Jhoenna has taken her 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and known expertise to develop the Dérmica line of results-driven esthetic treatments that are sure to surpass your expectations!
Q: “My body hair ranges from dark blonde – light brown… Does IPL / LASER work on blonde hair?” – N.N
A: Yes, you can achieve results! Advanced IPL / LASER operating systems can now effectively treat lighter hair tones.
Hair colour plays an important role when setting expectations for treatment outcomes. The light energy pulsed by the operating system targets pigment cells found in the hair bulb. As a result, the more pigment cells present, the more energy is absorbed and therefore, producing optimal results.
Those with dark blonde – light brown hair tones are categorized as “Light” hair on the treatment scale. Light natural hair tones usually contain enough base pigment to properly absorb the energy into the hair bulb. In most cases, there is enough pigmentation to achieve significant hair reduction. Therefore, you can expect 25 – 75% reduction given proper aftercare.
In conclusion, IPL/ LASER treatment offers optimal results for those looking for carefree maintenance and to clear their skin of unsightly stubble. In addition, it saves the skin from the routine of painful removal procedures.
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A medical history form is the first step in your laser treatment consultation with our experts.
Dérmica offers what is commonly known as a laser treatment in Edmonton, specifically, IPL Phototherapy.
TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS for IPL Hair Removal
When predicting the before and after results of your IPL Hair Removal, we take the following factors into careful consideration: your hair type, skin tone, and treatment area. These key points help us set realistic expectations for your treatment course and keep your skin safe.
To help you better understand how these points come into play when predicting your before and after results, allow us to dissect the consult.
Hair growth is present in most areas of the human body. It can range from thick/coarse textures to peach fuzz. Some hair becomes more evident with hormones during puberty and, some hair is only present in our fetal stage. The purpose of hair is to protect us from the elements, a means of skin lubrication. In other words, it aids in temperature regulation, and other bodily functions.
Different IPL/ Laser hair removal treatment areas see varying degrees of success.
Bikini | Underarms | Face | Chest | Back
The pubic, underarm, lower facial region, chest, and back grow what is known as terminal hair. Terminal hair is present at birth and grows throughout the years. Some hair starts as vellus hair (fine hair) during childhood and develops into coarser hair during puberty.
Because of the colour content and thickness of the bulb, these areas tend to get quick and dramatic results within the first couple of sessions. The downside is that these areas are hormonally influenced and may require touch-ups sooner than other areas.
Hairline | Scalp | Arms | Legs
These regions of the body also contain terminal hair growth. Because these areas are not as affected by hormones in our adult years, they typically require fewer sessions and, the results last longer before touch-ups are necessary.
Although results vary depending on your hair and skin type, proper aftercare and scheduling are vital to ensuring your treatments are successful.
How are IPL/ LASER Hair Removal and Hair Color related?
HAIR TONE
Let’s review IPL/ laser hair removal and hair color: Your hair tone/type plays an important role when predicting the results of your IPL Hair Removal treatments. This is because the energy emitted into the root of your hair is attracted to and absorbed by the melanin cells. Melanin cells are responsible for adding colour to our hair, skin, and eyes. So, the higher the content, the darker the colour.
Therefore, we understand that the higher the melanin content and thickness of the hair shaft, the more energy is absorbed and the higher predictability of destroying the bulb of the hair. As a result, it can be predicted that darker hair tones will see higher success rates.
Can light hair be removed with IPL/ LASER?
Advanced IPL / LASER operating systems can now effectively treat lighter hair tones.
The light energy pulsed by the operating system targets pigment cells found in the hair bulb. As a result, the more pigment cells present, the more energy is absorbed.
Light natural hair tones usually contain enough base pigment to properly absorb the energy into the hair bulb.
How are IPL/ laser hair removal and skin tone related?
IPL/ Laser Hair Removal, Skin Tone, and The Fitzpatrick Scale
The treatment approach to IPL/ Laser hair removal depends on skin tone.The most commonly used guide for selecting the skin type for LASER and IPL treatments is the Fitzpatrick Scale. This guide helps us predict the skin’s rate of aging, risk of cancer, and reaction to UV exposure. The Fitzpatrick Scale ranges from level 1 – 6, with level one being the lightest and level six the darkest.
Different treatment approaches for different skin tones
Levels 1-3
Because lighter skin tones contain less melanin, they absorb less energy and release it faster. As a result, they are less likely to react adversely following LASER and IPL treatments. In addition, less energy absorption allows us to use higher settings in the early stages of treatment which translates into a higher rate of hair reduction.
Levels 4-6
On the other hand, melanin-rich tones absorb more energy. Therefore, a lower setting is required, especially in the early stages of the treatment course. Easing the skin into the treatment reduces the risk of burns and hyperpigmentation until it builds tolerance to the energy. Although we can safely treat darker skin, the rate of hair reduction decreases in darker skin tones.
In short, advanced IPL / LASER operating systems can effectively treat a wide range of skin tones. However, there are limitations to treating beyond a Level 5. Adverse reactions such as burns and permanent scarring can occur due to the pigment in the skin absorbing the energy emitted by the laser.
Combination skin is best described as oily down the ‘t-zone’ and normal-dry over surrounding regions of the face. The condition of combination skin can vary with fluctuations in routine, diet, climate, stress levels, and age. These shifts can cause combination skin to become rough, dehydrated or oily, and blemished.
Combination skin becomes oilier during the summer months due to the increased humidity and heat. The winter months can bring about a dull complexion, coarse texture, and fine lines. This is mainly due to cold temperatures, and artificial heat exposure from heaters.
So, now that the snow is here to stay – let’s talk winter care for combination skin!
How do you treat combination skin in the winter?
Our favourite treatment for instant results and the perfect level of exfoliation is – dermaplaning!
Dermaplaning removes the superficial layers that build up from sun damage through the summer months. Although tanned skin adds a flattering glow to the complexion, it can leave the skin looking dull and damaged. Clearing away the damaged cells that build up through the summer brightens and evens the overall complexion.
There’s nothing like applying your skincare products to a freshly dermaplaned face. Once the skin is clear of buildup and dull skin, it quickly and effectively absorbs products and active ingredients.
Should my skincare routine change during the winter months?
As with any skin type, it is beneficial to adapt your skin routine to the changing climate throughout the year, this includes product selection. Try our Home Care Selection Guide for Winter Skin Care recommendations.
We highly recommend professional skincare products containing hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid attracts and maintains hydration to hold 1000 times its weight in water.Even if you drink 8 glasses of water per day, by the time your other organs have taken their share of water, there is very little that actually transmits to the visible layers of the skin.
Hyaluronic acid molecules act like a breathable capsule absorbing and retaining water molecules, thereby, preventing water from leaving your skin through evaporation.
BONUS…Fuzz-free finish!
Another benefit of Dérmaplane is the instant and painless removal of fine vellus hair. The precise technique and fine blades allow for precision removal and a smooth finish.
Take it up a notch.
An excellent pairing for Dermaplane is an AHA BOOST. The combination of hydroxy acids applied to the skin amplifies hydration levels by pushing fresh cells to the surface. These fresh cells are at their prime for proper absorption and hydration retention and therefore make your skin look and feel JUICY!
