IPL and laser hair removal are both excellent ways to achieve permanent hair reduction, but should only be performed by professionals.
Before beginning treatment, sunbathing or tanning will compromise its efficacy. Shaving is also to be avoided as this removes pigment essential for activating and dissolving hair follicles.
What is IPL?
Laser hair removal is one of the most permanent methods for eliminating unwanted body hair. A laser light targets melanin in your skin to disable hair follicles, thus preventing them from growing new hair follicles. This treatment may eliminate waxing or shaving as well as reduce irritation from these forms of removal; additionally it may reduce age spots, freckles, rosacea, broken capillaries and other skin conditions that arise over time.
At each laser hair removal session, your technician will apply protective gel and use a handheld device with pulses of light that emit quick pulses of light to press against the area being treated. This may cause an uncomfortable stinging or burning sensation; to mitigate discomfort before your appointment you may wish to use a numbing cream prior to beginning; some patients describe it as feeling like tiny rubber bands snapping against their skin.
Select a practitioner with experience and certification in laser hair removal, who meets set standards of training, skill, and insurance coverage – this ensures they can perform the procedure safely and effectively.
Preparing for laser hair removal requires taking certain precautions to maximize results, including refraining from tanning prior to treatment and shaving the area being addressed. Furthermore, other forms of hair removal, including plucking and waxing should also be put aside until six weeks prior to your appointment – this allows the laser light to target melanin-rich follicles more effectively.
Most people find laser hair removal effective for treating unwanted facial and body hair, although multiple sessions may be needed to achieve complete removal or desired results. Therefore, it is crucial that regular sessions with an experienced laser technician be scheduled.
How do IPL and laser hair removal work?
IPL hair removal offers an alternative to traditional methods. It uses light energy to target melanin within hair follicles and shafts; when hit by light energy, this melanin absorbs and converts it to heat energy, ultimately damaging and ultimately destroying hair follicles and thus stopping future hair growth.
After just a few treatments, you should notice a dramatic decrease in hair growth – though results vary by individual. Your doctor will use a hand-held laser instrument on the skin while applying cooling devices or cool gel as needed depending on which laser type has been selected – these measures should ensure maximum comfort for you during and post-treatment.
Procedure is generally pain-free; its sensation is comparable to an elastic band flick or spatter of hot oil. A technician will likely move the laser over your entire target area of hair removal; usually this only takes minutes of laser use but multiple sessions may be required in order to achieve optimal results.
Before your IPL treatment, it is recommended to refrain from tanning and other hair removal methods in the area you intend to treat for at least six weeks, using broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen when outside in direct sunlight. Keep in mind that IPL targets active hair follicles; thus you may still produce hair in these treated areas, though its growth should be much thinner and finer than usual.
When considering IPL or laser hair removal, be sure to select a reputable clinic with highly trained technicians. Otherwise, improper training could result in burns or scarring; additionally, only undergo this form of hair removal with licensed physicians who specialize in treating different skin types.
What is the difference between IPL and laser hair removal?
Unwanted hair growth can be an everyday nuisance for both men and women alike. While both laser and IPL treatments can reduce it effectively, choosing the appropriate option depends on your skin tone and type. Both treatments use light therapy to disable melanin in hair follicles to effectively inhibit new growth while stopping future regrowth.
IPL and laser offer permanent results as long as you continue top-up treatments between sessions, though one has more effective results due to being less abrasive than the other. While IPL may be better for darker tones due to being less abrasive than laser, the latter generally lends itself better for lighter shades due to having a higher energy output which may cause some discomfort for people with darker complexions.
IPL technology can treat various conditions including vascular lesions and brown spots, while lasers exclusively target hair removal. Furthermore, IPL devices are more portable and available for home use while laser treatments require bulkier equipment that must be carried out by trained professionals in a clinic setting.
IPL technology can also treat larger areas than lasers do because its scattered light targets hair follicles more broadly, making treatment faster and simpler – though increasing risk to surrounding skin in some instances. Lasers offer more targeted treatment, potentially leading to less discomfort but taking longer recovery periods.
Both IPL and laser treatments can be used on the face, arms, legs, bikini line, and back to reduce unwanted hair growth. While both treatments offer effective hair removal solutions for less cost than laser, IPL treatment typically is considered more cost-effective due to requiring less sessions than laser for similar results – particularly if opting for membership schemes that provide discounted IPL appointments.
Can I do IPL and laser hair removal at the same time?
IPL (intense pulsed light) is a non-invasive procedure that employs high intensity flashes of light to target melanin in hair follicles and stop them from growing hair. Additionally, this treatment can reduce skin pigmentation including freckles and birthmarks; multiple sessions may be required before patients see results, though most experience improvement after only three or seven sessions.
Before treatment begins, the area is thoroughly cleansed and some patients receive numbing cream to numb any sensitive areas. A technician then holds the device against your skin and you’ll hear a faint click as light pulses are sent into your skin – some compare this sensation to that of an elastic band snapping against their skin. You may experience redness or swelling after your session but should return within hours.
If you opt for IPL treatments, make sure they are administered by a certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. Be particularly wary of spas and salons which allow nonmedical staff members to administer laser treatments.
An IPL specialist has the skill and knowledge necessary to adjust settings on their machine so they are safe for your skin type, hair colour and density. Furthermore, they will recommend an appropriate treatment plan which will produce optimal results for you.
IPL may be used in combination with other treatments such as microdermabrasion to diminish age spots and darkened patches on skin, fade scars and fine lines, and prevent future aging processes; however, it does not prevent future aging or treat preexisting conditions.
Shaving, waxing or plucking prior to IPL treatments may reduce their efficacy as the light must penetrate follicles during their growth phase for effective targeting and destruction. By performing any of these actions before, the light won’t reach all follicles at the right moment and cause unnecessary side effects.
Both IPL and laser treatments may cause some temporary side effects, including redness, swelling and itching. You should take the advice of your dermatologist regarding sun exposure after receiving these treatments and wear a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen whenever going outside.
