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Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) FAQs

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), intense pulsed light is a non-laser, high-intensity light that is used for various medical and cosmetic practices such as hair removal, alleviation of acne, photorejuvenation, etc.

What is the the difference between IPL and laser treatments?

Intense pulsed light and laser treatments work in a similar principle and have evolved significantly in the last two decades. In both technologies, light is absorbed in high pigmented areas such as dark spots, hair follicles, etc. However, the main difference between the techniques is the type of light involved. Intense pulsed light utilizes a broader spectrum wavelength to target a wider area of elements. On the other hand, laser treatment involves a single direct wavelength of light that targets specific areas.

What to expect during and after the procedure?

Intense pulsed light is performed anywhere on the body to achieve the desired results. First, the skin care specialist will clean the targeted area and apply a gel. The light pulses will then be applied using a hand-held device.

It may take between 20 to 30 minutes depending on the part of the body involved. For maximum results, hair removal may require between 6 to 12 treatments that should be spaced to allow healing.

What Conditions Can IPL Treatments Address?

Below are some of the conditions that can be treated using intense pulsed light technologies.

Sun and age spots
Moles
Lesion
Rosacea
Hair removal
Varicose veins
Freckles

Who is eligible for IPL Treatments?

IPL treatment for skin condition is mainly preferred for individuals with light skin types. Patients with darker or tanned skin types may are advised not to procure the therapy due to too much melanin. Also, those who are on medication that is sensitive to light should also avoid IPL treatment. Consult with your specialist to ascertain whether you qualify for the procedure.

To schedule a consultation, call or visit us at Urban Allure today! We are located in San Francisco, CA.

Learn How Dermalinfusion May be Right For You

Beautiful skin is highly important if you want to look your best at all times. Unfortunately, not everyone is born with great skin. Some people just have naturally oily or dry skin. This imperfect skin will also likely lead to blemishes, wrinkles or acne forming on the skin at some point. If you are one of the people dealing with these unsightly skin conditions on a daily basis, then all of your problems can easily be fixed by undergoing the Dermalinfusion skin resurfacing treatment at Urban Allure.

How It Works

Dermalinfusion works to restore the appearance of the skin by exfoliating the outer layers of the skin while also infusing a unique serum deep into your pores. All of this is done with the special handheld treatment device. The exfoliation process will remove all of the dead cells from the top layer of your skin. The serum will enhance the skin because it is infused with essential vitamins and antioxidants. The serum is custom made for every patient to handle your exact skin issues. This make Dermalinfusion an extremely versatile procedure that can help repair several different skin issues.

One of our medical professionals will thoroughly cleanse your skin shortly after you arrive for your Dermalinfusion treatment. The handheld device is then applied directly to the skin. It will use suction to exfoliate and remove the dead skin cells on the problematic areas of your face. The treatment device then infuses the custom serum into the skin. The entire procedure should only take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete for most patients.

What Happens After the Treatment

The treated areas of your skin may be red shortly after the procedure is finished, but it will return to normal after a few hours. The skin will look smoother and healthier once the redness disappears. There are no other side effects associated with this skin resurfacing treatment. This means that you can immediately go back to your normal life after leaving the treatment facility. It is best to avoid applying makeup for one day.

While you will notice positive results immediately after undergoing one Dermalinfusion treatment, multiple treatment sessions are needed to completely transform your skin. A series of three to six treatments will be recommended for most patients. The exact number will be determined based on the overall condition of your skin. These treatment sessions must be held two to four weeks apart. Once you finish the treatment plan, you will have the beautiful skin you always wished about having.

Contact Urban Allure today to schedule your consultation! We are conveniently located in San Francisco, CA.

The Rising Popularity of Laser Hair Removal

Getting rid of unwanted body hair is a problem that all people are presented with at some point in life. You could be a woman plagued with the problem of hair growth on your upper lip or chin. You could be a man with so much back hair that you hate taking your shirt off. You could even be a man or woman who likes to get rid of armpit hair to help control the amount of body odor you produce when you sweat. Whoever you are, unwanted body hair is a problem that leads countless people to shave, wax and employ chemical-based products to eliminate it. But, try as you might, the hair always seems to come back. The more you strip this hair from your body, the more the vicious cycle of regrowth continues. For more than two decades, people like you have been turning to a process known as laser hair removal to help them mitigate this common issue that virtually everyone faces.

This procedure has been so successful in removing body hair and keeping it off that the popularity of laser hair removal has steadily increased. The following are a few reasons why this cosmetic laser procedure is one of the most commonly requested laser procedures of our modern age.

You Will Save Time

Over the course of a lifetime, removing hair the old-fashioned way will rob you of countless hours that you would rather be spending doing other things. Before laser hair removal, eliminating unwanted body hair was an inconvenience that required regular upkeep. Often this meant that you would need to get up earlier in the morning to make sure that facial hair or hairy legs, for example, did not keep you from looking presentable throughout your daily routine.

After you start getting good results with laser hair removal, you may find that you can sleep in a little longer with your hair removal needs already taken care of in advance. Since laser hair removal impairs the hair follicles in your skin with photon energy from the laser, you will find that your hair will grow back thinner as more of these hair follicles are impaired. After more laser treatments, you will start to notice that hair grows back less frequently too. For so many people who now enjoy the exciting benefits of laser hair removal treatments, the need to deal with unwanted body hair is eventually reduced to a couple maintenance laser treatments each year to keep all that unwanted body hair regrowth at bay.

Great Results

If you are a professional, then you know how embarrassing it can be to have to go to work with razor inflicted scrapes, nicks and cuts on your face or legs. Alternatively, you might be trying to get the best-looking bikini line possible without those little bumps that are so annoying. With laser hair removal, what you get is silky-smooth, hair-free, flawless skin every time. With consistent results like that, is it any wonder why people everywhere are shelving their outdated hair removal products and heading out to get laser hair removal done instead?

If you are ready to join them, contact us today at Urban Allure and schedule your consultation in San Francisco, CA.

What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?

Light therapy is a relatively new form of treatment for skin rejuvenation. It’s a little similar to laser resurfacing, but there’s one big difference. Intense pulsed light, or IPL, doesn’t actually employ the use of a laser. The instrument used emits pulses of broadband light, and our experts calibrates the instrument to deliver just the right combination of wavelengths. This light energy doesn’t affect the epidermis. Instead, it targets darker tissues that lie beneath. The treatment is effective for improving the appearance of fine wrinkles, age spots, freckles, scarring, and other blemishes.

Because the treatment is considered minimally invasive, it has become quite popular over the past decade. The treatment is gentler than laser resurfacing, and there’s no downtime afterwards. Although several IPL treatment sessions are required in order to achieve the desired results, our clients certainly don’t complain. The results can be quite long-lasting.

How Broadband Light Affects Skin Tissue
As stated above, IPL therapy doesn’t involve removal of the epidermis. The idea is to leave the outer skin layer intact and instead focus on darker, pigmented areas of skin that show up as age spots, injury scars, and other forms of blemishes.

Most of the IPL devices in use today deliver pixilated beams of light. The beam is broken up into a multitude of thin shafts. As they leave the device, these streams of light interact with each other. The interference pattern that develops is within a specific range of the visible spectrum.

Why is this important? A certain combination of frequencies will result in a beam of energy that passes right through the epidermal layer. Only darker cells with pigment, also known as chromophores, absorb the energy. That’s exactly what the dermatologist wants, because heating up these tissues causes damage. The body will discard these damaged, darkened tissues in favor of new cell growth and development. Capillaries also absorb the light energy, and they constrict. This results in a lighter, more evenly toned skin layer.

During the Treatment
We outline the entire procedure during a consultation so that you won’t be in for any surprises. We protect the eyes from stray light beams by covering them with shades. The pulses from the IPL device are rapid in succession, and each pulse lasts for only about two milliseconds. After several pulses, we move the device to the next area of concern.

An entire region of the face can be treated in a relatively short amount of time. There’s no downtime after the first treatment, and follow-up treatments can be scheduled after consulting with our team of professionals.

Advantages and Benefits
Unlike traditional laser resurfacing, IPL doesn’t heat up and destroy any of the epidermal layer. This makes it suitable for all skin types. The instrument can be carefully calibrated to deliver light energy that passes through even the darkest of skin.

Get more information about how IPL treatments can improve your overall appearance. Contact Urban Allure, located conveniently in San Francisco, CA, to schedule your consultation today!

Why Use Medical-Grade Skin Care Products?

Medical-grade skin care products, also known as “cosmeceuticals,” contain prescription-strength ingredients. They provide countless benefits to what you’ll find over-the-counter at drug stores or even fancy department store counters. If you’re not familiar with this type of product, you may wonder if it’s worth the investment. Read below to discover why you should use medical-grade skin care products before making your decision.

FDA Approved

Any type of product that is designated as “medical grade” must pass the scrutiny of the FDA through double-bind and controlled trials. These products can’t be marketed without first being proven safe and effective. Over-the-counter products, on the other hand, are self-regulated by the cosmetics industry. There’s no consistent standard in place for their production.

Stronger Active Ingredients

The active ingredients in medical-grade products can be stronger than those sold over the counter because they are prescribed and monitored by a medical professional. These products contain higher levels of such ingredients as antioxidants, retinols, and peptides. Because of their clinical nature and strength, these skincare lines tend to provide more noticeable results than their counterparts sold in stores. Medical-grade skin care products can penetrate into the skin’s deeper layers, actually affecting the biological structure. This cannot always be said of over-the-counter brands.

Medical Recommendation

Because you must obtain these products from a medical professional, you receive customized advice regarding the regimen that’s right for you. Our professionals will examine your skin and recommend products that are suited to your skin’s type, tone and needs. This assessment is based on an in-depth knowledge of product lines. You can anticipate positive results from a product that is recommended specifically for you.

Better Value

Medical-grade products are able to better and more effectively penetrate the skin. Therefore, it usually takes less actual product to achieve the results you desire. You’ll get more uses out of a jar of medical-grade cream than one you buy over-the-counter, and that’s simply a better value. Also, you’ll save money by receiving a product that’s specifically suited to your needs, rather than experimenting with several different kinds, hoping to find one that works.

Preventive Care

By investing in professional products now, you’ll be taking much better care of your skin. In fact, you may be saving yourself further issues down the line, including expensive and time-consuming cosmetic procedures such as skin resurfacing or anti-aging treatments. Medical-grade skin care products can give you the anti-aging benefits and protection you need now to save you hassle later.

These are some of the top benefits of medical-grade skin care products. If you want to learn more about the products offered by Urban Allure, contact our office today to schedule a consultation!

Enjoying the Results of Facial Exfoliation

Facial exfoliation involves removing dead skin cells from the facial skin’s surface. Many people have included this important practice in their skin care regimen because they understand its importance. You can also enjoy exfoliating your skin regularly with professional treatments at Urban Allure in San Francisco, CA. Facial exfoliation provides the following benefits:

Prevents Breakouts

Clogged pores often trap bacteria that can be harmful to the skin. These bacteria can cause painful blemishes and other forms of skin inflammation. If you notice inflammation on your face, you should consider exfoliation. Facial exfoliation will help you eliminate oil and dirt from pores, preventing acne and breakouts.

Improves Texture

Our skin can feel rough or dry sometimes. To revive dry, dull skin, you’ll want to remove dead skin cells. Exfoliation will make your face smoother and more beautiful.

Hides Wrinkles

As you grow older, wrinkles may form on your face. Although you can hide wrinkles with makeup, you’d have to go through a lot of trouble to do so. You also must apply makeup on your face perfectly to avoid magnifying your facial wrinkles. Removing dead cells from your face will help make the wrinkles less obvious.

Resolves Pigmentation

Pigmentation refers to dark patches occurring on the skin. It’s often caused by hormonal changes, aging, and pregnancy. Getting rid of dark patches can help to enhance your appearance. Facial exfoliation breaks up pigmented cells, allowing them to fade. Moreover, it helps the skin to produce healthier cells.

Boosts the Effectiveness of Skin Care Products

Anti-aging creams, moisturizers, and spot treatments are less effective on dull, flaky skin. Facial exfoliation gets rid of debris that builds up on the surface of the skin over time, leaving a smooth, clean surface, which is more receptive to skin care products.

Getting Started with Facial Exfoliation

Whether you need facial exfoliation, infusion, and/or extraction, consider talking to the pros at Urban Allure in San Francisco, CA. Contact us today to book a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.

The Many Benefits of Chemical Peels

Acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles are common problems that are faced by most. Some people either learn to deal with these issues or they cover them up with makeup, but what if there was a way you could get rid of these problems altogether? Thanks to Urban Allure in San Francisco and chemical peels, this is now possible.

What are Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels are a skin resurfacing treatment used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck or hands by removing the top layers. The skin that grows back is smoother and younger-looking. This can be done in the comfort of our office as an outpatient procedure.

Chemical peels can be used to treat:

Acne scars
Aging skin
Freckles
Crow’s feet
Hyperpigmentation
Melasma
Scars
Sun-damaged skin
Wrinkles

How Does It Work?

A chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate and eventually reveal new skin layers. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.

What to Expect During the Treatment

When you arrive for your treatment, first your skin will be thoroughly cleaned and prepped to make sure the treated area is free from any oils. Then one or more solutions will be applied to areas of your skin to control the process. The solution is left on your skin for a set amount of time before it is removed and you are able to leave our office.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Ultimately, our skin care professional will let you know if a chemical peel is right for you. However, most people who are interested in these treatments qualify for them. Chemical peels are a perfect way to get rid of those crow’s feet that have been bothering you for years or those sunspots that seem to have appeared overnight. For more information, contact us today at Urban Allure in San Francisco and set up your initial consultation!

Reduce Unwanted Lines with BOTOX Cosmetic in San Francisco

When you are young and your skin looks fresh and healthy, looking at yourself in the mirror is an awesome thing. You are happy with the way that you look, and you are happy with the condition of your skin. Unfortunately, as a person gets older, things start to change. Smooth and healthy skin slowly morphs into skin that is old and full of wrinkles. In times past, the only options that were available for addressing unwanted wrinkling was surgery or ineffective topical creams. Now, San Francisco residents have the option of reducing unwanted lines with BOTOX Cosmetic.

This is a neural modulator. What this term means is that it modulates or controls the way that facial muscle nerves receive or send signals. When BOTOX Cosmetic is injected into an area, the nerves in that area are basically told to stop sending the signals that lead to muscle contractions. This means that while BOTOX Cosmetic is active, your facial muscles will not be making the movements that cause dynamic wrinkles.

This does not mean that BOTOX Cosmetic is going to give you a frozen face. To the contrary, people who have these treatments are able to express a wide range of emotions. What BOTOX Cosmetic does is control the intensity or the severity of muscle contractions.

Controlling muscle contractions is the key to eliminating dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are formed when your facial muscles contract, thereby folding your skin. Over time, the contracting motion of your facial muscles will cause your skin to fold to the point where the creases become permanent. The dynamic wrinkles will be visible on your face even when you are not making a facial expression.

BOTOX Cosmetic is a minimally-invasive treatment. It is administered via an injection. Most people are able to have the treatments without needing any form of anesthesia. The product produces little to no side effects. The vast majority of people are able to leave our office and go back to their everyday activities.

You can reduce unwanted lines with BOTOX Cosmetic. See for yourself how good you look and how great you feel as you recapture your youthful appearance. Contact us today at Urban Allure for a consultation in San Francisco!

Achieve Permanent Hair Reduction with Laser Hair Removal in San Francisco

Many find that shaving with a razor is frustrating, time-consuming, and does not always produce results that are satisfying. However, getting rid of unwanted hair in certain places is necessary. We invite you to consider a better solution. You could achieve permanent hair reduction with laser hair removal at our office in San Francisco.

While you have likely heard of laser hair removal, you may not be familiar with the way it works. When you visit us for a laser hair removal session, we are going to use a laser device that will direct energy at certain areas of your body where you have hair that you would like to have removed. The treatment is very quick. The area the size of a quarter can be treated in just seconds. The energy from the laser is absorbed by the pigmentation in your hair. As it is absorbed, the follicle becomes damaged. This means that it will not produce hair in the future.

It is good for our clients to know that they will need a series of separate treatment sessions in order to get permanent hair reduction. These treatments are spaced at least a couple of weeks apart in an effort to get the best results. Only the hair that is going through an active growth phase will be damaged during the laser treatment session. When multiple sessions are scheduled several weeks apart, this gives us the best chance of treating all of the hair in a particular area.

One misconception that people have about laser hair removal is that they have to let their hair grow out in between their treatment sessions. This has actually made some people in San Francisco quickly dismiss laser hair removal treatments when they think about spending months with unwanted hair growing on obvious parts of their body. However, you are actually encouraged to shave before your treatments with us. There is no embarrassing hair growth between sessions.

If you are not satisfied with the results that you are getting using a razor, waxing kits, or other temporary forms of hair removal, permanent hair reduction with laser hair removal may be the best option for you. Learn more by contacting us today at Urban Allure and scheduling a consultation at our office in San Francisco!

Rejuvenate Your Skin with IPL Treatment in San Francisco

Light energy can be used to improve the appearance of the facial skin. It’s not just lasers that can do the trick. A specialized instrument that pulses special light energy is now being employed as a means to stimulate healthy, collagen-rich skin. Known as intense pulsed light therapy, or IPL, this cosmetic treatment is one of the simplest yet most effective remedies for blotchy, discolored, blemished, or wrinkled facial skin. If any of this sparks your interest, you may want to consider IPL treatments at our office in San Francisco

What IPL Can Correct

IPL treatment works by using light energy that’s absorbed by darker, denser tissues including blemished skin, age spots, darkly scarred tissue, and capillaries. The absorbed energy causes the capillaries to shrink, and it also shrinks collagen. The body responds to this by accelerating the production of more collagen. This helps smooth out fine wrinkles, crow’s feet, and marionette lines, among other things. The procedure also results in less noticeable age spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation. It may even reduce the appearance of melasma, rosacea, liver spots, and freckles.

A Simple Procedure

The skin is coated with a thin layer of cooling gel. The lamp is pressed against the skin surface, and the brief pulse of light sends energy right through the epidermis without harming it. Each pulse lasts only a couple of milliseconds.

We usually schedule a series of treatment sessions at our office in San Francisco. There’s no downtime for the client, making this procedure preferable to more aggressive treatments.

Get Clearer, Better-Looking Skin

At Urban Allure in San Francisco, we serve the entire Bay area and are ready to answer all your questions regarding IPL skin rejuvenation. Contact us today to book a consultation and get started!