Have you always wanted silky smooth skin without the hassle of shaving or the pain of waxing? Never want to deal with unsightly ingrown hairs or shaving rash ever again? Have you always thought that Laser Hair Removal was too expensive? Have you been toying between the difference between laser and IPL? Have you ever wondered why some clinics masquerade IPL as Laser Hair Removal?
Laser Hair Removal has been clinically proven to be the most effective hair removal treatment for nearly all skin types, so we wanted to let you in on the difference between the two treatments and how you can best achieve that endless summery smooth skin – everywhere!
Laser Hair Removal and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) are both light-based hair removal treatments and are often mistaken for each other, but there is a definite difference between the two, and knowing the difference may just save you from irreparable skin damage.
The main difference between the two – and the most important difference to note when you are considering which treatment to undergo – is the light source used in each. IPL uses a broad spectrum of visible light wavelengths that works more like the beam from a torch, covering broader areas of the skin. Laser Hair Removal uses actual laser technology that targets specific, small, controlled areas of skin, significantly reducing the risk of skin damage.
Even though both are long-term procedures for the removal of unwanted hair, and they do work in similar ways, they are, in fact, two entirely separate technologies. And, deciding which technology is best for you is no light decision.
The principle of both Laser Hair Removal and IPL is that light energy is absorbed by areas of high pigment, such as hairs, heating the follicles and causing them enough damage to slow down growth, and in some cases, prevent growth entirely. So if the principle is the same, why is there such a difference in the technologies? We’re so glad you asked! Because not every light energy is created equal. They are not the same, and it is this difference that will make all the difference to you and your skin.
IPL
As said before, IPL uses a broad spectrum of visible light wavelengths. It is not a laser and cannot be focused as a concentrated beam – meaning, it cannot be focussed on a concentrated area. Because of this, the light is absorbed at different depths of your skin. The varying wavelengths and broad light span mean there is less control in application.
This specifically affects particular skin types, including all darker skin types. Olive skin through to darker shades are advised to avoid IPL. The general rule is that the darker the skin, the more unsafe IPL is. If you think about it, dark colours naturally absorb more light. Because of the way IPL works, this can lead to burns or other negative side effects for darker skin tones. So, in effect, IPL really only works relatively safely for lighter colour skin types.
Laser Hair Removal
The laser machines utilised in Laser Hair Removal use concentrated light beams that emit targeted and controlled bursts of light that penetrate small areas, damaging the hair follicles and causing hair growth to slow significantly or, in many cases, stop altogether. These lasers target the follicles precisely causing less damage to surrounding skin and tissue. Also, laser machines use different light colours to target different types of skin and hairs. This means that darker skin tones can be safely treated with a certain laser type.
Laser Hair Removal treatments are more concentrated so long-term results are more effective than IPL. The nature of the laser is that they can focus light deeper into the pores of the skin, getting closer to treat the follicle and prevent hair growth. The specific nature also means that darker skin tones can be treated safely as less skin is exposed to the light energy, reducing the risk of damage. Because of the power of laser, fewer treatments may be required, making Laser Hair Removal more cost effective in the long term.
