My IPL Photofacial Experience

Ever since I was a kid, I LOVED the sun! My goal to be outside was so real. Whether I was swimming, tanning, or being active as long as I was outside I was happy. As I got older, I began to see the damaging affects of the sun. From sun spots, cancer, freckles you name it - the sun can do it! The last few years I’ve been more cautious about my exposure and have been looking for solutions to reverse some of the damage.

The only medical skin treatment I’ve done was a micro-peel. For the first time, it helped alot with acne scaring and evening skin tone. However, a few months after that peel I went to Mexico and soaked up a ton of sun. Naturally, my pigmentation darkened and I needed another facial treatment. So I did another micro-peel about 4 weeks after my vacation. Unfortunately, the results weren’t as noticeable as the first time. Two things, the pigmentation could have gone deeper with the additional sun exposure or my skin kind of got used to the treatment. Either way, I was looking for another solution to target pigmentation.

Luckily, there was a new med spa that opened in my neighborhood called Tres Jolie. Tres Jolie is owned by Dr. Perez and her sister, who is an investor. Yay, a women owned business for the win!! The factors that made my decision to move forward with treatment were a local women own business, located in my neighborhood and Dr. Perez’s thorough consultation. I felt comfortable moving forward with the IPL photofacial. At this point it was phase 3 of quarantine, which was a great time for a treatment because I had time for recovery.

During my consultation, Dr. Perez gave me undivided attention when listening to my skin concerns. She recommended different services and products all while educating me about the purpose of each service and product. I decided to start off with an IPL photofacial to target pigmentation. She recommended a series of 3 treatments all about 4-6 weeks apart.

The following day I schedule the treatment. Super nervous and stoked at this point! I was also unsure what to expect since it was my first time EVER. Dr. Perez was very thorough in her explanation. She said it would feel like a rubber band snapping on my skin. At this point I was ready to try it out! We went back to the treatment room. I laid down. She put goggles on me, rolled jelly on my face for the device to roll on my skin and explained exactly what she was doing, the strength of the laser and what it would feel like. She said the pain from 1-10 shouldn’t be more than a 6-7. She did a test patch on my bottom right cheek. It didnt hurt that much so we proceeded. I also saw bright light flashing each to the machine was activated. I definetly flinched each time and started to sweat only because I was nervous and it was my first time. She did 2-3 passes on my cheeks and one on my upper lip, chin and nose. The treatment took about 20 mins. I didnt have any swelling or redness just darker sun spots which is normal after the treatment. It’s called peppering. The sun spots get darker then fall off as the skin renews. I highly recommend this treatment anyone looking to target pigmentation. Always consult a doctor as some skin types are suited for this treatment. See below my post treatment progress pictures.