IPL: Stories

:). Posting has been worth it. Thanks VB.

Argan Oil - and the Dermis - I tried to make this a precise read... because I've been using this Argan oil for the past 11 years. I also take it internally it helps keep us out of the doctors office. Hope you enjoy the read on how it helps repair the dermis after those horrible IPL treatments. What are the main chemical components of Argan Oil? Essential Unsaturated Fatty Acids Fatty acids are needed by the body but cannot be synthesized by the body itself. They’re important for regulating and maintaining healthy skin. Vitamin E This is an important fat soluble vitamin. A vital antioxidant Vitamin E is also an anti-inflammatory and gives strength to capillary walls. It prevents the evaporation of moisture from the epidermis in skin. It also acts as a barrier against cell ageing and promotes the nourishment of cells. Polyphenols Polyphenols are natural plant components and are said to have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-aging and antioxidant properties. Ferulic Acid Ferulic acid is the most common polyphenol in Argan Oil. Its antioxidant potency increases after exposure to ultraviolet radiation, thus it is effective against the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. Carotenoids Natural fat-soluble carotenoids protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation and free radical reactivity. They maintain healthy skin and are used as a barrier against arthritis. Sterols The chemical structure of plant sterols and human sterols are very similar. Sterols assist in keeping the structural integrity of cell membrane, reducing inflammation, improving skin metabolism processes and moisture retention. They are the primary component of the outermost layer of human skin. Why is Argan Oil known as nature’s anti-aging skin food? The properties of Argan Oil such as Vitamin E, plant sterols and essential fatty acids work individually and cooperatively to enhance the skin’s overall health, improve its youthful appearance and are known to help with the natural healing of some dermatological conditions. How do the components of Argan Oil benefit hair? Argan Oil is rich in essential fatty acids and Omega 9. These have been shown to improve hair strength and heath. Vitamin E can help revive hair damaged by wind, sea and sun. Antioxidants can assist in repairing cell membrane damage and sterols are useful for moisture retention. Argan Oil can also be used to help smooth the texture of hair and combat frizziness. What antioxidants are present in Argan Oil? Carotenoids, polyphenols, ferulic acid, squalene, and Vitamin E are powerful antioxidants present in Argan Oil. Vitamin E is one of the most important antioxidants that can break the chain reactions initiated by free radicals. Argan Oil’s properties can help reduce the effects of aging thanks to this combination of antioxidants. What is a free radical? Free radicals are unstable molecules formed when cells burn oxygen. They react with cells causing cellular membrane, cellular protein, and DNA damage. This leads to premature ageing, wrinkling, and disease (within the body). Free radical damage is associated with oxidation damage because it is the oxygen molecule that is unstable. What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are molecules usually in the form of proteins, enzymes, vitamins, and metabolites. These molecules combine with free radicals and stabilize them, thus rendering them harmless. The earlier this can happen, the better for the cell, since many oxidative reactions result in considerable damage to cells.How does Argan Oil soothe inflamed / burned skin? Any injury, infection, or allergic reaction to the skin will elicit an inflammatory response. Interestingly, all inflammatory responses will involve free radical activity. The presence of antioxidants in Argan Oil will help reduce free radical activity. In addition to their antioxidant effect sterols and Vitamin E also have soothing and healing properties. Vitamin E protects essential fatty acids from breaking down. Essential fatty acids are necessary for the production of prostaglandin, a lipid compound manufactured by enzymes within the cell that is a natural anti-inflammatory. What components of Argan Oil help support sun-damaged skin? Essential fatty acids protect the cellular membrane and DNA from UV-induced damage. Carotenoids and squalene can deactivate the free radical known as singlet oxygen. ***This free radical, when exposed to the sun’s radiation, becomes excited and therefore extremely destructive.*** Ferulic acid is unique because exposure to UV light actually increases its antioxidant potency. ***Vitamin E reduces tissue damage caused by UV light and increases the rate of healing.*** How does Argan Oil help keep skin hydrated? Healthy barrier function is vital to maintaining proper levels of hydration. Water loss from the skin through evaporation is increased when the skin’s barrier is disturbed by injury, environmental pollutants, UV radiation, and stress. The ability of the top layers of the skin to resist moisture loss depends on the presence of essential fatty acids. These are water binding and enhance the outer barrier of the skin to reduce transdermal water loss. They also help regulate sebum production. Sebum is the skin’s own natural oil. Its main purpose is to waterproof and protect the skin from drying out. Argan Oil’s Vitamin E, squalene and sterols are important factors in moisture restoration and retention. Vitamin E protects the integrity of essential fatty acids and both vitamin E and squalene accumulate in the epidermis. Squalene is a nutrient rich oil with the unique ability to anchor itself to the cell membrane and so protect against moisture loss at the site of each cell. Sterols work synergistically with human sterols to promote excellent moisture retention and play a fundamental role in aiding and maintaining optimal skin barrier function. How does Argan Oil help correct and help protect against wrinkles? The youthful appearance of skin is directly related to the health of collagen and elastin proteins.Collagen provides strength to the skin’s structure and elastin provides the snap, or resiliency. Wrinkles seem to start in the dermis when there is a change in the elastin structure that causes the elastin to lose its snap. Essential fatty acids maintain optimal levels of hydration and healthy function of the dermis where collagen and elastin reside. Argan Oil’s antioxidants help prevent free radicals from damaging collagen and changes in elastin’s cellular anatomy. Additionally, Argan Oil contains high molecular weight proteins that, when applied to the skin, construct a network of molecules that are known to provide an instant tightening effect. How can Argan Oil assist in reducing the appearance of stretch marks? Stretch marks occur when the dermal collagen and elastin in your skin stretch beyond capacity and the fibres separate. Argan Oil’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, such as essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, and sterols helps the skin cells to remain connected during rapid periods of growth. How does Argan Oil absorb so thoroughly? Argan Oil is easily absorbed by the skin because of its unique composition. Squalene can penetrate deeper and more readily than most other oils because of its compatibility with the skin’s own natural oils. Human sebum, the skin’s own natural oil, is comprised of 25% squalene. Sterols found in Argan Oil penetrate rapidly because their structure is very similar to the human sterols that are the main component of the outermost layer of the skin. Essential fatty acids are the building blocks of the cell membrane and therefore can be metabolized and directly assimilated into the skin. Does Argan Oil clog pores? No, Argan Oils does not clog pores because of its ability to be thoroughly absorbed and assimilated into the skin. What components of Argan Oil are known for their antiseptic properties? Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances applied to living tissue to help reduce the possibility of infection. Argan Oil’s polyphenols are known for their antiseptic properties, and squalene is a natural bactericide. How long does Argan Oil last? The same antioxidant properties that protect the skin also protect Argan Oil itself from oxidizing. These active properties allow Argan Oil to maintain its integrity for up to 2 years, so long as the bottle is kept away from direct sunlight, high temperatures and the lid is kept tightly closed. Some key points to remember when using Argan oil, make sure it is 100% organic. That is the basic info. on Argan oil less the technical terms... for you to read... Hope this information will help! Sincere Regards, OjibweGal

Hi OjibweGal, thx for sharing. Could u plz let me know which one u use & where do u purchase it?

hi birdland, i went to a medispa in nyc called skin laser rejuvenation. ipl was done by a technician under the director of a doctor, who of course i never saw. now i have a wonderful derm here in atlanta, but the damage is done and severe, and im not ready to take a gamble in plastic surgery. as of now ive settled and have accepted my skin and change in facial features.

Hi cveroleyva, Thx for replying. Did your dr recommended using oils. I had some damage from tazorac (a retinoid) 6 months ago. I've noticed in a lot of reviews many individuals tried olive, emul, coconut oils. I am thinking of trying bio oil. I read several reviews on ulta.com. Hope it doesn't break me out. Since the retinoid damage my skin is easily irritated.

I am in my late 40's and can't use any anti-wrinkle lotions. Tried a couple dozen brands, spent a lot of $$ for lousy broken out skin. My dermo recommended Alpha Hydrox, as she had same problem. She didn't sell it but I found it online. It's cheap and it works wonders. I use the 12% glycolic souffle'. First few times it stung a little, after that I saw huge improvement in texture of my skin. Been using it 4 years. My skin looks smoother than it did 5 years ago. Might be worth a try, and their products are affordable. Good luck!

ill check it out, they sell that brand at a store locally here. thanks:)

hi birdland, my derm only wants me using cerave. but i did use rosehip oil and emu oil, both of whixh i really liked. i dont think it did much, but it made my skin feel supple.

Hi boomerang2040, Thx. I love glycolic. In nov I started using a weekly at home glycolic peel which has helped my acne. The tazorac cause cuts in my skin and light white lines. The peels help my forehead wrinkle cause by tazorac but not the cheeks. I noticed alpha hydrox has a body cleanser & lotion which I would love to try (have u). I only purchase products for Sephora, ulta or drug stores where they can be returned if any skin irritation occurs :)

I haven't found Alpha Hydrox anywhere but online. All of their products are very affordable, has fast / cheap shipping plus periodic sales, so I've tried experimented with a lot of their products without much investment. I tried the cleanser, astringent, oxygenated lotion and acne kit, which are all fine, but honestly the 12% Glycolic Souffle words best for my breakouts, minimizing wrinkles and keeping skin smooth. Also really like the 14% serum and swipes for a fast pore tightening refresher before going out. http://www.neotericcosmetics.com/alpha-hydrox/products/new-generation.html Not sure if I can credit the Alpha stuff, but yesterday my daughter came home for spring break and told me I looked 29 (I'm 49), so I'm going to keep using it! :)

Hi Boomerang, I'm in NY. I saw Alpha hydrox at cvs and ulta. Thx.

That's great! CVS and Rite Aid don't carry it here, but I haven't looked at Ulta. Thanks for the tip.

I know it is crazy what can happen and I know the panic you feel. I believe that the treatment you are asking about is a topical lotion used for destroying cancer cells and includes using a blue or red light. My skin was super sensitive for about six months to topicals and sunlight after my IPL treatment. I believe the use for this for anything other than cancer may be off label use, not sure. Meaning there may not be a lot of studies on the results or side effects. You can go on website called Pubmed.com to investigate. Also ask a second doctor who can advise on your next step, how long you should wait, or maybe a plan B just in case. For sure the side effect can make your skin more sensitive to light even indoor lights. If you decide to go forward after all information is known have them do a test spot. I hope everything goes well we all understand your need to be proactive just make sure you don't jump into anything that might make worse. Please keep us informed as we all would like to find anything that can help. Wishing the best on the road to healing.

Jaguar333, I do eat lots organic fruits and veggies. Is this a 30 day cleanse or something you drink daily? Are you following something you read? Thanks

If you are in the UK, there is an excellent moisturizer by Dr. Organic called Manuka Honey Rescue Cream, one of the best moisturizers I ever used for my face. It's very moisturizing, has many organic, natural ingredients, and I believed was very healing for my skin: http://www.drorganic.co.uk/honey-products.asp There's also an arnica gel called Arniflora that is very good.

hey dahila, there is no dimissing that this is a real issue that providers refuse to acknowledge on consent forms, say it rarely happens, and that this damage is not caused by laser or ipl, or only happens in inexperienced hands...sigh. anyway, i wish you the best in your recovery. does the dr. provide dermaplanning for you? ive slowly been getting used to my skin, im almost at the point that i dont want to continue anymore treatments. its time consuming and draining, im less o edge leaving things alone. but thank you for reaching out and sharing your review, i hope people listen:)

Hi cveoleyva, sometimes I feel the exact same way you do.... and think about it. but I know that I cannot put what has happened to my face to rest. I just cannot accept it... and accepting it to me...would be giving up. In my area I have found a kind doctor and his kind rn who have been treating since semptember...with super mild treatments... so fare every 2 -3 weeks I have been doing the dermaplanning (to take off the debris) and mild chemical peels glycolic, lactic and so far only one vitalize peel. Slowly working my way up to a TCA blue peel...depending on the results we will decide exactly how many peels to do. im going to be getting 2 more vitalize peels with the superfical peels in between. And last if not least if Im still not happy my surgeon will perform a slight dermabrasion of my cheeks. One for my mild acne scars and my left cheek which is scared from the other doctor. Its really just a game and gamble to these so "called" professionals...they deny, and dont acknowledge when something is wrong. I recorded my doctor and on two different appointments completely contradicting himself. I am sueing...I recieved a letter from my attorney yesterday telling me he wants to proceed. I know I will never be the person I was before all of this. This has destroyed my life and my selfesteem. And until I found my recent doctor (who fixes other surgeons mistakes) I truly felt that it was nobody's problem but my own. I really wish you the best.... and one another we can always help each other...to vent, for ideas... for anything. We know what we are going through and can understand each others ups and downs. xoxoxoxox