IPL(Intense Pulsed Light)

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a broadband pulsed light source, which uses intense pulses of non-coherent light distributed over a range of wavelengths; from 400nm to 1200nm. The technology utilizes specific wavelength ranges to target various chromophores in the skin. For IPL treatments, an average of 8–10 treatments are required to remove the most visible hair.

What is IPL?

IPL stands for intense pulsed light, and it is a form of light therapy, used for various dermatological procedures including hair removal, skin rejuvenation, wrinkles reduction, skin tightening, skin whitening, and increase elasticity. IPL removes freckles, pigmentations, age spots, and sunspots.

How does IPL work for hair removal?

Broad-spectrum pulsed light is transmitted through a continuously cooled applicator, gently placed over the skin. Cut-off filters in the handpiece change the range of wavelengths, optimizing it for different applications and skin types. The light penetrates the tissue and is absorbed by either the relevant chromophores or damages them (blood chromophores when treating vascular lesions and melanin chromophores when treating pigmented lesions). IPL works like a flash-lamp, sending out scattered wavelengths of light, making IPL very targeted. That also means it affects the pigment in your skin too, so IPL only really works for those with fair skin and dark hair. The body’s natural processes then clear the lesion debris, giving the skin a more even and youthful appearance.

What is the difference between Laser and IPL hair removal?

The key difference between laser and IPL is the type of light. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a broadband pulsed light source, whereas a laser is a monochromatic coherent light source. Both methods target the melanin in the hair follicle and permanent results can be expected from both. Professional laser treatment is working more selective and therefore the very high energy will focus on the hair follicle rather than the surrounding skin. Therefore Professional laser hair removal machine will lead to fast results as well as be suitable for darker skin tones. Energy, frequency, and hair colour are all determining factors in the efficacy of the treatment, while the light source, whether it is a laser or an intense pulsed flashlight plays a minor role.

Both hair reduction methods are great choices but choose the treatment you think fits your needs best whether that budget or the type of hair you have. Here is a comparison of the two:

IPL is a more affordable option but may require more treatments

Lasers (such as 808nm diode laser hair removal machines) are more precise because they are more specific at targetting individual hairs

Each pulse of the laser takes a fraction of a second, so treatment times are fast

Both can treat the same areas

Both have different settings and can be adjusted to suit patient’s specific needs

IPL attacks larger sections at once

Being more precise may mean laser is more suited to treating darker skin tones