Popular Science of Photorejuvenation: A Must-Read for Beginners of Medical Aesthetics

Those who are interested in medical beauty or want to try it are probably familiar with the project of "photon skin rejuvenation". But do you know the principle behind photon skin rejuvenation? Why can ordinary light beams have the effect of skin rejuvenation?

Image source: pixabay

In fact, the light beam used in photorejuvenation is not an ordinary light beam. Its scientific name is intense pulsed light (IPL), which is a high-energy, multi-color, wide-spectrum light that has been focused and filtered. Unlike lasers with a single wavelength, the wavelength range of intense pulsed light covers visible light to near-infrared light (500~1200nm), which is milder than lasers. Photorejuvenation instruments are usually equipped with multiple filters with different wavelength ranges. Light of different wavelengths after filtering can target different targets and have different effects. Doctors can also choose more targeted treatment plans and parameters based on the individual situation and special needs of each patient.

Generally speaking, the main effects of photorejuvenation include removing redness, removing pigments and rejuvenating the skin. Removing redness refers to removing red blood streaks and red acne marks caused by capillary dilation. This is because the strong pulsed light of a specific wavelength can be selectively absorbed by the hemoglobin (the protein that transports oxygen in red blood cells) in the blood vessels. The absorbed light energy is converted into heat, which can cause the hemoglobin to coagulate and block the locally dilated capillaries.

Pigment removal uses intense pulsed light of the corresponding wavelength to break up the pigment cells. The melanin released by the pigment cells solidifies when heated and is then metabolized and excreted from the body through the skin or lymphatic system, thereby achieving the effect of lightening spots.

Skin rejuvenation refers to the transformation of fibroblasts in the skin into fibroblasts and secreting collagen under the thermal effect of intense pulsed light, which can stimulate the regeneration of elastic fibers in the dermis, increase skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles and sagging, and improve skin quality. It is generally believed that shorter wavelength light can improve pigmentation and capillary dilation, while longer wavelength light can cause collagen remodeling through the thermal effect of water in the tissue.

Image source: Chen Ping's "Laser Beauty Practice Illustrations: Intense Pulsed Light Therapy"

In the instrument of photorejuvenation, in addition to the light emission system, the handheld cooling system is also a very important component. It can protect the epidermis while allowing higher energy light energy density to reach deeper target tissues. Before starting the treatment, the doctor will first apply cold ultrasound gel to the patient's face. This cold gel can diffuse surface heat and isolate the epidermis, acting as a "heat sink" and protecting the epidermis. In addition, the gel can also act as an optical medium between the light-guiding crystal and the skin, reducing the refractive index of light, effectively reducing the energy loss caused by reflected light, and making the treatment light have better penetration and absorption.

For most people, those who want to improve facial redness, remove acne scars, whiten the skin, and increase skin elasticity can choose photorejuvenation.

But it is worth noting that photorejuvenation, as a medical procedure, is somewhat dangerous. Even with the protection of a cooling system and cold gel, there is still a risk of epidermal thermal damage during treatment, which may cause blisters, scarring or permanent pigment changes and pigmentation. And the darker the skin color of the patient, the greater the risk of epidermal thermal damage. So please note that people with facial skin infections, photosensitivity or taking photosensitivity drugs, scarring constitution, suspected skin tumors on the face, patients who have recently undergone laser beauty treatments, oral vitamin A acid, and pregnant women are not suitable for photorejuvenation.

At present, there are many different types of photorejuvenation instruments available on the market, but no matter how good the instrument is, it is only the icing on the cake for good technology. Photorejuvenation is a test of the doctor's skills. Choosing a good dermatologist is much more important than choosing a good instrument. Therefore, friends who want to try photorejuvenation are recommended to go to the dermatology department of a tertiary hospital for treatment.

Finally, it should be reminded that the price of photorejuvenation is not cheap. The price per session is usually between 2,000 and 5,000 yuan. The specific charge is related to the instrument used and the patient's skin condition. The efficacy of photorejuvenation is also related to personal constitution. Although, it usually takes 3 to 5 times to see more obvious results. A few people may be able to see results once, and some people may need more than 5 times. After photorejuvenation, the skin barrier function will be temporarily damaged, and strict sun protection and moisturizing are required. It is usually recommended to choose photorejuvenation in autumn and winter when ultraviolet rays are weak. Remember to clean your face on the day of treatment, do not use any cosmetics or sunscreen, and pay attention to a light diet after surgery and avoid strenuous exercise. It is everyone's nature to love beauty, but please treat it rationally.

References:

Chen Ping, "Illustrated Guide to Laser Beauty: Intense Pulsed Light Therapy"

BOLOGNIA Dermatology 4th Edition

People's Medical Publishing House: Dermatology and Venereology

The article is produced by Science Popularization China-Starry Sky Project (Creation and Cultivation). Please indicate the source when reprinting.

Author: Super outrageous science and technology popularization team

Reviewer: Chen Xue, attending physician at Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University