Vascular & Pigmentation Treatment

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The Intense Pulsed Light equipment that you will use will harnesses energy from the electromagnetic spectrum to achieve its effects. The electromagnetic spectrum is used to measure and classify radiation. Harmful radiation is classified under the term ionising radiation and it includes Gamma rays and X-Rays. This is the high energy end of the electromagnetic spectrum and these wavelengths can remove tightly bound electrons from atoms. It is this radiation that is capable of damaging DNA. IPL uses non-ionising radiation.

The Effects of IPL

IPL works by a process called selective photothermolysis. This is where light is converted into heat energy. This energy is absorbed into a target ( chromophore ). To get selective photothermolysis we must select the correct treatment parameters. These are the correct wavelength for the target chromophore, the correct time exposure (pulse width) and the correct energy density (fluence).

Wavelengths and Chromophores

• Hair removal wavelengths target melanin.
• Vascular wavelengths target oxyhaemoglobin.
• Rejuvenation wavelengths target water or collagen.
• Pigment reducing wavelengths target melanin in the epidermis and dermis.

Alma’s Advanced Technologies

ALMA BEAUTY REJUVE Revitalizing Natural Beauty Uniform skin tone and texture

Fewer treatments, faster results Safe, with quick recovery time and All skin types, including dark skin

Dye-PLTM Technology Narrows the spectrum to limit the wavelength range for accurate treatments, which creates optimal absorption by the melanin, haemoglobin, and oxyhemoglobin for selective destruction. Dye-VL 500-600nm for lighter skin types Dye-SR 550-650nm for darker skin types AFTTM Technology AFT- Advanced Fluorescence Technology is an advanced form of IPL. It converts

What can we treat with IPL?

• Flat, benign pigmented lesions (freckles, sunspots and general pigmentation)
• Facial vascular lesions (spider veins, red spots and capillaries)
• Diffuse redness, rosacea and red scarring
• Poikiloderma (redness, pigmentation and a spotty look to the neck and/or décolletage)
• Unwanted dark facial and body hair
• Uneven skin colouring
• Sun damage
• Ageing
• Fine lines/laxityunused UV light to the optimal spectrum, which creates more efficient energy use per pulse. This extends the applicator lifetime, increases safety, and enhances clinical results.

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
• Birthmarks
• Medication
• Fragrance
• Chemical
• PIH (post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) trauma.
• Vit B12, C &A deficiency.

There are several forms of pigmentation which 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 dentrites 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 a 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.