IPL treatments vary for every individual based on their pain threshold; most describe it as mild discomfort similar to being flicked with a rubber band. Some estheticians will even apply an anaesthetic cream prior to your session for extra comfort.
Results of IPL treatments will depend on each individual; typically though, they fade freckles and spots while clearing away broken blood vessels. Furthermore, these treatments destroy hair follicles to stop further hair growth.
It’s not painful
While both IPL and laser light energy target pigmented areas such as age spots, broken capillaries, freckles and hair follicles, their methods differ significantly. IPL machines produce wide spectrum wavelengths that resemble flashing flashlights; this light penetrates skin where melanin deposits exist to absorb it before heating and destroying its source follicle ensuring no new hairs grow back into that space.
During a treatment you will experience some level of discomfort; this will depend on both your pain threshold and area being treated. Topical anaesthetic may be applied to help minimize discomfort during treatments; an esthetician might even have a cooling system in place which actively cools down skin during sessions and significantly lessens discomfort levels during this aspect of care.
IPL treatments vary depending on your hair type and colour as well as skin’s ability to absorb light. Since it only targets anagen growth phase hairs, six-12 sessions may be required before results become evident; some hair may continue to grow while most will eventually fall out.
Redness and broken blood vessels can also be treated effectively with IPL; typically one to three treatments should do the trick. It is important to keep in mind, though, that some broken vessels may recur – especially if your family history includes any vascular conditions – so be prepared.
Book an appointment with a skin specialist. They’ll assess your skin, hair and personal needs to develop an individualized treatment plan that’s customized to meet them.
IPL can offer immediate results to those seeking instantaneous change, offering significant improvements in fine lines and wrinkles, blemishes and sun damage. Furthermore, it can decrease pores size while decreasing excess oil production to help clear acne.
It’s not invasive
IPL treatments use light therapy to target pigment and hair cells. As the light enters the skin and absorbs these structures, heat is produced which then destroys unwanted pigment to clear away freckles or sun spots, or kills off hair cells to stop further hair growth. Thus making IPL noninvasive but may still result in redness and swelling after treatment has taken place.
However, this is only temporary and should pass within hours. Additionally, moisturizing after treatment to help it heal faster is recommended; specifically EltaMD Moisturizer or Laser Balm may help.
Both IPL and laser devices can have advantages depending on the circumstances surrounding you. IPL machines can target a wider spectrum of wavelengths than laser devices, which enables them to treat larger areas more intensively. Conversely, laser devices may be preferable for people with darker skin tones since laser light more easily illuminates hair follicles while simultaneously avoiding unwanted patches of skin.
IPL treatment is less invasive than laser, as it does not destroy the surface of the skin, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin. Results typically take four weeks after starting treatments – to find out if IPL is right for you, schedule a consultation with an experienced esthetician.
While not as quick and painless as laser hair removal, IPL offers safe and effective alternative hair reduction for many people. It provides permanent reduction of facial and body hair.
Permanent hair removal typically requires multiple sessions over an 4-6 week timeframe depending on factors like natural color, coarseness and growth cycle of individual follicles. Most people can achieve silky smooth results after six or more treatments spread evenly apart.
The treatment may be somewhat uncomfortable depending on your skin type and pain threshold; some people describe it as feeling similar to having their tattoo applied, or like tiny rubber bands are flicking against their skin. There are ways you can minimize discomfort before your appointment by applying numbing cream or topical anesthetics before their scheduled time slot.
It’s not permanent
IPL is a safe and effective treatment, though not permanent. In an IPL session, the polychromatic light and low-range infrared radiation absorb pigment in skin or hair cells to convert into heat energy that destroys them – however new hair may still grow from other follicles in the area despite being treated cells no longer producing hair production. Thus, while IPL cannot completely stop unwanted hair growth it can still help in controlling growth as well as reduce scarring or dark spots in its area of application.
IPL machines use filters to reduce the amount of light that is emitted and are capable of treating various skin conditions. However, certain activities will diminish its effectiveness; for instance, staying outside during sunlight exposure before your IPL treatment could increase melanin levels in hair or skin and limit its effectiveness.
One thing that may impede the effectiveness of IPL treatment is frequency of sessions. Most individuals require four to six treatments over several weeks or months in order to experience maximum effectiveness due to how the light targets hair follicles; its effectiveness only appears during their Anagen growth phase.
IPL technology can also be used for more than hair removal; it can treat redness, brown spots, broken capillaries and acne-causing bacteria from the skin. Unlike lasers, IPL treatments are non-invasive and do not produce burning or blistering sensations; however, the discomfort experienced during an IPL session has been described as feeling similar to having an elastic band snap against one’s skin; Coolants or anaesthetic creams may help alleviate some discomfort experienced.
Importantly, IPL should not be seen as a permanent solution to unwanted hair. Although most hair will eventually regrow, its growth should typically be lighter and finer. If you want permanent relief from unwanted hair growth, other options such as lasers or waxing might be better options for you.
It’s not expensive
IPL may offer an effective alternative to shaving, plucking and waxing that’s less costly and easier on your wallet than laser hair removal – as well as being performed from home! Although IPL treatments may cause discomfort to some individuals depending on its intensity level; most find IPL treatments far less painful than laser ones.
Light energy is used to target specific pigmented areas of the skin and destroy unwanted hair follicles, while simultaneously targeting freckles and spots on freckled areas of your body, while simultaneously disabling hair follicles that continue growing unchecked. For permanent hair reduction, 6-12 treatments should be sufficient.
At an IPL treatment, skin is cleansed and protected with a gel before being subject to light energy from a handheld device. Individual experiences vary, though many describe it as feeling similar to someone snapping rubber bands against their skin. To reduce discomfort during treatment, most estheticians offer numbing cream before beginning.
Your treated area may take on a red or pink glow after treatment, which should last between 4-6 hours and feel similar to sunburn; during this time you can soothe any discomfort with cool cloth or an ice pack. Some individuals may experience some minor scabbing after the procedure but this should subside over time.
When purchasing an IPL device for in-home use, make sure you read reviews and compare prices before making your selection. There are numerous choices on the market and some might be better than others – before making your decision, always check warranty and return policies as well as warranties and return policies before finalizing a deal.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy can be an effective and safe solution to unwanted hair, pigmented spots and other skin concerns. While not recommended for pregnant women or those on blood thinners, most other patients can safely undergo IPL treatments; always consult your physician first if considering IPL as a possible treatment option.
IPL hair-removal solutions are not the only available, and we are all familiar with its downsides such as shaving, waxing and plucking. But with IPL offering long-term relief with just three simple steps at home you could use it instead to achieve faster hair removal results.
