Is Ipl Better Than Laser For Hair Removal

What About Hair Removal? Does Ipl Work Better Than Laser? It can be expensive, annoying, and time-consuming. Because of this, intense pulsed light (IPL) has exploded in popularity as a means of permanently reducing hair. Melanin is what makes IPL work on your hair follicles. The illumination occurs in intense, brief spurts. The energy of the light will stimulate and kill your hair follicles, breaking the hair growth cycle.

The laser is focused on the skin’s dark pigment to destroy it without hurting the surrounding tissue in laser hair removal. A laser treatment can cure a wider area of skin at once and is more effective than Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments, although laser treatments can be more expensive (up to 9 square inches). Although laser treatments are successful, they often take multiple visits over a lengthy period of time and can cause some discomfort.

Most clients may expect to receive optimal outcomes of permanent hair removal of 80% or greater after four to eight treatments with laser technology, which is simply much more effective and provides much better results than IPL. Yet, IPL equipment do serve a useful purpose in skin care. Read on to learn more on ipl hair removal benefits and ipl vs laser for pigmentation.

Is Ipl Better Than Laser For Hair Removal

• Laser is monochromatic meaning that the light emitted from a laser is of one wavelength (colour). In contrast, ordinary white light is a combination of many different wavelengths (colours).
• Laser is coherent, meaning the light is totally reinforcing and does not cancel itself out. The coherent light produced by a laser differs from ordinary light in that it is made up of waves all of the same wavelength and all in phase (i.e., in step with each other) – ordinary light contains many different wavelengths and phase relations.
• Laser is “collimated” meaning the light waves are parallel. This makes laser light very powerful, as nearly 100% of the light can be effective in the treatment of hair reduction.

Lasers utilise one wavelength to selectively target one specific chromophore, which is melanin. This allows for deeper penetration and the energy is directed straight to the target and not absorbed by the other chromophores in the path of the beam. Lasers will selectively destroy specific targets and not cause harm to the surrounding tissue when used properly. Laser machines are set to emit the exact wavelength required to treat your hair.

Intense pulse light (IPL)

IPL devices on the other hand are not lasers. These devices produce a broad spectrum of wavelengths (like a light bulb) and cannot be focused to a concentrated beam. Because a range of different wavelengths is dispersed at a variety of depths only some of these are effectively absorbed by the hair follicle, causing substandard results and increasing the risk of burns.

• Intense pulsed light (IPL) is not monochromatic, meaning that IPL has many different colours and only a small percentage of these are effective in the treatment of hair reduction.
• IPL is not coherent and is not reinforcing making it less effective in the treatment of hair reduction.
• IPL is not collimated and is therefore quick to spread out making it less effective in the treatment of hair reduction.

Intense pulsed light – not so intense…

IPL machines typically use a range of wavelengths from 500 – 1000 nm. As these wavelengths are exposed to the skin, there is no ability for the light to discriminate between chromophores within the skin. Due to the broad spectrum of light, obtaining sufficient energy to destroy certain deep targets such as hair is often challenging.Smaller moresuperficial targets such as pigment and vascular legions absorb the majority of the energy. In order to heat deeper targets, higher energy levels need to be employed, but this increases the risk of burns and various complications. These adverse effects include hyper-pigmentation, hypo-pigmentation, blistering, and potentially scarring.

The advantages of using laser over IPL:

• IPL is a cheaper, less effective technology for reducing body hair.
• Lasers are far more precise and can selectively target dark, coarse hair while leaving the surrounding areas undamaged.
• Each laser pulse takes a fraction of a second and can treat several hairs at a time.
• Laser settings can be adjusted to suit your specific skin tone and hair colour.
• Lasers have the capability to safely treat all skin colours, whereas IPLs can cause burn on darker skin types.

The main difference between laser and IPL for hair removal lies in the technology that each use to generate light as well as the different properties of light being used. You can read more about this on our laser hair removal page

Laser technology is simply much more effective, and achieves substantially better results than IPL with most clients achieving optimal results of permanent hair removal of 80% or greater after four to eight treatments.

However, IPL machines do have an important place in the treatment of skin. IPL provides adequate treatment for skin problems such as superficial pigmentation, redness, and capillaries, but it is not suited for hair removal. In addition, these devices are not suitable for darker skin. To find out more about laser and treating darker skin types, click here.

How can we help you?

We offer only the safest, most effective treatment options for laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation. Why choose us?

• We only use medical-grade lasers.
• All of our therapists are qualified and laser safety certified.
• We are “Candela Certified”, ensuring maximum safety and results with our laser devices.
• We are Victoria’s most experienced clinic, having founded in 2005.
• We treat at the correct intervals (i.e every 4 weeks on the face and every 8 weeks for the body) Click here to read more about this very important factor

Unparalleled service and innovative treatment options mean that effective laser hair removal treatments are now available to everyone.

Ipl Hair Removal Benefits

IPL Hair Removal permanently reduces your hair regrowth. It’s advised to keep up with a maintenance treatment about once a year to keep a great result. IPL Hair Removal can permanently prevent ingrown hairs. The IPL prevents hair growth at the follicle so you won’t need to worry about ingrown hairs again.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses a broad spectrum of light filters to target the dark pigments of your unwanted hair and destroy it at the root. If you think about how dark clothing absorbs heat on a hot, sunny day and how light clothing reflects it, that will give you a better understanding of how IPL works. Basically, the light is absorbed by the dark pigment of the hair, turns into heat and damages the growing cells that make up the hair. The hair then begins to shed. With continued IPL hair removal treatment this will inhibit the hair from growing altogether.

Now you have a better understanding of IPL for hair removal, let’s take a look at some of it’s key benefits…

BENEFITS OF IPL

It won’t hurt!

Find other methods of hair removal, like epilating and waxing uncomfortable? You’ll be pleased to hear that Intense Pulsed Light hair removal is practically pain-free! The treated area may look slightly red and feel a little tender immediately after but this is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. The treated hairs will begin to shed within a week or so and you won’t feel a thing!

Completely safe

IPL is clinically-proven to offer safe and effective long-term hair removal results on the face and body. I am a fully trained, experienced and skilled IPL practitioner, with extensive knowledge of the system I use, so you can be rest assured you’re in good hands. I offer Intense Pulsed Light treatments on the following areas:

• Forehead
• Between brows
• Cheeks
• Sides of face
• Upper lip
• Chin
• Neck
• Shoulders
• Back
• Decolletage
• Chest
• Abdomen
• Nipples
• Bikini area
• Buttocks
• Hands
• Fingers
• Arms
• Legs
• Feet
• Toes

Quick and convenient

The time it takes to complete an IPL session will depend on the area of your unwanted hair, however most appointments take around 30 minutes. It’s quick, convenient and it’ll save you time carrying out other hair removal tasks at home.

Reduces hair growth

Intense Pulsed Light removes the hair directly from the root, this means there is much less chance of regrowth. It offers a much more permanent form of hair reduction, compared to razors and creams.

Over time, with continued IPL treatments, you should see permanently reduced hair growth.

Suitable for almost every skin type

The IPL system I use is proven to work on almost every skin type, apart from dark toned skin. There is a need for there to be a strong contrast between the melanin in the skin and the targeted hair follicles. With darker skin tones, there is a danger of the light being absorbed by melanin in the skin, in addition to the hair follicle.

To check your skin is suitable, I’ll need to get you in for a full consultation and patch test. This costs £15 but is fully refundable against your first IPL hair removal treatment.

NEW IPL OFFER

Like the sound of what my IPL hair removal treatments? Book a consultation today! What’s more, if you recommend a friend, who then goes on to book a course of 4, 6 or 8 body sessions, you’ll both receive £50 credit to spend on a treatment or products at the salon!

IPL MEDICAL THERAPIES

As well as being an effective form of permanent hair removal, IPL can also be used for non-invasive medical therapies. Here at the salon, I use a medically certified Intense Pulsed Light system to treat several skin issues including redness, blemishes, brown spots, scarring, vascular lesions and acne. IPL medical therapy is suitable for all skin types and treatments can be tailored to deliver the results you desire.

Women with PCOS have to deal with a range of distressing symptoms including excessive facial and body hair (hirsutism) throughout their lives. Hirsutism is usually treated with anti-androgen medications and oral contraceptives. Long-lasting hair removal methods, such as electrolysis and laser therapy, have shown promising results when combined with hormonal treatments. But, do they work for everyone?

Permanent Hair Removal for Hirsutism 

Hirsutism is a common clinical condition affecting women of all ages.¹ It is characterized by excessive hair growth appearing in a male-type pattern.² Affected women, especially young women, may experience a large psychological burden and an impact on their social life.³ Most women seek treatment mainly for cosmetic reasons, because excess facial hair outside of cultural norms can be very embarrassing.

Why does PCOS cause Hirsutism?

Hirsutism is not a disorder, but a symptom of an underlying medical condition. The majority of women with hirsutism may have PCOS.⁴ If you have been diagnosed with PCOS, your ovaries are producing excessive amounts of androgens, such as testosterone (which is also called hyperandrogenism). However, testosterone per se is not directly responsible for the formation of unwanted hair growth but rather its more powerful byproduct called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).⁵

Can Hirsutism Be Cured Permanently?

Hirsutism can be treated by addressing the root cause of the condition. However, not all causes of hirsutism are reversible. Some women with unwanted facial or body hair have no identifiable cause (idiopathic): their androgen levels are normal; their menstrual cycles are normal; their ovaries appear normal on ultrasound.⁶ Fortunately, most women with unexplained hirsutism have mild symptoms, which can be treated with a variety of hair removal techniques. 

With regards to PCOS, one type of treatment may not be enough. Medications, on their own, may not make the hair go away completely, but will stop it from getting worse. Mechanical hair removal methods like waxing, laser epilation, and electrolysis will further enhance the effects of hormone therapy. 

How does Electrolysis work?

Electrolysis is a common hair removal technique that uses electrical pulses to target the root of the hair in order to permanently destroy each hair follicle and prevent regrowth. This method works best when treating small areas, although larger areas such as the legs or back may be treated with multiple sessions over time.⁷

There are two types of electrolysis based on the electrical current used: high-frequency (thermolysis), direct (galvanic), or a combination of the two (blend). Galvanic is the oldest and most widely used method of the two because of its high success rate and safety profile.

Effectiveness 

Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method approved by the FDA⁸, but its success depends on the skill of the operator. Regulation of the process varies from state to state.⁹ In contrast with laser techniques, electrolysis is expensive and more time consuming because it treats each individual hair. 

Electrolysis can be performed in all types of hair, but studies show that it is most effective on hair in the active or growing phase (anagen)^10,11, as this stage is where the newly formed hair starts to grow. Hairs treated in the resting phase (telogen) tend to regrow. You may be advised to shave 1-3 days prior to treatment.

Side Effects

Post-treatment side effects, which include redness around the treated area, pain, and swelling, are generally temporary. Scarring, depigmentation of skin, burns, and keloid formation in susceptible patients are possible. Make sure to check in with a healthcare professional about side effects you’re concerned about.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser-assisted hair removal is a generally safe and effective technique for women who desire a long-term reduction of hair growth. It works by focusing a beam of light to induce selective damage to hair follicles. This technique produces a gradual but permanent reduction of hair regrowth and can be used in larger areas of the body. 

It works best on light skin and black coarse hair.¹² This is because light hair with very little to no dark pigments do not absorb sufficient light photons emitted by the laser, so it’s impossible to completely destroy them.  

Effectiveness

While electrolysis has been approved as a “permanent hair removal” method, laser epilation is classified as a “permanent hair reduction” technique. Providers should inform their patients that it will require 8-12 sessions plus maintenance treatment every 6-12 months to provide satisfactory hair removal. 

With laser treatment, finer and lighter hair often remain after treatment. In many patients, the treatment may be ongoing. Still, laser treatment has surpassed electrolysis because it’s effective, fast, and relatively less painful. 

Side Effects

The most common side effects of laser epilation are swelling and redness, which typically resolve within 24 hours. The procedure itself can be slightly painful but an anesthetic cream can be applied in advance. Hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation may also occur depending on your skin color. If you’re concerned about any side effects of the laser treatment, make sure to check in with a healthcare professional.

Specialized hair removal techniques have high success rates but they must be combined with treatment of excess androgens. Both electrolysis and laser hair removal work for women with PCOS, but it’s important to manage your expectations. While some patients reported a growth delay of 2-6 months after just one treatment, most will need multiple sessions to achieve permanent hair reduction.

Note that hair can still grow even when many old hair follicles have been destroyed. Because hair grows in three different stages and your hair is not all in the same stage at the same time, destroying all follicles in a few sessions is unlikely. But when used in combination with other treatment options and tailored to the person, many will achieve satisfactory results.

Ipl Vs Laser For Pigmentation

As explained above, lasers can target very specific areas in the skin, effectively breaking down the pigmentation below the surface. IPL cannot be focused in such a way, and is usually recommended for other skin treatments, such as hair removal.

Intense pulse light versus the pure light source of lasers

You would be forgiven for thinking IPL (Intense Pulsed Light therapy) is the same as other lasers. But, it’s actually quite different. In fact, every skin care laser is unique, with specific technology used to target a wide variety of skin concerns.

Pigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns. Pigmentation is caused by an increase in melanin, and melanin production increases when you spend time in the sun. It can also be influenced by hormonal changes, age, inflammation, and skin injuries.‍

At Victorian Dermal Group, we use a range of technologies to target pigmentation in the skin. Book an initial consultation with us to find out more about the different treatment solutions we offer.‍

Difference between IPL and laser for face

IPL and lasers are used for different purposes. A dermal clinician will recommend either one based on things like:

• Your skin concern
• The sensitivity of your skin
• Lifestyle factors
• Medication you may be taking which can interfere with the treatment

Lasers

Lasers use a special type of light with three characteristics that identify it as the brightest, most powerful light available. Laser light is monochromatic (one colour) which means it is almost 100 per cent one pure colour. Using a pure light source like this delivers laser energy to a precise location and structure which minimises damage to surrounding tissue.

In summary:

• It’s highly precise
• Virtually pain-free
• Highly effective

IPL

Intense pulse light (IPL) is NOT monochromatic. IPL has many different colours which subjects the skin to a wide range of light energies. The unpredictability of intense pulsed light systems can expose patients to unnecessary and ineffective wavelengths, resulting in a higher rate of complications and offer overall inferior outcomes when compared to laser light.

In summary:

• IPL is a gentle alternative to laser energy
• Requires less downtime as a result
• Can treat large surface areas

Difference between IPL and laser for pigmentation

Lasers have a well-earned reputation of precision and power and are proven and established in cosmetic dermatology. Laser stands alone as an effective treatment for hair reduction, vascular treatments, pigmentation and non-invasive skin tightening.

As explained above, lasers can target very specific areas in the skin, effectively breaking down the pigmentation below the surface. IPL cannot be focused in such a way, and is usually recommended for other skin treatments, such as hair removal.

What’s the difference between IPL and laser hair removal?

Because IPL emits multiple wavelengths of light, it affects a larger area in a more diffused way. This makes it a good option for hair removal. It’s also a more gentle treatment than laser energy, so your dermal clinician may suggest IPL as an option if you have particularly sensitive skin.

Electrolysis is a method of removing individual hairs from the face or body. Today’s medical electrolysis devices destroy the growth center of the hair with chemical or heat energy. After a very fine probe is inserted into the hair follicle, the hair is removed with tweezers.

Most areas of the body can be treated with electrolysis, including the eyebrows, face, abdomen, thighs, breasts, and legs. There are generally no permanent side effects, but sometimes a temporary, slight reddening of the skin may occur.

What Causes Unwanted Hair Growth?

Hair growth is the result of heredity and hormone levels. Also, some drugs, temporary methods of hair removal, and illnesses can stimulate hair growth. Electrolysis may be an option when hair growth is in an area of the body where it may not be desired such as on a woman’s upper lip, chin, or bikini line.

How Many Electrolysis Treatments Will I Need?

Many factors influence hair growth, so you will need to return for several electrolysis visits. The total number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person to person. Most clients return once a week or every other week as needed. But the unwanted hair will be gone forever once the series of treatments is complete. Each treatment lasts between 15 minutes and one hour.

Myths About Electrolysis

Myth: Electrolysis is very painful. For most people, today’s methods don’t cause a lot of pain, but it can hurt. If you find it too uncomfortable, your doctor may be able to give you an anesthetic cream.

Myth: The electric tweezer method is permanent. The FDA and the American Medical Association recognize only electrolysis as a permanent method of removing hair. Some states prohibit those using or selling the electric tweezer from claiming it provides permanent hair removal.

Myth: Temporary methods of hair removal can be better. Chemical depilatories (liquids or creams) are often used to remove body hair. These products contain irritating chemicals and can be time-consuming and messy. Likewise, bleaches contain harsh chemicals and do little to disguise dark hair. They may also discolor skin. Waxing is another temporary method of hair removal and is usually done in salons. A hot wax is applied to the skin and removed once it has dried over the hair. The hair is stripped off when the wax is removed. Waxing can be painful and costly. Home waxing kits are available, but they can be messy and difficult to use. There are electrolysis devices available for home use, but they are often unsafe for use by anyone who is not trained in electrolysis.