and usually occur across the nose and cheeks, chest shoulders, arms, back and legs. The most appropriate treatment is IPL which has a wow effect after treatment as the freckles darken and gradually disappear.

Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency

EFAD causes a shortening of the dendrites of melanocytes. This leads to an uneven distribution of pigment throughout the spinosum layer of the epidermis, causing a heavy deposition in a small surrounding area. IPL is an effective treatment for this.

Poikiloderma

Poikiloderma is a combination of pigmentation and the destruction of skin cells, blood vessels, collagen and elastin. It is commonly found on the sides of the neck and décolletage where less attention has been applied to protect the skin or photosensitive fragrances and chemicals have been applied. It responds well to IPL treatment.

Post Inflammatory Pigmentation

Is usually caused by an inflammatory response of the skin to trauma, infection, allergic reactions, picking, surgical procedures, burns and skin irritations. It can be improved with IPL but often has limited response.

Melasma and Chloasma

Chloasma and Melasma are forms of hormonal pigmentation often appearing during pregnancy, with ovarian or thyroid dysfunction or when taking the contraceptive pill and other types of medication. It usually occurs towards the centre of the face. This type of pigmentation should not be treated with light therapy such as IPL. It resistant, and is triggered by heat and light. Although it may temporarily improve, it will then return darker than before. Melasma will often fade in time but is better controlled with other types of suitable treatment and homecare. This type of pigmentation should not be treated with light therapy such as IPL. It resistant, and is triggered by heat and light. Although it may temporarily improve, it will then return darker than before. Melasma will often fade in time but is better controlled with other types of suitable treatment and homecare.

Birth Marks

Birthmarks are a congenital condition and can be found on any area of the body. This type of pigmentation is usually in the dermal layer. IPL is not recommended.

NIR Tightening and Contouring

As we age, our collagen production slows down which leads to wrinkles and sagging skin.
Alma uses near infrared technology to elevate the tissue temperature, causing deep dermal heating. This causes heat induced collagen shrinkage, micro thermal injury, dermal regeneration, wound healing and remodelling.

Short and long term benefits

• Immediate skin tightening and glow
• Restructure of the skin architecture
• Visible results
• Helps to bolster the skin against future aging
  Reduced Fat Cell Volume and Improved Cellulite Appearance
• Releases fatty acids, preventing fat cells from accumulating (causing bumps and dimples)
• Accelerates the lymphatic drainage to evacuate toxins from the tissue

Normal Responses

Because the target chromophore in rejuvenation treatments is water and collagen, we are not looking for the same response as when using IPL, such as in pigmentation and vascular treatments. Mild erythema and swelling may be present. Some initial tightening may occur as collagen fibres contract. New collagen production usually takes about 6 weeks.

Vascular

Varicose and spider veins are blood vessels that become enlarged and visible due to weakened valves, which cause blood to pool rather than flow to the heart.

Alma’s vascular treatments offer effective, non-invasive solutions that close these veins and reduce or eliminate their appearance.

A variety of technologies are used to target the affected blood vessels beneath the skin, leaving you with smooth, clear skin and renewed confidence.

The treatments are safe and effective and provide reliable, long term results.

The target chromophore in vascular conditions is oxyhaemoglobin. Blood is coagulated by the heat energy in the vessel. 3-6 treatments may be required 2-3 weeks apart. There are several types of vascular conditions that IPL can treat.

Main Causes

1. Sun damage
2. Hereditary
3. Hormonal issues
4. thin, fair skin Location of damaged capillaries in the epidermal junction

IPL is not recommended for leg veins as the circulatory system is more advanced and effectiveness of treatment is minimum. Any areas above the heart is recommended.

Permanent Hair Reduction

IPL hair removal techniques rely on the ability of melanin to absorb certain wavelengths of light. Just like dark clothes absorb more light than lighter coloured clothes and make you feel hotter, melanin heats up when it absorbs light.

IPL treatments are most effective in the anagen stage of growth. The darker the colour of the hair, and the lighter the colour of the skin, the better the result.

What Factors affecting hair growth

1. Nutrition
2. Hormones
3. Illness
4. Drugs
5. Age

Number of Treatments

The effectiveness of the treatment is related to the hair growth cycle. IPL treatments are more effective on hairs in the anagen stage of the hair cycle.

The hair growth cycle should be explained to the client and they will then understand that some hairs will not be treated on a specific appointment.

Bear in mind that the hair growth cycle varies according to the treatment site and this will need to be taken into account when spacing client appointments.

The number of treatments required will depend on many factors such as skin colour, hair colour, genetic factors, and treatment levels used.

In general, most people will require 6- 10 treatments at 6-8-week intervals and Most clients will need some form of maintenance after their initial course of treatments.