Abstract: A skin cooling method for a dermatologic treatment procedure, by which a skin target region is exposed for a specified duration to irradiation with electromagnetic energy emitted from an electromagnetic energy exit opening of a skin treatment applicator and the target region is cooled at least during part of the duration of the exposure to electromagnetic energy irradiation, wherein a cooling procedure is performed including an air cooling step comprising ejection of a directional flow of cooling air towards the skin treatment region, said directional cooling air flow having a temperature T in the interval 0° C.<T?15° C. In an apparatus according to the invention this method may be combined with one or more contact cooling steps.

Abstract: Apparatus for therapeutic or cosmetic photo-treatment comprises a flash lamp and a lamp operating circuit. The lamp is cooled by water in contact with the lamp which acts as an infra-red filter to reduce skin burning. Light from the lamp reaches the skin through a light guide which has a convex curved end to focus the light and to press away haemoglobin in the target area or has a concave end to reduce pressure on the skin depending on the desired treatment. Relatively long and low power square shaped power pulses drive the lamp to produce light output pulses adapted to the relaxation time of the target structure to maximize the heating of the target while minimizing heating of the skin surface. Target structures may be blood vessels or hair follicles. Automatic detection of a glass filter may be provided.