7 facts about photorejuvenation: a brief scientific explanation from a Riga cosmetologist

Latvia’s unstable climate, bad habits, and the sun’s constant aggressive impact on the skin inevitably accelerate our ageing process. For this reason, photorejuvenation remains a popular, tried-and-tested, and sought-after procedure among Latvian women.

Given the large number of commercial offers, many people may be interested not only in the final effect, which is described so vividly in advertisements, but also in reliable, scientifically grounded information from leading physician-cosmetologist Inga Groskopa, who works at the Panacea Premium aesthetic medicine clinic.

1.     Photorejuvenation is based on the imitation of biochemical inflammatory processes. The IPL system (the device used to perform this procedure) emits light that penetrates the skin to different depths and is absorbed by specific targets—the melanin in pigmented spots, the haemoglobin and oxyhaemoglobin in dilated capillaries, as well as water in the dermis. During this process, all the targets heat up considerably, and it can be said that an artificially induced local inflammation develops in them. However, the skin’s surface is not damaged.

2.     From a medical perspective, the term “photorejuvenation” is not entirely accurate—it is a direct translation of the English word “photorejuvenation”. This procedure can not only produce a rejuvenating effect by improving the skin’s structure, increasing its tone, reducing pore size, and smoothing fine wrinkles, but also eliminate dilated blood vessels and unwanted pigmentation.

3.     Undesirable effects may occur after photorejuvenation that are not considered side effects of the procedure but may spoil your mood if you are not prepared for them: redness and swelling may develop and persist for up to three days, and the pigment, which peels off over two weeks, may become darker.

4.     Can dangerous side effects occur? Yes, certainly. There is a risk of burns during photorejuvenation. This is possible if the client’s skin is tanned or if the skin was exposed to aggressive treatment shortly before the procedure (a chemical peel or a visit to a sauna). Burns may also occur while taking certain medications.

5.     Blindness is the most serious officially recorded consequence of photorejuvenation. However, this case was the result of medical error. To avoid a similar situation, the procedure must not be performed in the orbital area.

6.     No matter what the beautiful and emphatic advertising copy promises you, the effect of the procedure will not be noticeable the very next day. In some cases, 3–4 procedures at intervals of 3–4 weeks will be necessary to achieve a lasting result.

7.     Photorejuvenation should not be regarded as an “ordinary” cosmetic procedure merely because of its popularity. It is a rather traumatic medical procedure. This procedure may be performed only by certified physicians and only with certified and tested equipment.

“I sincerely wish beauty and good health to all Latvian women! I look forward to seeing you at procedures that will make you even more beautiful and help you feel confident about yourselves!” says cosmetologist Inga Groskopa in conclusion.

Information prepared by Advanced Learning & Communications agency, www.alc.lv