Ipl Laser For Hair Color

Ipl Laser For Hair Color

Ipl laser hair coloring is the fastest and most hassle-free way to change your hair color. Ipl laser makes use of a laser to eliminate unwanted hair pigment from the hair follicle. Photothermolysis is the term for this reaction. The end effect is a gradual shift in your hair’s natural color that can be preserved with periodic salon visits for touch-ups.

The actual process only takes around 45 minutes, and there is no special care required before or after. You won’t need any kind of painkillers or sedation to get through the procedure. When the laser performs its magic on your scalp, you may feel a slight warming sensation. Your scalp will be somewhat pink for a few hours after treatment, and then it will return to its natural hue. This amount of sensitivity shouldn’t prevent you from going about your normal routine, but it could be uncomfortable if you have sensitive skin or just got a shave (as this would increase sensitivity).

In the last decade, laser hair removal has become increasingly common. Indeed, laser hair removal can be superior to other methods because it eliminates melanin, the pigment responsible for hair growth. This means you can permanently get rid of unsightly hair. Read on to learn more on at home ipl for blonde hair/best ipl for red hair.

Ipl Laser For Hair Color

Are IPL Devices Effective on Grey Hair, White & Blonde Hair?

Aging, the process of life that inevitably leads to the dreaded appearance of grey hair. Certain forms of hair removal are effective regardless of whether you embrace your gray hair or cover it up with dye. It’s possible to get rid of hair everywhere on your body, whether it’s your back, legs, underarms, face, or head.

Throughout your research on hair removal procedures, you may have come across the observation that IPL and laser hair removal are most effective for fair skin with dark hair. Your laser treatments may not be as successful as they once were, even though they used to be when you had dark hair and fair skin.

Fortunately, as you have aged, so has the technology for removing hair at home; some IPL equipment can now remove grey hair as easily as they ever removed dark hair, with a few exceptions.

This article will explain the various methods for getting rid of gray hair, why IPL and laser hair removal have historically had a poor track record for removing lighter hairs, and how some products have evolved to make IPL devices effective on some grey hair the way they do on dark hair, and when they won’t.

Eliminating White/Grey Hair Most hair removal techniques are effective regardless of hair or skin color. There are numerous options for removing unwanted hair, including razors, wax strips, and depilatory treatments.

Historically, those with light complexion and dark hair have had the most success with laser hair removal and the least risk from IPL hair removal technology. If someone did try either of those treatments on their white, blonde, or gray hair, they would have been disappointed. The technology behind laser hair removal and IPL hair removal means that they are not effective at removing lighter hair.

A Technical Explanation of Laser and IPL Hair-Removal Methods
The science behind both laser and IPL hair removal is essentially the same. Both methods harm the hair-growing follicles in the epidermis with light energy. In the long run, both dramatically reduce hair growth, but neither can eliminate hair entirely. This is not because they are ineffective; rather, hair grows in cycles, which you may read more about in our hair removal guide.

The light source used to create the heat that ultimately removes the hair is the primary distinction between the two treatments. Lasers employ a more powerful light source that concentrates its rays on a tiny spot without losing intensity as they move. IPL, which stands for “intense pulsed light,” is a method for permanently reducing hair growth by heating up hair follicles using visible light.

Understanding Hair Color

To understand why grey, white, and blonde hairs are more difficult to remove you need to first understand how hair color is determined.

Hair color is made up of pigments, which are natural materials that change the color of transmitted and reflected light. Hair color specifically is made up of two pigments: light (phaeomelanin) and dark (eumelanin). The combination of these two pigments is what results in the wide array of hair colors we see.

Light hair contains less pigment than dark hair and white and grey hair is a result of the loss of pigment in hair.

Why Light Hair Colors are more Difficult to Remove with Laser/IPL hair removal technology

The key reason that grey, white, and light blonde hair are difficult to remove with laser and IPL hair removal technology is because of the method. As explained above, both use light energy to heat the hair, causing damage to the hair follicle that slows hair growth over time.

Also explained above is that hair color is determined by the amount of pigment in the hair. Less pigment results in lighter hair and more pigment results in darker hair.

Heat naturally heats up dark colors better. Think of summer clothing – during the summer wearing light colors such as yellow and white help keep you cooler as they are natural reflect the light. However, when you wear dark colors, like black, they absorb and retain the heat from the sun. This is essentially how laser and IPL hair removal devices work. Dark hair absorbs more of the heat, getting hotter and transferring that to the hair follicle causing more damage and thus being more effective at slowing and stopping the hair growth. Light hair, on the other hand, rarely absorbs enough of the heat to effectively damage the hair follicle enough to stop the hair growth.

Additionally, Silk’n devices look for this pigmentation before they flash, if the device can’t tell the difference between your skin and the hair, or if your skin is too dark, it simply won’t work.

This is why IPL and laser hair removal are more effective on dark hair on light skin.

Effective Hair Removal for Hair with Some Pigment

Hair color and skin tone are important factors when it comes to determining which hair removal method is right for you. Knowing the science behind why your hair color is the way it is, is an important factor in understanding which technology will be the most effective.

Knowing that IPL hair removal technology focuses on heating up the hair follicle and that lighter hair does not absorb heat as well as dark hair explains why historically IPL and laser treatments haven’t worked as well with light hair colors.

While white hair doesn’t work with IPL hair removal technology some salt and pepper hair colours still might. As long as there is enough pigment in the hair, IPL treatments can be just as successful at removing the unwanted salt and pepper hair. This is equally true for people who have light blonde hair with enough brown pigment that the light can target.

Each person is unique so it’s best to try out the device to see how effective the treatments are on your hair colour. Additionally, each Silk’n hair removal product includes a chart called the Fitzpatrick scale that shows skin colour to hair colour effectiveness and compatibility so you can find the product that will work best for your skin and hair colour.

Hair Removal Options for White and Blonde Hair

So what are the options for hair removal if you have white or white blonde hair? Unfortunately, for now, the options remain the same time-tested hair removal methods of the past: shaving, waxing, depilatory creams, threading and epilator hair removal devices.

While they obviously don’t work as well as IPL hair removal, they are still relatively effective options for removing unwanted body hair of any color, on any skin tone.

And just as IPL hair removal technology has evolved to work on grey hair, in the future an at home technology might be developed to meet your lighter hair removal needs. Until then, existing methods are still an option.

Learn More About Hair Removal

Hopefully this post has provided insight into what hair removal devices will work with your hair color. If you’d like to learn more about how hair grows, and how Silk’n hair removal devices work, be sure to visit our Hair Removal section of the Resource Center.

Best Ipl For Red Hair

The only clinically confirmed IPL hair removal method that works on blonde and red hair is El’s. It’s not just the dark melanin pigment in your hairs that does it.

You’ve made the commitment to try an at-home hair removal kit. There are several considerations redheads should make when selecting an at-home hair removal treatment.

IPL (intense pulsed light) has been a lifesaver for my red hair and fair skin. For my purposes, it is effective and safe; my skin is never in risk of being burned or otherwise damaged. Nonetheless, preferences vary, and laser hair removal treatments have been shown to be safe for redheads.

Waxing and shaving are two other hair removal treatments that work well for redheads. You should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each approach before settling on a course of action.

There are several hair-lightening products on the market, but only a select few deliver on their promises.

L-ascorbic acid, a derivative of vitamin C, is frequently used in cosmetics. Whether administered to the scalp or applied straight to the hair shaft (as in a serum), ascorbic acid has been demonstrated to lighten hair (like in a toner).

Ascorbic acid lightens hair by removing melanin, a pigment found in the hair follicle. Ascorbic acid is a byproduct of a chemical reaction between melanin and ascorbic acid.

But, ascorbic acid alone can be challenging because of the harshness it can have on your scalp, leading to inflammation and dryness. Pair it with a milder ingredient like argan oil or coconut oil if you’re going to use it at home.

Here are the top IPL hair-removal lasers that we recommend for red hair. They are high-quality devices meant for usage in places like beauty parlors and health spas.

The pigment in the hair follicle is what the laser is after, thus it won’t do a good job on white or gray hair. The laser’s light is absorbed by melanin in your skin, causing the follicle to heat up and stop generating hair. Redheads are more likely to get scars after laser procedures than those of other skin tones because they have less melanin. There are lasers that can treat more than just pigment, but you won’t find them at any respectable clinics (and it’s illegal for me to acquire or use them as an esthetician) because they haven’t been licensed for usage in the United States.

One option is IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), which uses light energy instead of heat energy like lasers do. This means there’s no heat involved and therefore less chance of scarring or burning/blistering your skin. However,

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is one of the top light-based therapy treatments that currently exist, and every day more people around the world find out about its benefits as they use it to remove their acne, broken capillaries, stretch marks, and much more. Yet, the procedure has not been fully rosy for everybody and it is not difficult to find reports of various people being unhappy about their treatment.

While IPL remains highly recommended, there are some side effects most people are unaware of before they begin the treatment. This leads to people coming out of the procedure with much worse skin than they had before they started, which nobody wants. To make sure that you don’t fall into the same traps as countless others, we will be discussing the potential impact of IPL on your skin, including whether it can give you burns, affect your skin texture, and much more.

Can IPL Ruin Your Skin?

While you may have read about countless dangers of IPL, the chances of your skin being damaged by IPL are very few. This mostly lies in the technology behind the procedure. IPL is non-invasive and non-ablative, which means that the light beams can target the lower layers of your skin without affecting the top layers. This makes the procedure highly safe, while also resulting in little downtime.

Essentially, if you take the right steps before getting your IPL, then you should only expect to come out on the other side of the treatment looking fresh and revitalized. Unfortunately, many people read about the potential benefits of IPL and jump into the procedure without doing much research, which is where things can start to go wrong.

While IPL is a fantastic procedure with marvellous benefits, it is not for everybody. There are certain skin tones that we suggest do not use an IPL treatment at any time, because it can easily lead to hyperpigmentation or discoloration. Additionally, IPL may not be the best solution for all issues, and you should speak to a skin therapist or licensed provider before you undergo the treatment.

Does IPL Change Skin Texture?

If you have any texture-related skin issues, then IPL is one of the top options to help solve this. During your treatments, the heat from the technology will help to destroy older or dead cells in the target area, which will then help to stimulate the growth of newer and healthier cells.

Naturally, these newer cells will be much firmer and richer in proteins such as elastin or collagen. So, after your IPL treatment, your skin will feel much firmer and supple. Additionally, any imperfections or issues in that problem area will be reduced or turn completely invisible. This will help to improve the level of your appearance, giving you a more youthful and vibrant look.

Will IPL Burn Marks Go Away?

While burns are extremely rare when you undergo an IPL treatment, they may still happen, and you should remain wary of this. In any case, if you do receive a burn from an IPL, don’t fret, it will generally go away over time and you should not expect any lasting effects.

However, you should still speak to your provider if you do notice any burn. This can be extremely helpful, especially if you still have more sessions in your treatment plan. Once your skin therapist is aware of the burn, they will give you the best tips on how to manage it, while also ensuring that the settings on the device are more suitable for your skin during the next session.

Can IPL Cause Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is one of the possible side effects of IPL and other light-based therapy treatments. However, this may depend on the type of procedure that you desire to use the IPL for. To ensure that this does not affect you, we suggest that you speak to your skin therapist about the dangers of hyperpigmentation on your skin before you begin your treatment.

Another factor that can lead to hyperpigmentation is your skin tone. As hyperpigmentation is caused by an excess production of melanin, those with dark tones are naturally at a higher risk. This is why we always recommend that you stay away from IPL if you have darker skin, as the chances of hyperpigmentation are extremely high.

If you have a medium skin tone and are unsure about the potential effects that the therapy may have, then you should speak to your provider about this. They will examine your skin and decide if the treatment is going to be safe for you.

What Are The Dangers Of IPL?

We have already discussed many of the risks associated with IPL, such as burning, hyperpigmentation, scarring, etc. Unfortunately, while many of these side effects can be avoided, many clients and providers do not take the necessary precautions before an IPL treatment, leading to several health risks and damage to the skin.

To ensure that you are not affected, you should make sure that you do the following before an IPL treatment:

       1. Follow the Instructions of Your Provider :

Before you begin your IPL procedure, your skin therapist will likely give you a set of instructions to follow. This can range from not shaving your hair immediately before a hair removal treatment to staying away from the sun for a given period. If you receive any of these instructions, you must follow them.

You should remember, any guidance that your skin therapist provides is for your care and will aid in stopping any side effects. So, if you are unable to follow them, we suggest that you speak to your provider about the possibility of rescheduling. Following these guidelines will also ensure that you see the maximum benefits of any treatment.

       2. Enquire About The Training of Your Service Provider:

The therapist delivering your IPL must not only be well versed in using the technology but must also be able to understand the impact that the treatment will have on your skin. Such knowledge can be a key factor in stopping any side effects. However, because IPL can be extremely exciting, most people simply dive into the first hands offering them the treatment, regardless of their experience.

Before you begin your sessions, you should engage in a detailed conversation about IPL treatments with your provider. You should also try and discover the level of experience or training that they have in treating your condition. So, if you would like to use IPL for Rosacea, but a therapist does not have much training or experience in treating this, then we suggest that you seek another provider.

You must also ask your provider about the potential health risks of using IPL to treat the issue that you are facing. This will mean that you will not be thrown off by any side effects if they occur. Understanding the potential health risks will also allow you to weigh your options. So, if you are highly uncomfortable with burning and feel that it is not worth the risk, you may want to find other types of treatments.

        3. Speak to Your Provider About Your Current Medication:

IPL is likely not the first solution that you have sought out for your skin issue and you may already be on some form of medication. If this is the case, then we suggest that you speak to your provider about this before the treatment, especially if they make your skin more sensitive to light.

Such medication can easily lead to adverse effects, such as burning or scarring. However, if your skin therapist is aware of the medication, they can examine it and determine if it is safe to continue using during IPL. On the other hand, if you would like to continue the medication while on IPL, they can also adjust the intensity of the light to accommodate for its effects, which should help reduce the possibility of any health risks.

How Long Does It Take For Dark Spots To Fade After IPL?

IPL for dark spots is another highly popular use of the treatment, and one of the common questions we get is, “how quickly will my dark spots fade after IPL?” Fortunately, the process for treating dark spots is relatively quick and it shouldn’t take long before you begin to see good progress.

Generally, your dark spots should begin to fade within two weeks of your first session, though this will depend on various factors, such as how deeply the pigment is located. In any case, you should see huge gains after you complete your first full treatment and your skin should look much more uniform.

However, you should not expect your dark spots to completely fade after just one treatment. So, if you would like further progress, we suggest that you speak to your provider about the possibility of another treatment. You must remember, IPL is a gradual process, and you can only see continuous improvement if you stick to your treatment plan.

Best Ipl Hair Removal For Blonde Hair

Natural hair colours are either black, brown, blonde, red or white (this includes grey too).

Two types of melanin pigment in the hair follicle determine your hair colour. The pigments are eumelanin and pheomelanin.

Eumelanin is either black or brown. Lots of black eumelanin makes hair black and brown eumelanin makes it brown. There are many shades of dark hair and it’s the amount of these pigments in the hair which determines how dark it is. Eumelanin is also found in blonde and red hair colours but in much smaller quantities.

The different types of melanin in your hair and follicles determines your hair colour.

Pheomelanin is either yellow or red. Unsurprisingly, it makes hair blonde or red. And there are loads of shades here too. Red colours include many variations of titian, copper, orange/ginger, red, and deep red. With more brown eumelanin in the mix, you also get light to dark auburn colours too.

Blonde hair shades contain yellow pheomelanin and some eumelanin. But, compared to dark hair, the levels of pigment are much lower overall. And the varied ratio of these pigments results in loads more shades from dark blonde to white blonde.

If there’s a higher ratio of eumelanin, you get cooler medium to dark blonde shades. Whereas a higher pheomelanin ratio makes shades of awrm golden blonde. And low levels of both make light to white blonde.

And of course, with both yellow and red pheomelanin, you get the rather beautiful and rare strawberry blonde colour. This golden blonde and red combo-colour has the highest overall amount of pheomelanin.

And finally, white hair has no pigment. It appears ‘colourless’ because the follicles have zero melanin pigments. Light reflecting off the hairs gives them a greyish to pure white colour. Greying comes with age, as cells in our hair follicles slow down and eventually stop producing any pigment.

Grey and white hair has no pigment at all.

The hair on your head can also differ from the colour of your body hair, and your body hair can be a different colour in one body area versus another. So, for laser and IPL, check the colour of the hairs in the body areas you want to be smooth.

Why most laser & IPL won’t work on fair hair

Home laser and IPL hair removal is most effective on dark, coarse hair types like those found in blacks and browns. The pigment eumelanin soaks up the intense light from the IPL and laser, causing the follicle to overheat and suffer structural damage. After a series of treatments, hair growth is slowed or stopped altogether.

Blonde and red hair have pheomelanin, which reflects rather than absorbs light. Thus, IPL and laser are ineffective on hair colors that predominantly contain these pigments.

To help you determine if your hair color has enough eumelanin for your at-home brand’s gadgets to function, they provide color charts. Like I said, a lot of fluff.

Sensica hair color chart sample – use it to determine if your hair color is accurate.

Colors ranging from black and dark brown to light brown and dark blonde can be seen on the charts (1 to 4 above). Light blonde, red, and grey/white hair are not compatible (5 to 7).

If your hair color on your body is very near to a swatch on the chart, this will be very beneficial. The vast majority of possible blonde and red hair color combinations are not shown here. Some of them may even exhibit functional levels of eumelanin.

Even though black and dark brown hair have the most melanin and hence respond best to treatment, other hair hues and colors can also be treated if they contain enough eumelanin, as stated in several companies’ frequently asked questions. This encompasses a wide range of blonde and auburn tones as well as lighter browns.

IPL hair removal may be successful on auburn hair colors.

IPL hair removal is effective on golden blonde hair of all tones, from medium to dark, and possibly even light blonde (but not white blonde).

IPL hair removal is effective on medium and dark ash blonde hair and may be successful on light ash blonde hair (but not white blonde).

Light blonde hair may have sufficient eumelanin pigment to employ Smoothskin’s strong Muse model, the company said a few years ago (but not on white blonde hairs). However, those with darker hair may need a few extra sessions to achieve the same results. They recommended giving it a try for a few months and then sending it back if you don’t like the results. This warranty is valid everywhere in the world.

An old chart from the Smoothskin website suggesting try it on light blonde body hairs with the 90 day money back guarantee.

Smoothskin no longer promote this with the latest powerful Pure and Pure Fit model (which has the same IPL power range), but there’s nothing stopping you trying this on blonde or red toned body hair. If you’re prepared to put the effort in you could see results within the money back guarantee period. However, be prepared you may not, and it’s unlikely to work on white blonde or pure red body hair.

So, if you want a sure choice before you put in the effort, check out the next section.

How some do work on fair hair colours

For blonde, red, grey and white hairs you can choose IPL devices with a special patented technology called Elōs.

You’ll find this tech in Illuminage and Me IPL devices. It’s clinically proven to work on fair hairs. 

Let’s look at how it works now.

How Elōs technology works on fair hairs

Elōs IPL hair removal is the only one clincally proven effective on blonde and red hair. That’s because it doesn’t rely solely on dark melanin pigment in your hairs.

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GREY HAIRS TOO?

White/grey hair participants weren’t part of the Elōs clinical test. However, because it’s not reliant on dark pigment in the hairs, it will work in exactly the same way on white and grey body hairs.

It works in two ways:

#1 Pluck or wax

You must pluck, wax or epilate your fair hairs immediately before your session. This way, the IPL energy targets the small, dark blood droplets left behind in your follicles after they’re pulled out. The blood droplets absorb the IPL energy and convert to heat, thus damaging the follicles.

#2 Radio Frequency current

Radio frequency (RF) is a sort of electric current that El delivers into your skin. If your hair follicles lack the dark eumelanin pigment, the IPL and RF will heat them just as effectively.

This is how radio waves operate.

Radiofrequency (RF) energy is a painless electric current that can be transmitted from one skin electrode to another. The RF electrodes are spaced at the optimal distance to reach the hair follicles. You don’t perceive any discomfort. But, the RF meets resistance as it travels through your skin, which causes your tissues to warm up.

The RF circuit through your skin is made up of two silver RF electrodes, one on either side of the flash window.

Warmer structures have lower resistance to electrical current, which is why IPL works so effectively with them. As the blood droplet and follicle are heated by the IPL flash, the RF current is attracted to the location. Then, it’s focused precisely where it’s needed, around the follicle. Hence, the RF provides supplemental heat to your hair follicles. This causes delayed hair growth and eventual damage to the hair follicle.

This is how El’s can function even without dark hair. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do, of course!

Just before your sessions, pluck, wax, or epilate. The Iluminage Touch can do double duty as an epilator and light source thanks to its epilator attachment (ouchie).

However, it is less effective than on eumelanin-rich dark hair due to the small size of the blood droplets.

Consequently, to ensure the follicles receive a enough quantity of heat, you must zap each treatment area twice or thrice per session. Also, you need to wax, epilat, pluck, and zap hairs multiple times in the beginning before you get results.

So in case you were wondering, the answer is yes.

Further information follows.

What results will I see & when?

All home laser and IPL devices recommend a start-up treatment schedule, followed by less frequent maintenance sessions.

The below table shows the advertised treatment schedules for the proven Elōs devices. Remember, you must pluck, wax or epilate immediately before sessions with the Elōs Iluminage & Me devices.

At-home device	# of start-up sessions	Frequency	Top-ups
Elōs technology in: Iluminage Precise Touch Me Chic Iluminage Touch Me Sleek	7 on dark hair (shaved before zapping) 14+ for fair hair (plucked before zapping)	Weekly	As needed.

NOTE: Iluminage shares for the first 6 or 7 weeks, you can use their devices 2 to 3 times per week on your face.

It will take several weeks of sessions before you’ll notice slower and softer growing, or fewer hairs. So be prepared for the extra time and commitment!

👉 Although not published anywhere today, Iluminage previously shared with me that you’ll need at least double the start-up sessions (14+) to see results on fair hair with the Elōs devices.

So, keep going until you’re happy. Then switch to top-ups. On dark hair, brands suggest these monthly. However, you may need them more frequently, every couple of weeks or so. As you notice any growth, pluck your hairs and zap them.

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A TIP…

With the Iluminage & Me Elōs devices your reduction in growth rate and hair thickness is not as obvious as it is on shaved hairs. Therefore, it may seem like it’s not working. But stick at it!

Results range from total smoothness, to slower growing, much finer hair that’s easier and less time consuming to manage. And remember, inactive hair follicles can wake-up and sprout new hairs. So, you’ll need to shave/pluck and zap them as they appear!

How to stay safe

The Elōs devices are safe for ALL skin tones.

Before you start your sessions, read the user guide carefully. There’s an important list of warnings and reasons you may be unsuitable to use home laser and IPL devices. Such contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, diabetes, medical & skin conditions, photosensitising medications, chemical peels and more. Stay safe and learn more about home laser & IPL safety and contraindications here.

Female

Women can use these devices from the cheekbones down.

Male

Men can use them from the neck and down.

❌ Don’t use them on the male beard or face!

DON’T…

DON’T use these devices on your genitals, anus, nipples, or on birthmarks, moles, or large freckles.

You must also do a skin sensitivity test in each treatment area. Follow the instructions in the user guide, and wait the specified time. If you have no skin reactions, proceed with your treatment. Do another skin sensitivity test after sun exposure or recent tanning.

⏱ Sensitivity test duration: 30 mins

You must also protect your skin from sun exposure before and after your sessions. Sunlight and tanning increase your skin’s sensitivity and so the risk of skin reactions and side effects.

❌ Not safe on recently tanned skin

☀️ Avoid the sun for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your sessions. Cover up or use SPF 30+

What do they feel like?

You’ll hear the cooling fan whir and a small pop or click with each IPL flash. The IPL flashes are bright but harmless when flush against your skin. You don’t need protective goggles. If you find the flashes irritating, wear sunglasses to help ease the glare.

The Elōs IPL intensity ranges from a low 2 to a medium 4J/cm² . The flashes are gentler than with other IPL devices so the flashes feel warm. Start on low for your skin sensitivity test and move up to medium and high only if it’s comfortable.

The flashes can feel hotter on more sensitive areas of your body.  For me, it feels most intense on my thighs and ankles. Most brands liken this sensation to an elastic band snapping against the skin. It’s instantaneous, uncomfortable but bearable.

Based on the online feedback, you’re more likely to feel a sting if your skin is a darker tone. If this happens, just lower the intensity level a notch. Also, try starting with your face and more sensitive areas when the flash window area is cool.

Possible skin reactions & side effects

Hot, tingly, red, dry or itchy skin are all common skin reactions. They usually fade within 24 to 48 hours. Sooth them with ice, a cool face cloth, cooling water sprays, Aloe Vera gel or a non-scented moisturiser. If they don’t fade, go see your doctor.

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SUN SAFETY

Remember, you must avoid the sun, cover-up or wear a sunscreen SPF30+ to protect your skin from skin reactions and side effects.

Side effects are rare but can occur. They include temporary or permanent patches of light or dark skin, burns, excessive redness and swelling around your hair follicles, blisters, and scarring. In these cases, consult your doctor.

Paradoxical Hypertrichosis is another exceedingly unusual skin condition that can affect the face and neck. Increased hair growth in places that have undergone therapy is known as paradoxical hypertrichosis. It is unclear what causes this phenomenon, however it is more common among users of Mediterranean ancestry and/or those with preexisting disorders like hirsutism.

There are many skin care treatments on the market today that promise younger, smoother skin, but only a select number are considered the “Gold Standard” by medical professionals. From IPL (intensity pulsed light) Photo Facials to dermal fillers like Botox cosmetic, even those with FDA clearance for safety and effectiveness should be approached with caution. Many of the women and men I know who have tried these treatments have found them to be helpful, but a small percentage have experienced side effects that have made their conditions even worse. The latter is something I’ve been through, and I hope to use my story as a warning to anyone else who’s thinking of trying it. My experiences with IPL laser treatments will be discussed in a series, of which this is the first installment.

Hyperpigmentation (brown spots), UV damage, broken capillaries, spider veins, and facial redness are just some of the skin issues that the IPL photo facial may remedy. An IPL is a non-ablative handheld device that releases a broad-band, high-energy light beam. It penetrates the dermis and delivers its effects there, leaving the epidermis alone. In most cases, the treatment only takes 20-30 minutes and there is no recovery time required. Even with the cooling features of some IPLs, the treatment can be unpleasant at best and painful at worst. About $300 to $500 is often spent on treatment.

My facial hyperpigmentation, which I had treated successfully in 2006, reappeared in 2010, right before I shut down my skin care spa. It dawned on me that the peel I had done at the dermatologist’s office possibly triggered the appearance of these spots. Even though I took very good care of my skin, at the time they were merely bothersome. Nevertheless, after a month or so, they started to look darker, so I decided to try some IPL (intense-pulsed light) photo facials. Although I had asked some trusted professionals for recommendations, I ended up going back to the same highly regarded clinic where I had been seen before, if only out of habit and because I got along well with the proprietor.

I remembered how painful the first laser zap had been (it felt like someone was snapping a rubber band against my skin), but the doctor reassured me that it would help stimulate collagen synthesis in my skin and get rid of the dark spots.

Example of the average results from an IPL

After the procedure was through, my face felt as though it had been severely sunburned, but I was looking forward to the improvements that would come with time. I was given an ice pack to relieve the heat on my face and told that a series of three to five sessions would be necessary for the IPL to be effective. When I got home, I checked out my very hot skin. I was a little taken aback by how dramatically the black areas had “crisped up” (my nickname for the scab like patches that form after your spots have been zapped). Now I know that the initial treatment definitely burnt me, and that leaving the cooling packs on for too long is counterproductive.

In a matter of days, my skin had naturally shed the spots, and it looked fantastic. But, it felt like the laser sowed a new crop of pigmentation on my face within a week or two. At my second appointment, I brought this up in great detail and was informed, “Don’t worry, the laser is doing its job!” The number of “crisped” spots appeared to increase after that… And this time, my worries were legitimate. As my profession involves dealing with skin care, I am aware of the risks involved and how pigmentation might be aggravated.

After a week of treatment, I saw that I had even more pigmentation, so I called the office to express my worries and ask if the laser’s thermal heat may be responsible for causing further pigmentation. Or maybe I just can’t handle the heat like I used to. However, my worries were disregarded, and I received a response that said I was exaggerating. Keep in mind that I am not your typical customer because I have worked in the skin care industry for some time. Once again, I was told that more sessions would be required to obtain the desired outcome.

My fears that the laser’s thermal heat would cause cutaneous scarring were dismissed following a chat with one of the proprietors since “they had never ever heard of” such a thing. There was a warning bell going off in my head at this point, a red flag I should have obeyed, but I pushed it aside because I didn’t want my face to look like this forever. I figured that if they claimed one more treatment would really help, it was worth it to give it a shot. The irony is not lost on me.