If you’re seeking clearer, brighter, or younger-looking skin, you have plenty of options to choose from. Light-based skin treatments, such as those using lasers, are popular choices due to their effectiveness and quick recovery times.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) skin treatments, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and laser skin treatments (including ADVATx by AdvaLight) can address common skin concerns, such as discoloration, redness, and signs of aging.
Understanding the differences between LED treatments, IPL facials, and laser therapies like ADVATx can help you choose the right option for you.
LED Treatments
Light-emitting diode (LED) technology has been around for more than a century, but only recently have medical professionals started exploring its use for wound healing. Eventually, experts realized that LED lights improved the appearance of healthy skin and helped heal damaged skin.
LED devices deliver a spectrum of light wavelengths that your skin can absorb and convert into energy. The energy results in increased cellular activity, which can promote cellular growth and the formation of new tissue. LED treatments are sometimes called red light therapy since many devices use red light wavelengths to treat skin.
The benefits of red light therapy include:
- Increased circulation
- Increased collagen production
- Reduced sebum production
- Faster tissue repair
- Reduced inflammation
LED treatments for crepey skin are also effective for many clients.
Pros of LED Treatments
As long as they’re used in moderation, LED treatments are safe and effective on all skin tones. The treatment is typically painless and requires no downtime.
Cons of LED Treatments
Clients need multiple LED treatment sessions to see results. Most people need weekly treatments for a month or more to get full results. You may have to return every month or so to maintain the results.
IPL Treatments
IPL is another type of light-based skin treatment. An IPL device sends out more than one wavelength of pulsating light at one time. Different wavelengths target specific colors in the skin, such as darker patches or areas of redness. The treatments are sometimes referred to as IPL photofacials because the bursts of light resemble camera flashes.
IPL can effectively treat a variety of skin concerns, including:
- Acne
- Age spots
- Broken blood vessels
- Dark spots from hormonal changes
- Freckles
- Redness from rosacea
- Scars
- Spider veins
IPL is most effective on pale or light brown skin.
Pros of IPL Treatments
Clients typically experience only mild discomfort, and there is no downtime after treatments. Sessions are often quick.
Cons of IPL Treatments
IPL typically requires a series of treatments to see results. Most people need four to six sessions to achieve the desired effects. The treatments can be painful, and many people require numbing cream to manage the discomfort. Furthermore, clients with darker skin tones may not see significant improvement.
ADVATx (AdvaLight) Treatment
ADVATx, the flagship technology manufactured by the company AdvaLight, is an advanced laser therapy technique for skin rejuvenation. Like LED and IPL treatments, ADVATx uses light to improve the overall appearance of skin. Laser treatments like ADVATx, however, use specific wavelengths to target specific concerns and deliver rapid improvements.
AdvaLight’s device uses two lasers with differing wavelengths (589nm and 1319nm) of yellow and infrared light. The light targets unwanted pigmentation and promotes healing and cellular regeneration for younger, clearer-looking skin.
Using the specialized ADVATx scanner, the lasers emit tiny pulses that can deliver treatment to a small, focused spot for sunspot removal. It can also be used to treat a larger area for anti-aging treatments on the face and neck.
ADVATx therapy can treat multiple skin concerns, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne and acne scars
- Redness
- Broken blood vessels
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sun damage
After just one treatment, visible veins and redness will disappear, leaving the skin refreshed and even. In the days and weeks after treatment, dark spots will fade, and wrinkles and fine lines will become less visible. Additional treatment sessions can enhance results and provide greater skin-tightening effects.
Pros of ADVATx
Unlike IPL treatments, ADVATx therapy’s nanopulse technology is almost painless. The results from ADVATx are evident much sooner than with other light-based treatments, making it ideal if you want immediate improvements to your skin.
ADVATx is also approved for use on Fitzpack scale skin types I-V, making it an ideal option for clients with a range of skin tones.
Cons of ADVATx
Like other options, ADVATx laser treatment generally requires several sessions to deliver the desired results. Depending on the area being treated, it can also cause some minor redness, swelling, or irritation. Some practitioners also report that ADVATx treatments can take longer to administer compared to other options, which could also impact comfort levels during a session.
Find The Right Laser Treatment at Laser By Monica
Clearly, not all lasers or light-based treatments are made equal. The team at Laser By Monica delivers clearer, brighter skin with the ADVATx system. We offer Adva Bright for sun spot removal and anti-aging benefits, and Adva Clear to address pigmentation and acne-related scarring.
Contact our NYC laser hair removal practice to learn more about the benefits of AdvaLight laser therapy and our full menu of luxury professional skin treatments at our Manhattan location.