How to Maintain Your Results to the Max Post AFT IPL

So, you’ve had a fantastic result post AFT IPL and your skin is glowing, rejuvenated, and looking as even as a baby’s bum, but what now? Pigmentation or sun damage is one of the most common forms of premature aging and skin concerns here in Aus and can return very easily if we don’t look after our skin properly post treatment. Correct aftercare in the long term, not just the days following the treatment can help to prolong results saving you significant time and money and keeping you flawless for as long as possible.

Prolonged, excessive sun exposure is the main cause of pigmentation associated with aging. Australia has some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world: in fact, UV radiation is strong enough to cause sunburn in as little as 10 minutes on a fine January day. Skin does also not have to be burned for sun damage to occur. Repeated tanning or over stimulation of our melanocyte cells which are trying to protect the DNA of the surrounding skin cells is what causes that pesky pigmentation.
Think sunspots, age spots, freckles, uneven mottled skin tone and even sometimes dry flaky brown or red spots. When you come in for an AFT IPL, we’re treating this sun damage on your skin so subsequently, our first step to maintaining results is to protect the skin from any more sun exposure which will straight away begin re-activating the pigment producing process and start to damage the skin again. Applying a highly rated SPF every single day (even when you don’t ‘go in the sun’) will be your best friend when it comes to homecare defending against pigmentation. Sun exposure occurs constantly, from the few minuets it takes to talk to the office from the car to even opening the windows in the morning.

​When we apply our SPF, make sure to also apply the correct amount. 90% of people who use a sunscreen actually underapply, leaving the product basically useless. Board Certified Brisbane Dermatologist Dr Davin Lim explains that we should all be applying around 2ml of product every 2-4 hours to get full protection. That’s a full teaspoon amount almost 4x per day! However, he then adds that that is quite “unrealistic and excessive” for most people so just reapplying at lunch time will suffice for most instances if you generally spend most of your time inside. If you do work outside in direct exposure or are constantly sweating/water though, then reapplying every 2-4 would be highly recommended. Also, making sure you are always wearing hats and covering up as much as physically possible will give you the best chance at staying as flawless as possible.

Step 2 to maintaining your results is long-term, efficient homecare. Using the correct products that are well formulated with active ingredients and that have an efficient delivery system of those ingredients will make the biggest difference to your skin and prolong in-clinic results. Now that we’ve got a beautiful new fresh canvas to work with, we must make sure our cells are the healthiest they can be and functioning correctly to stop damage from reoccurring and consequently, re-treatments. It’s a little bit sad since we see you in-clinic less often, but in terms of your investment, daily use of proper products will give you the most bang for your buck instead of intense treatments every few months. Here at Skin, we are proud users of Ultraceuticals cosmeceuticals. With a combination of sophisticated, patented delivery systems and potent renowned anti-ageing stars like Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), each product is formulated with safety and maximum effectiveness, so you get results which you can actually see. Skincare isn’t a one size fits all situation, and your skincare should be as unique as you. To find the best products for you, come and have a chat with our skin specialists.

Once you’re using effective homecare and sun protection your results should last you around 6-12 months rather than just a short-term boost or having to have reoccurring sessions ever few weeks. Of course, it depends on your lifestyle and how frequently you are exposed to the triggers of your pigmentation such as sun damage, but we recommend having a ‘top up’ treatment of IPL either twice or once a year to give maximum long lasting results. Doing your part at home though will give you the best change of maintaining baby smooth skin for as long as possible.

- Love, Complexions x