by Skincare Specialist, Sammy Swart
Light therapy and laser treatments are cutting-edge technologies that have revolutionized the way we approach skincare. They offer a wide variety of benefits and remarkable outcomes for our patients. From rejuvenating tired skin to treating targeted skin concerns.
The modern landscape of light therapy and laser treatments in skincare offers a wealth of benefits. However, achieving lasting results requires careful planning and commitment to treatment timelines and aftercare. In this blog we will therefore delve deeper into the various types of light and laser treatments available, the preparation required for each, how often you could/should have them done, and how to take care of your skin afterward to see the best results.
Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to make more informed decisions regarding your skincare journey and can look forward to seeing beautiful and lasting results.
Table of contents
- HOW TO PLAN FOR LIGHT THERAPY AND SKIN LASER TREATMENTS AND MAINTAIN RESULTS
- LIGHT THERAPY TREATMENT TIMELINES AND AFTERCARE
- SKIN LASER TREATMENT TIMELINES AND AFTERCARE
- FINAL THOUGHTS
HOW TO PLAN FOR LIGHT THERAPY AND SKIN LASER TREATMENTS AND MAINTAIN RESULTS
Before we cover the various treatment timelines and aftercare, there are some important pre-treatment steps to keep in mind if you are interested in achieving the best results from your light therapy and skin laser treatments, and maintaining your radiant results:
1. Book a personlised skincare consultation
When considering light therapy and laser skin treatments, it’s essential to start with a comprehensive skincare consultation with a qualified Aesthetic Doctor, Dermatologist, or Skincare Specialist who can assess your skin’s specific needs, discuss realistic outcomes, and recommend the most suitable treatments for your concerns.
Before starting any treatments, it’s a good idea to capture ‘before’ photos of your skin. These images are a visual benchmark to track your progress and showcase the effectiveness of the treatments over time.
Once you’ve had your skincare consultation and you are ready to embark on a journey of rejuvenation, it is important to know what is expected of you before and after each treatment session. These treatment preparation and aftercare recommendations (which your treating specialist should discuss with you) are crucial in achieving the best results and minimizing any potential side effects.
2. Plan your treatments thoroughly
Patience is key when undergoing laser and light therapy treatments. Results may not be immediately visible, and it is important to set realistic expectations. We can only provide guidance on the expected timeline and results, but it is important to note that each person is unique and not every person will have the same treatment timeline or results.
Life also often gets in the way! For example, if you are planning a special event (such as a wedding or birthday party), it is important to give yourself ample time to heal and recover post-treatment or to start well enough in advance should you aim to achieve results before the “big day”.
As mentioned before, the importance of knowing how to take care of your recovering skin after a laser or light treatment is crucial for optimal results. For example, you will always have to avoid sun exposure and heat (think saunas and steam rooms). Follow-up appointments post-treatment are also important to track your improvements and make adjustments where needed. Using the ideal homecare to support recovery and results is also crucial!
3. Follow pre- and post-care advice diligently
It is imperative that you follow the pre- and post-care advice provided by your specialist diligently. This advice is there to help with optimal skincare results as well as minimize the risks and complications associated with these intensive treatments.
This advice will include guidelines on skincare products, sun protection, and lifestyle considerations and will differ from treatment to treatment, as well as the time of year (summer vs winter) when you have your skincare treatments done.
LIGHT THERAPY TREATMENT TIMELINES AND AFTERCARE
What are Light Therapy skin treatments?
Light therapy involves using specific wavelengths of light to target various skin concerns, such as pigmentation, acne, and inflammation. Light therapy devices are highly versatile in addressing a wide range of skin-related issues such as:
1. Skin Rejuvenation: Laser and light therapies are known to stimulate collagen production, leading to firmer and more youthful-looking skin. They can effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.
2. Acne: For individuals struggling with acne, light therapy can be a game-changer. Specific wavelengths of light can target acne-causing bacteria, reducing breakouts and inflammation. This results in clearer, smoother skin over time.
3. Hyperpigmentation and scarring: Laser and light treatments can effectively target hyperpigmentation (such as sunspots) as well as post-inflammatory acne scarring.
Let’s cover our top Light Therapy treatment timelines and recommended aftercare advice.
LUMECCA IPL treatment timelines and aftercare
This cutting-edge treatment uses the most powerful Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology today to rejuvenate your skin by targeting skin pigmentation, vascular lesions, and age spots resulting in a clearer and more youthful complexion.
The Intense Pulsed Light technology in LUMECCA™ IPL treatments gently heats the upper layers of the skin, stimulating the regeneration of skin cells. This precision ensures that the surrounding tissue remains unaffected. The technology is targeting specific colour like brown and red lesions to give you a clearer complexion.
When to book a LUMECCA IPL treatment
With LUMECCA IPL you can expect downtime to last between 2 – 5 days for full recovery. Consider this, it is important to schedule your LUMECCA IPL treatments 1 – 2 weeks before significant events as this will allow for the skin to recover completely, and for visible results to show.
For the best results, you will also be required to abstain from strong exfoliations, certain medications, and sun exposure for at least one week before the treatment as these things might impact your ultimate results.
To ensure the treatment aligns with your specific skincare concerns and goals, remember to book a comprehensive skincare consultation for a personalised, results-driven treatment plan designed around your needs, goals, and lifestyle.
LUMECCA IPL treatment aftercare
The remarkable results of the LUMECCA IPL can last between 3 – 6 months, with ongoing collagen stimulation continuing to enhance the impact for up to 3 months after the last treatment. For optimal and long-lasting results, we consider scheduling repeat treatments at 4 – 6-week intervals and undergoing a course of 3 – 6 IPL treatments annually.
Your actions post-treatment can also make a remarkable difference in results! Here are some guidelines for what to do (or not do) in the days following your LUMECCA IPL treatment:
– Apply an SPF daily (this one is important)
– Only commence with active products once the skin has fully recovered
– Avoid sun exposure, swimming pools, saunas, exposure to natural or artificial light, and sources of direct heat for the next 2 days
– Avoid picking on any flaking skin or dark spots
– Avoid products with strong active ingredients like Retinol (Vit A) or Alpha Hydroxy Acids
– Avoid waxing or other methods of depilation in the area for 1 – 2 weeks
– Avoid scrubbing or exfoliating the treated area for the next 3 days
Glow Getter treatment timelines and aftercare
At Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, our signature Glow Getter treatment is a multi-faceted skin treatment aimed to rejuvenate your skin. By combining a Chemical Peel, LUMECCA IPL (intense pulsed light), and a luxurious Crystal Fibre Sheet Mask we can achieve healthy glowing skin with little to no downtime. This treatment specifically targets dullness, uneven skin tone, fine lines, dehydration, and poor skin texture.
When to book a Glow Getter treatment
The Glow Getter treatment was designed to create radiant-looking skin without the long extensive downtime and there is also minimal discomfort during the procedure. This is a wonderful treatment to do about 1 week prior to an event as the IPL (intense pulsed light) benefits would then be visible, but the best results from a Glow Getter facial are seen after 3 – 4 weeks.
The added bonus? You can do this treatment any time of the year (come rain or sunshine) and you will enjoy a hydrated skin glow immediately post-treatment.
The Glow Getter facial treatment is mainly seen as a maintenance treatment for patients who have had IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments before or as a preparation treatment to introduce the IPL system.
I mainly recommend the Glow Getter treatment for someone with visible sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, and dull-looking or dehydrated skin, but who does not want the downtime involved with IPL. It is however best to check in with your skincare professional to confirm if this will be the correct treatment for your skin type and condition.
Glow Getter treatment aftercare
To see optimal results over a long period of time you will be required to have regular maintenance treatments, then the longevity of the results can be indefinite. To make this possible though, you will also be required to play your part in achieving stunning results. Here are some guidelines of what to do (or not do) in the days following your Glow Getter treatment:
– Apply an SPF daily (this one is important)
– Only commence with active products once the skin has fully recovered
– Avoid sun exposure, swimming pools, saunas, exposure to natural or artificial light, and sources of direct heat for the next 2 days
– Avoid picking on any flaking skin or dark spots
– Avoid products with strong active ingredients like Retinol (Vit A) or Alpha Hydroxy Acids
– Avoid waxing or other methods of depilation in the area for 1 – 2 weeks
– Avoid scrubbing or exfoliating the treated area for the next 3 days
I-Peel-L Bespoke treatment timelines and aftercare
The I-Peel-L Bespoke treatment is another one of our signature treatments and is a fusion of Lumecca IPL (intense pulsed light) and a Skin Tech Easy TCA Pain Control Peel. This combination was tailored to address skin issues like severe sun damage, pigmentation, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
This combination of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and specialised TCA acids was designed to work in tandem to exfoliate dead skin cells, stimulate collagen, and promote skin regeneration effectively in as little as one session. This is quite an intensive treatment designed to achieve results in a short space of time but is a great treatment choice for those who want healthier-looking and smoother-feeling skin in less time.
When to book an I-Peel-L Bespoke treatment
Seeing that this is a more intensive treatment, there is also more intensive downtime involved. You can expect visible downtime for up to 5 – 7 days post-treatment (the first 2 days just feeling tight and dry and thereafter peeling for another 3 – 5 days).
Taking the downtime into consideration it is important to plan your I-Peel-L Bespoke treatment at least 1 – 2 weeks ahead of important events. This will also allow enough time for you to enjoy good results on the big day.
It is also important to remember that because there is more downtime involved, the ideal time of year to do an I-Peel-L treatment is in the cooler winter months as you’ll have to stay out of the direct sun for at least 7 days post-treatment.
Sounds good? Remember to first consult with your skincare specialist to make sure this is the ideal treatment for you…
I-Peel-L Bespoke treatment aftercare
Once you have had your I-Peel-L treatment great results can be visible as soon as 4 weeks post-treatment and can last between 2 – 6 months. To help ensure you achieve the results you desire, you will have a few post-treatment tasks. Here are some guidelines of what to do (or not do) in the days following your I-Peel-L Bespoke treatment:
– An SPF must be applied at 8 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm daily (regardless of the weather)
– The skin will flake and peel, but it is very important not to pull off or exfoliate your skin, let this process evolve naturally…
– Avoid sun exposure, swimming pools, saunas, exposure to natural or artificial light, and sources of direct heat for one week
– Avoid products with strong active ingredients like Retinol (Vit A) or Alpha Hydroxy Acids until the skin has healed
– Avoid waxing/depilation of the area for 3 weeks
– Avoid wearing jewelry on the treated areas for 48 hours
– And for the men: if you need to shave, use a clean razor blade each time until the skin has healed
LED Light Therapy treatment timelines and aftercare
LED Light Therapy is a non-invasive skin treatment that uses narrow-band, non-thermal LED light red, blue, and infrared light to stimulate deeper skin tissue. This cutting-edge technology addresses a range of skin issues, from acne and signs of aging to Rosacea and eczema. LED Light Therapy treatments are used to trigger the skin’s natural rejuvenation and repair processes without any pain or downtime and can be used as a stand-alone treatment or combined with various other treatments to enhance results and assist in the healing of the skin.
What are the benefits of the different coloured LED lights?
RED LIGHT: Red light increases natural hydration levels, reduces redness and inflammation, regulates oil production, improves circulation, and is medically approved to treat Rosacea.
BLUE LIGHT: The blue light has powerful antibacterial properties and is known as a prescription-grade treatment to treat acne without causing irritation. It also offers a UV-free alternative for the treatment of eczema and psoriasis.
NEAR-INFRARED LIGHT: Near-infrared light is the most deeply absorbed wavelength, it increases cell permeability and absorption and reduces pain and inflammation.
When to book an LED Light Therapy treatment
The standard LED Light Therapy session typically lasts for just 20 minutes, allowing you to easily fit the treatment into your busy schedule. Plus, there’s no downtime, so you can get right back to your day afterward. The treatment is entirely painless and can be customised to suit your specific skin type and concerns. Additionally, the treatment can be combined with other procedures like Medical Facials and Chemical Peels for enhanced results.
Even though LED Light Therapy treatments are very effective, it is subtle enough to be scheduled any time of the year. Over and above this, it can also be added to most other skincare treatments to encourage faster skin recovery post-treatment as well as further enhance product absorption with microneedling and mesotherapy procedures.
LED Light Therapy can be done monthly or bi-weekly and can also be scheduled every 2nd day after more invasive procedures like your Erbium or CO2 laser treatments.
SKIN LASER TREATMENT TIMELINES AND AFTERCARE
What are laser skin treatments?
Laser skin resurfacing treatments remove the outer layer of your skin and heat the underlying layers simultaneously. These expertly-administered skin lasers in turn stimulate the growth of new collagen fibers resulting in renewed skin that is smoother and firmer, as well as more even-toned and radiant.
Harmony® XL Pro ClearLift treatment timelines and aftercare
The Harmony® XL Pro ClearLift is a versatile, all-inclusive aesthetic laser suitable for individuals of all skin types. This treatment is designed to address a wide spectrum of skin conditions, ranging from anti-aging concerns to improving skin tone and tightening skin laxity.
This cutting-edge laser treatment uses a comprehensive Q-Switched technology that pixelates the light into numerous fractions to penetrate deeply into the skin’s dermis. This means that the skin is rejuvenated below the surface, which in turn means the client endures zero damage to the skin’s surface layer. Yes – no redness, no marks – in fact, there’s nothing visible that could suggest you’d had a treatment.
When to book a Harmony® XL Pro ClearLift treatment
ClearLift treatments have virtually no downtime, although some patients have experienced slight redness and swelling for up to 24 hours. Considering this, you’ll be happy to know that it can be performed throughout the year as there are no side effects post-treatment.
When preparing for your ClearLift laser treatment it is still important to avoid using any active ingredients at home such as strong retinols and AHA’s and to avoid sun exposure for at least one week prior to the treatment. Doing so will ensure you achieve optimal results.
As with any other new skincare journey – make sure you always consult a professional before starting a new skincare plan as this way we can make sure that this is the best solution for you.
Harmony® XL Pro ClearLift treatment aftercare
With consistent maintenance treatments, the effects of Harmony® XL Pro ClearLift can provide enduring benefits. You will experience an immediate enhancement that reaches its peak within 3 months of the last session.
To maintain your radiant and youthful complexion, we recommend undergoing a series of 6 treatments, spaced 2 – 4 weeks apart. As with any other treatment, what you do in the days following your procedure will also help to maximise your results. Here are some guidelines:
– Always apply your SPF!
– Avoid sun exposure, swimming pools, saunas, exposure to natural or artificial light, and sources of direct heat for the next 2 days
– Avoid products with strong active ingredients like Retinol (Vit A) or Alpha Hydroxy Acids
– Avoid waxing the area for 1 – 2 weeks, and avoid exfoliating the area for the next 3 days
Erbium iPIXEL Pro treatment timelines and aftercare
The Erbium iPIXEL Pro by Harmony XL Pro represents the pinnacle in fractional ablative laser technology. This advanced laser treatment has been meticulously designed to address various skin concerns such as sun damage, rough skin texture, and visible signs of aging, including fine lines and deep wrinkles.
iPIXEL lasers uses pixel-sized energy beams with surgical precision, effectively targeting damaged cells. This stimulates collagen production and triggers healing mechanisms to remodel the skin, leaving it radiant and revitalised. This exceptional treatment stands as one of our preferred ablative lasers, renowned for its capacity to specifically target skin texture irregularities.
When to book an Erbium iPIXEL Pro treatment
Following your procedure, you can anticipate a recovery period of 5 – 7 days, during which redness and swelling will gradually subside. During this time you may notice grid-like scabs, which will typically resolve within 10 – 14 days.
Considering this, it’s advisable to schedule your Erbium iPIXEL Pro treatment at least 2 weeks before any significant events. Due to the downtime and prolonged redness that might occur and the avoidance of sun exposure required during recovery, this procedure is best done during the cooler winter months.
Erbium iPIXEL Pro treatment aftercare
Most patients would need between 1 – 3 treatments to get long-term results with follow-up treatments required every 4 – 6 weeks after the last treatment (if you are serious about results). By now you’ve come to understand that the aftercare is just as important as the treatment itself, so here are some top aftercare tips for the Erbium iPIXEL Pro treatment:
Day 1 – 5 will include a series of recommended products for use at specific times of the day (such as a cleanser, moisturiser, skin soother, and sunscreen. After this, a DERMALUX LED Light treatment in-clinic will be required to help speed up the healing process (at the Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates clinic, this first LED light treatment is complementary). Afterward, your skincare specialist will advise on the next skincare steps to take at home, depending on how your skin is healing.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON LIGHT THERAPY AND LASER SKIN TREATMENT TIMELINES AND AFTERCARE
The transformative potential of tailored light therapy and laser skin treatments for achieving specific skincare goals cannot be overstated. These treatments, when executed with precision and care, have the power to rejuvenate your skin and really boost your confidence.
Remember, seeking expert guidance and following your recommended aftercare is paramount for safety and to maximize the benefits of these treatments.
If you are ready to explore the transformative world of light therapy and laser skin treatments, email us at skinclinic@drnwilkinson.co.za to start your Skin Science journey to radiance today.
