We’ve all done it. You are enjoying a luxurious beach vacation a little too much and forget to reapply sunscreen as often as you should. I’ve done this more times than I care to count, returning to the Midwest to discover sunspots (or fun spots!) on my cheeks once my beautiful tan faded. Over the course of the past year, I've been committed to caring for my skin, using medical-grade products to properly clean and moisturize. However, nothing got rid of the hyperpigmentation. I embarked on a search to find a solution – a cream somewhere between a Vitamin C serum and a skin bleaching product. It was through this research that I learned about intense pulsed light therapy (IPL), also known as photofacial.

IPL is a versatile treatment that can improve the color and texture of your skin without surgery. It can undo some of the visible damage caused by sun exposure to the face, hands, neck, and chest, including brown spots, broken capillaries, and rosacea. The energy stimulates collagen and elastin production, which often also helps improve and reduce fine lines and shrink enlarged pores. A bonus, right?

At first, I was skeptical, so I started by just spot treating specific areas. I quickly fell in love with the results and went full throttle on my entire face (after discussing it with Christy at Metro Medspa). I even had them zap a few freckles and moles to depigment those as well. Because, why not? I was blown away with the outcome. So much so that I called my best friend and told her to book an appointment immediately if not sooner (she has a TON of freckles). She did and her results were even more dramatic than mine. I’m talking mind blowing!

Inquiring minds might want to know…was it painful and what’s the healing process? Here’s the scoop:

Day one: Your face is just a little red (similar to the sunburn you got which caused the sun damage in the first place) * insert eyeroll here* but the cooling gel they apply after feels heavenly and your downtime is minimal.

Days two to four: You’re back to normal but impatient to see the results.

Day five: The brown spots darken as the pigment rises to the surface. They eventually fall off with gentle washing. Voila!

For most people, three treatments are the magic (and recommended) number. In fact, treatments are often sold in discounted packages of three. I was able to achieve the results I wanted in only two sessions. Pain level? For me, about a three and a half. It feels like tiny rubber bands snapping your face, not unlike getting your eyebrows threaded if you’re familiar with that. Overall, not an unpleasant experience for such great results.

Here are my results from just two sessions.

*Please note that when getting this photofacial, your skin cannot be recently exposed to the sun. For best results, get your treatments during the winter when your skin is in its most natural state.

Metro Medspa

12608 Lamplighter Square

St. Louis, MO 63128

Phone: (314) 842.5600

IG: @metromedspa

Photo Ready with a Photofacial