I remember a particularly poignant moment during my formative teenage years when a bitch in my class peer said my cheeks glowed in the dark. I have, ever since, been abashed by my fluorescent complexion. The rosiness of my cheeks is accentuated when I’m embarrassed, which coincidentally, as the world’s most socially inept adult, is 90% of the time. Me at approximately 16 Over the past decade and a half I have tried every over the counter treatment to address my constant state of fluster. I’ve tried the green moisturisers of the world, I’ve tried the thickest of foundations, the mineralest of minerals and too many euro worth of creams. And while it used to play on my mind constantly, once I entered my mid twenties I decided to let go of my hang-ups and live my life, like the literal beacon of light that wench girl determined I was destined to be. Thats me there in the middle But then, when I came across IPL Skin Rejuvenation Treatment at The Fitzwilliam Private Clinic my curiosity was once more awakened. IPL or photorejuvenation is a non-invasive treatment that provides an effective way to correct and treat skin damage without disruption of the skin’s surface, producing younger and healthier looking skin. A hand held device delivers a broad spectrum of light onto the skin’s surface. The wavelengths of light penetrate deep into the skin tissue to stimulate the cells beneath the skin’s surface, and triggers the body's response to repair injured tissues and eliminate dead skin cells. It’s generally used to treat sun damage, ageing, broken veins and capillaries. It can also reduce the appearance of acne scars and redness. Hallelujah. During treatment So obviously I was a perfect candidate for the treatment. I’d had IPL before because I, like 90% of the Irish female population under 35, bought a Groupon for laser hair removal some years ago. My experience of IPL was tainted by the memories of the burning hair, the pain and the general discomfort of small talk with someone holding a laser in uncomfortable places. Evanna in The Fitzwilliam Private Clinic put me at ease straight away with a thorough consultation about the procedure, the expected effects and the aftercare. She also assured me that procedure would not hurt. Surprisingly it didn’t at all, except for slight areas around the jaw line. The treatment took less than half an hour but I was told the real results would appear in the following days when I was recovering. The dark spots on my skin, dark freckles caused by sun damage, would crust and begin to fade. https://youtu.be/QsvU3qm1xc8 I was expecting leprosy like scabs to crust and fall revealing a whole new glowing identity. That was not the case. Some spots crusted and faded but any noticeable scabs did not perturb me. I had moments of itchiness, but by in large, my skin took to the treatment without irritation and it really was completely non-evasive. In saying that, I only had one of three recommended treatments and it was said that if I returned the next session would be slightly more aggressive. My skin feels noticeably more relaxed, fresher and softer. The redness has not entirely subsided but it has eased and I’ve every confidence that continued treatment would almost eradicate the problem.   *Checks schedule for next available appointment* The Fitzwilliam Private Clinic offer a range of aesthetic treatments such as IPL, Viora Reaction, Laser Skin Resurfacing, Cryotherapy, micro-needling & Dermal Fillers. Their FemiLift Vaginal Rejuvenation and snoring treatments are designed to relieve those conditions that cause daily stresses for many women. For more information contact the Fitzwilliam Private Clinic at info@fitzwilliamprivateclinic.ie or (01)662 9908. Visit www.fitzwilliamprivateclinic.ie or facebook.com/FitzwilliamPrivateClinic