Decided to Try It...

I decided to try IPL after being frustrated with my discoloration after years of being careless with skin care and sun exposure. I have always had freckles but the large and dark sunspots really bothered me! I also have a little rosacea/redness in face which adds to my overall discoloration.

I researched for awhile and decided to book an appointment to receive IPL. I was very nervous as I have read HORROR stories and my biggest concern was getting burned really bad. However I felt like I booked my appointment in the right hands.

Appointment day consisted of receiving a numbing gel all over my face that sat for about 30-45 minutes. The gel was AWESOME. I didn't feel ANYTHING except when it did "long pulses" on the right side of my face. After 30-45 minutes of numbing the tech then added a cooling gel to my face and tapped my eyes. The doctor came in and talked to me before getting the machine ready.

The procedure itself took 15 minutes or so and there was nothing to it. The doctor told me where he was going each time. He did a round of "short pulses" and then another round of "long pulses". My face was incredibly numb so I didn't really feel anything EXCEPT for when he did "long pulses" on the right side of my face. For whatever reason that side was very sensitive. It wasn't too bad but definitely could feel it. I couldn't imagine getting this done without numbing!!!

Afterwards my face felt pretty hot. I was provided a cool wipe and the tech applied several things to my face. At the end, she applied sunscreen. She also gave me an aftercare kit of the "image" brand to use. It has a morning and night care for my face

No lie, when I looked in the mirror I was a bit horrified at my skin. It was REALLY red and dark!! Like the worst sunburn ever. My skin is still red and dark but not as bad as it was right after. I'll try to keep this updated so others can see my experience. I am hoping I have a good experience. But as with every procedure there's a big risk. I'll keep you posted.

The redness in my face significantly went down last night. However my spots have gotten significantly darker which was expected! The area under my eye that he zapped a few times is a little tender but not too bad. I hope the spot goes flakes off completely.

I'm a little worried as one of my spots flaked prematurely which I'm guessing was from the way I slept. It's a very tiny spot so I'm putting aquaphor on it to keep it moist. I'll defintely baby that part of my face. I don't want a scar!

The tech said no exercising yesterday but today (next day) would be ok. I think I'm going to hold off until tomorrow. My face gets red/irritated when I sweat so I don't want to irritate my face right now.

I can't wait to see what happens this week.. I hope my trouble spots faded away.

3 days post procedure and not really digging this. My skin is incredibly flaky (particularly under my left eye) and it looks very dirty. I also have a very tiny blister which I hope doesn't cause ANOTHER spot. I'm hoping things start to flake off sooner/fast. It's so hard not to pick the skin off...