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Just wondering if anyone has experience with IPL or similar laser treatments for the removal of capillaries and sun spots. I am only 31 but my skin looks like I'm 50. Ugh. I've been doing some research online and I see that some people get burns and they end up looking worse until they heal over :eek:
Thanks!
Have you tried skin ligtening creams and specialist lotions for veins etc? If not maybe start on these first before looking at the big guns.
Don't know if you have health insurance, but have you first had a dermatologist see your skin and offer alternatives?
I had laser treatments for sunspots/melasma a few months ago and it worked wonders. I am 30 and had some dark spots on my upper lip and the sides of my face appear after the birth of my sons. The spots got VERY dark for a day or so after the initial treatment, and they turned white and flaked away. It completely removed most of the spots.
However, I didn't wear sunscreen like I should have while out cycling in the fall and some of the spots returned, but am having luck with Retin-A to lighten them now.
I will try and dig up some before and after shots if I still have them.
Just beware of skin lightening creams. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/16/health/16skin.html
REading that article, Oak turns me cold. It makes me sad, that there are still alot of folks lightening their skin to gain social status/make themselves feel better. (Meanwhile others who want to sport a great tan.)
The more reason to consult a dermatologist. All the searching on the Internet doesn't help self-diagnosis plus recommend for oneself the best safest treatment. Face is a precious visual body part that forms so much of a person's identity and uniqueness.
Alot of golden skinned, olive skinned and darker-skinned people I've met don't seem to have as many natural skin imperfections due to broken /visible face capillaries. It's more the sun spots, etc.
We don't know Drtgrl's skin at all nor ..unless an expert tells her.
+1 on visiting the dermatologist before you try anything. A definitive answer is always best.
I'm a big fan of IPL. My dermatologist recommended it to lighten sunspots that came out when I was pregnant. The spots become darker at first, but then flake off after a week or so. Unfortunately, the spots can return with further sun exposure, so it can be an endless and expensive process. It did work for me though.
My skin is fairly light, especially this time of year :( I do tan easily though and rarely burn.
Prior to moving to Seattle I spent 5 years in central California and was a total sun worshipper...what used to be tan is now showing up as sun spots on my pale skin. I don't know where the broken capillaries came from... I just it's just something that happens when you get older. Ugh.
The clinic here is run by dermatologists. I plan to get a consultation first and see what my alternatives are- IPL might be too expensive unfortunately.
Good for you for seeing a dermatologist. Fair skin with sun damage needs to be checked out by a doctor because some of those spots might need monitoring. Best of luck to you, and wear that sunscreen!