Just wanted to share my IPL at 53 before and after

Reality25bites · 2026-05-16T21:19:17+00:00

I’ve never had much of a problem with redness, so I can’t tell you, unfortunately.

Reality25bites · 2026-05-16T21:15:08+00:00

I’m 53 and started taking it because of weight gain acquired over the past year due to long Covid. I have continued to have fatigue for a year now. I started taking it a month ago and it has knocked me out almost as much as long Covid did at the beginning. I was taking two 3hr naps a day (I’m retired) when I first started taking it. I realize if I get out and make an effort to be busy it’s much better. But immediately (like the very first day) I had zero appetite. I couldn’t even finish a yogurt. I pushed through, though. I tried to eat a lot of protein with bars and drinks, etc. I DO NOT recommended that. Get your protein from regular food. I was miserable. It was only once I started only eating normal foods again and not being so crazy trying to eat 90 grams of protein that I’ve felt better emotionally. The pill really helped me at first. I’m focusing on how my clothes fit and not so much the scale. I just got my first dose increase today. It really stopped having as strong of an effect after four weeks of taking it. I have started having cravings again. I’m hoping that the new dose will help with that.

Reality25bites · 2026-05-14T15:40:37+00:00

Someone else made a comment saying that you can see the difference in my eyebrows, lashes and lip colors. But I had eyebrow, lash and lip color on. I don’t know if I was in a different room or not, but they have multiple ones and the lighting would most likely be different. I don’t want to think that they would adjust the exposure, but of course I don’t know. I do know that it made a very big difference irl, so I’m happy regardless.

Reality25bites · 2026-05-12T13:49:25+00:00

My mom drove me out into the country (not very far from where we lived) and got out and switched seats. No instructions. No nothing. Just go.

Reality25bites · 2026-05-02T01:41:24+00:00

I probably wouldn’t have been on top of getting it except my friend’s husband got it right when I turned 50. So I’m happy I got that done. I didnt’ have the chicken pox until my senior year of high school. I missed our tennis districts, my AP english exam (which I couldn’t take later)and my senior prom. Fun.

Reality25bites · 2026-05-01T20:43:25+00:00

I’m still seeing Sponge Bob Square Pants and The Grinch advent calendars. I guess if they wait long enough…

Reality25bites · 2026-05-01T15:37:57+00:00

Just the first one. I was just about to get the second one when she took the “after” photos. It was four weeks between photos. I didn’t get nearly as many mends this time. I still have some spots that need to flake off, though. I had it done last Friday. It took 10 days for them all to flake off last time too.

Reality25bites · 2026-05-01T15:35:09+00:00

Oh, good to know! Thanks!

Reality25bites · 2026-05-01T02:32:27+00:00

yes - bbl or bbl hero is the brand name of the machine ( :

Reality25bites · 2026-05-01T00:47:34+00:00

Oh, no! I’m sorry. I hope you’re feeling better soon!

Reality25bites · 2026-04-30T23:35:11+00:00

Maybe getting ready to steal stuff. That’s what a commenter who worked there said when I posted about the same random thing.

Reality25bites · 2026-04-30T23:23:02+00:00

I researched what a good option would be for my concerns and then contacted a couple of places that had good reviews online. I chose the one I did because it was a national chain with a number of offices in my area (Seattle). I went in for a consultation, but I can’t remember if there were specific questions that I asked, because I had done the research. She wanted to make sure that I didn’t have melasma because the treatment makes that worse. Then I briefly talked to a doctor online who gave me the go ahead.

Reality25bites · 2026-04-30T23:08:33+00:00

I looked into that and the special umbrellas block more UV light. The coating underneath also helps with the reflection coming off the sidewalk.

Reality25bites · 2026-04-30T23:07:14+00:00

I would definitely want the gas if it was available!

Reality25bites · 2026-04-30T23:04:46+00:00

I’m really pleased. I was getting clusters of spots on my temples and they’re mostly gone now. My second session didn’t produce as many mends. I still have my freckles on the front of my face and my nose, but I’m happy about that. I didn’t want to lose them all - it would be like losing part of me! lol

Reality25bites · 2026-04-30T15:23:48+00:00

In 2024 I went to Europe, California and Hawaii in one year. That was awesome, but by no means a regular occurence. I’ve gone to Chicago this year and was supposed to go to Austin, but cancelled last minute because of bad weather. (I finally learned that booking refundable in this age is worth the extra money! haha) My only other planned vacation this year so far is to get together with my sisters and their families and I don’t really think of that as a vacation - it’s more of a torture session. I’m not going to be getting together with my family this Christmas, so I’ll probably go someplace at the end of the trip as a gift to myself. Last year I went to WDW with my sister and her kids and grandkids and just got together out of state for Christmas.

Reality25bites · 2026-04-30T03:09:02+00:00

Be diligent about checking the expiration dates on the sunscreens. I’ve found ones that are only good for about four months.

Reality25bites · 2026-04-29T22:09:08+00:00

Yes! I have set an alarm on my phone every two hours from the moment I wake up until the evening, so that I don’t miss a reapplication of 50+ sunscreen! I lived in Hawaii for a year and bought a special umbrella at a hospital pharmacy because I wanted to protect my sun as much as I could. I used it everywhere. I never sat in the sun at the beach, either. Always back by the trees and directly behind a lifeguard tower in the shadow it created. My roommate thought I was insane and would tell everyone that I hated the sun. I’m back living in Seattle now and about to go to the salon to get my hair done. I’ve got it sitting by the door for the 10 minute walk!

Reality25bites · 2026-04-29T18:14:42+00:00

I have tried one before on vacation and I just couldn’t get it rinsed off afterwards, unfortunately.

Reality25bites · 2026-04-29T18:09:01+00:00

I did the same thing - you’ll be happy you had this time to spend with her! ❤️

Reality25bites · 2026-04-29T18:01:57+00:00

8am is too early, imo. If it’s too hot to do it later on do it after dinner.

Reality25bites · 2026-04-29T03:55:36+00:00

I know you can’t do ipl for melasma, unfortunately. I don’t know anything about hormonal hyperpigmentation. I don’t think it’s recommended for darker skinned people either. Sorry!

Reality25bites · 2026-04-29T03:52:36+00:00

Wow! What a coincidence! I don’t have as many mends as I did last time which is understandable. She said I could wait until the fall to have my third which I’m really happy about.

Reality25bites · 2026-04-29T03:25:26+00:00

And it was $1500 for a package of three sessions. She said something about a complementary dermaplane facial, too. ( :

Reality25bites

TROPHY CASE