In general, photo rejuvenation is a technique by which intense pulsed light lasers (IPL) are used to correct some skin conditions as well as reverse some of the signs of aging, such as wrinkles. The procedure may be called IPL skin rejuvenation or photofacial rejuvenation, however the methods are one in the same. The way in which this procedure works is by producing controlled wounds on the skin’s surface and in turn, the body responds by producing new and healthy cells in order to repair itself. There are some side effects associated with an IPL photofacial, and some people find the procedure itself uncomfortable or even painful. Conversely, whole body cryotherapy for skin is associated with fewer side effects and less user discomfort while providing similar benefits to the skin including tone and complexion improvement.
One of the biggest risks to IPL skin rejuvenation therapy is the formation of hyperpigmentation, or dark spots. Interestingly enough, this is one of the major uses of photo rejuvenation, so having an exacerbation of these symptoms as a potential side effect is a concern for many people. Additionally, the after effects of IPL skin rejuvenation following treatment can be terribly uncomfortable, with many people feeling like they have an intense sunburn following the procedure. Studies have also shown that there is potential for even further skin damage deep below the surface that goes entirely unseen. In some cases, damage to DNA in the affected areas and even untreated surrounding tissues has been observed. The long term effects of this damage are unknown and more study is needed in this regard.
Conversely, the benefits to skin from the use of a cryosauna have not been shown to exhibit long term damage – quite the inverse in fact. Cryotherapy results for skin conditions have been well documented, and people with problem acne, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and eczema have received amazing results with cold therapy treatments. Whole body cryotherapy treatments may sound just as out of this world as the intense laser therapies used in IPL skin rejuvenation, and interestingly enough the core ways in which these treatments work are actually similar, although end results may be markedly different. IPL skin rejuvenation and photo rejuvenation work to prompt the body’s healing mechanisms, and cryotherapy does as well. By cooling the exterior of the skin’s surface, cryotherapy tricks the body into thinking that it’s healing and response defenses need to go into overdrive. It’s for this reason that the benefits of cryotherapy for natural pain relief are so celebrated. The process actually prompts the entire body to heal itself. The most commonly reported side effects resulting from the use of cryotherapy whole body chambers are headaches and a cold sensation, however these are not experienced by everyone. In fact, many people leave cold saunas feeling rejuvenated, revived and full of energy.
Cryotherapy has become popular in many parts of the world like Japan and Australia, and it’s becoming as popular in Canada as skin tightening Toronto based clinics. It’s used regularly by professional and semi professional athletes for muscle sports injuries and to improve recovery time, and the same pain relief benefits explored by these physical powerhouses make the therapy a long practiced tool for treating arthritis, unlike IPL skin rejuvenation, which offers no further benefit to the body aside from the potential for skin improvement.
Although IPL skin rejuvenation has become more mainstream, there is little known about the potentially long term side effects that may result from the treatment. And, even though the treatment was featured as a part of Dr. Oz Anti-Aging products, that doesn’t necessarily make it safe for everyone. Alternative therapies are often less well researched than their medical mainstream counterparts, and it’s important that potential users learn as much as possible about any that they are exploring before determining the best for them. Both IPL skin rejuvenation and cryotherapy can provide many benefits to the skin and help to improve its overall look, however only one provides additional benefit to the entire body as well as the skin and has been associated with both less discomfort and fewer side effects in most users.