Phototherapy treatments such as LASER and IPL hair removal use light to permanently remove hair. Like other great contributions to science, the idea of phototherapy began over 100 years ago with the study of light. Scientists were curious about light- what was it?
In the early 1900’s Albert Einstein believed that light was made up of tiny particles that could be collected and released. Later he developed this theory to include stimulated emission– this concept is the foundation of phototherapy. Stimulated emission postulates that when a light particle hits something it creates another light particle. This light particle creates another and so on, creating a chain reaction. This chain reaction lets light multiply into a powerful beam- the essence of phototherapy treatments such as IPL and LASER hair removal.
The First Laser
The first laser was created in the 60’s- not for the purpose of removing hair- this came about 20 years later. Initially, lasers were invented to test Einstein’s theory of light. Could light actually be collected, released and multiplied? Over the years they learned many things about light, including how it travels in waves, how it can be absorbed, reflected, or passed through. Scientists also developed selective photothermolysis– a technique where light is used to heat and destroy only a specific target, without harming the surrounding areas.
Science Meets Beauty
Once selective photothermolysis was developed in the 80’s, scientists expanded the use of lasers to beauty treatments. Selective photothermolysis made it possible to destroy hair follicles without damaging surrounding tissue. Laser hair removal became a practical treatment in the 90’s, with the first successful procedures performed in the mid-90’s and commercial devices released shortly after.
At the same time, IPL technology was emerging. Invented in the early 90’s, IPL used a broad spectrum of light instead of a single laser wavelength. They were approved for cosmetic use, and clinics began adopting them for hair reduction and skin treatments. Unlike lasers, IPL systems are more versatile, allowing practitioners to treat multiple conditions using adjustable filters.
In Canada, regulations started in the late 90’s with devices having to be approved individually. To this date devices are approved individually with ongoing updates to safety rules.
Then vs Now
Phototherapy treatments have come a long way. Early devices were basic and often caused irritation or skin damage. By the 90’s, technology improved, and major advances made treatments much safer, with features like cooling systems to protect the skin and reduce discomfort.
Modern devices are also far more precise. Another key change is that treatments now work on a wider range of skin tones and hair types, making them more inclusive. In addition, settings can be customized for each client, improving results and safety. Today, phototherapy is not just used for hair removal but also for treating acne, pigmentation, rosacea, and signs of aging.
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When we introduced the Dermaplane service to our skincare menu, many clients asked us, “Does Dermaplane cause stubble?” Immediately we understood the reference- we remembered the myth: Hair grows back thicker after you shave.
However, this is not the case, hair does not actually grow back thicker. It only feels this way because natural hair growth has a soft, tapered tip. On the other hand, shaving leaves a blunt tip as a result of shaving straight across.
More than a shave.
Like shaving, the part of the hair responsible for determining hair biology remains untouched in dermaplaning. Where shaving serves one purpose only- to remove hair, dermaplaning is a skincare treatment with bonus hair removal effects.
Dermaplane uses a scalpel to primarly brighten the complexion, even skin tone, and leave the skin feeling supple and renewed. Additional benefits of dermaplaning are smoother and hair-free skin. The results are seen immediately following the procedure.
Unique Skincare Benefits
Dermaplane may be recommended to clients with aging concerns, for example, dull skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. Because this skin treatment targets superficial skin, it is perfect for clients that want to see a subtle improvement in a single treatment.
Dermaplaning may be recommended to clients with superficial hyperpigmentation. This skin treatment promotes cell turnover by removing superficial pigmented cells carrying excess pigment through an exfoliation process.
This treatment is great for clients with dry skin because it improves product absorption by clearing away dead skin. Once the way is cleared thanks to the treatment, moisturizers and serums are able to nourish new skin cells.
How soon does the peach fuzz grow back after dermplane?
The hair removal effects of dermaplane are at their best for the first 3 weeks. Peach fuzz may return within 3-4 weeks post service.
Healing Before Meetings: Returning to Work After Microblading
The microblading healing process requires minimal medical downtime, but the visible healing process is often the main reason clients hesitate to return to work right away. Here are some timeframes to help you book your procedure accordingly.
Days 0–3: Dark and Noticeable
Immediately after your procedure, the skin responds by clotting and forming early scabs. During this stage, brows typically appear much darker, bolder, and slightly raised. Mild swelling and redness are common. Although you can return to work the same day or next day, many clients feel self‑conscious during this phase, especially in corporate, client‑facing, or camera‑visible roles.
Days 4–7: Scabbing and Flaking
As healing continues, scabs begin to dry and shed. This is often the most visibly “messy” stage. Brows may flake, peel, and look patchy as pigment sheds unevenly. Makeup cannot be applied to the area, which can make brows appear untidy or unfinished. For this reason, many clients choose to take 5–7 days off to avoid returning to work during the scabbing phase.
Days 7–10: Work-Ready Brows
Once all scabs have naturally fallen away, brows look cleaner and smoother. Colour appears lighter and more natural, though still settling. At this point, most clients feel comfortable returning to work without drawing attention to their brows.
Planning Your Time Off
While it is physically safe to resume normal activities quickly, brows can go through stages where they may look dark, scabbed, or uneven, which some clients prefer not to show in professional or public settings. This is why many clients schedule microblading before weekends or time off so they can return to work looking polished rather than mid‑healing.
Why the Right Timing Matters for Microblading After Cancer
Microblading after cancer treatment can be a meaningful way to restore eyebrows. For many people, it helps bring back confidence and a sense of normalcy. However, when the procedure is done is just as important as how it is done.
During chemotherapy or radiation, the body goes through a lot. The immune system is often weakened, and the skin becomes thinner, drier, and more sensitive. Because microblading creates tiny cuts in the skin, doing it during treatment can increase the risk of infection, irritation, and poor healing. For this reason, microblading should never be done while cancer treatment is ongoing.
Giving Your Skin Time to Heal
After treatment ends, the body needs time to recover. Doctors and specialists usually recommend waiting 6 to 12 months before considering microblading. This waiting period allows the immune system to strengthen and the skin to heal and rebuild. Healthier skin means less risk and better results.
While the presence of hair is not necessary for your microblading procedure, waiting also helps with brow design. Hair often starts to grow back slowly after treatment. Once hair regrowth stabilizes, your technician can create a shape that looks more natural and suits your face better. Doing microblading too early may lead to uneven or poorly placed brows as the hair continues to change.
Moving Forward with Confidence
In the end, patience pays off. Giving your body enough time to heal helps ensure that microblading is not only safer, but also more effective. When done at the right time, it can be a gentle and empowering step forward after cancer.
Before booking, it’s important to get medical clearance from your doctor. This ensures your body is ready and that the procedure will be safe for you.
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Treatments and Pregnancy
IPL Hair Removal works by emitting a light beam into the hair follicle, this treatment coagulates the melanin when the light beam turns into heat energy. This “zaps” the hair follicle, leaving it unable to grow new hair. While this light beam doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to reach a developing baby, there isn’t enough scientific research proving IPL is completely safe during pregnancy. As a result, we choose caution over risk.
There’s also the effectiveness issue. Hormonal hair growth during pregnancy can make IPL results inconsistent or temporary. This is because during pregnancy, rising estrogen prolongs the hair’s growth phase and reduces shedding. In addition, progesterone supports this effect by counteracting hair‑thinning hormones.
Together, these hormonal changes often make hair appear thicker, fuller, and healthier. In other words, you could go through the treatment and still end up shaving anyway—hardly a win.
So when does IPL become safe again?
Most professionals recommend waiting for IPL Hair Removal treatments until after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Once hormones settle back into their normal rhythm—usually a few months postpartum—your skin is calmer, hair growth stabilizes, and IPL can work the way it’s meant to.
Surprise Pregnancy?
As soon as you know about your pregnancy, stop IPL hair removal treatments and let us know. Pregnancy hormones can make skin more sensitive, more pigmented, and more unpredictable. That increases the risk of burns, irritation, or dark spots.
We can resume your treatments when hormones settle—usually a few months postpartum—IPL works better and more safely. In the meantime, you can continue shaving as pregnancy‑safe standby. It’s not glamorous, but it’s safe and reliable.
Located in Edmonton, Alberta, we offer the Alisa photofacial- a treatment for large pores.
Can you actually reduce pore size?
Small pores indicate good skin health and present a youthful appearance. If you did not win the “skin lottery” genetically, there is not much we can do to reduce the natural size of your pores. On the other hand if your pores have become enlarged over time, IPL photofacial treatments can help you “shrink” your pores back to a normal size, particularly, the ALISA treatment.
IPL phototherapy uses a broad spectrum of light pulses that penetrate deep into the skin. These light pulses gently heat the tissue and stimulate a natural restorative response. This process boosts collagen production, which enhances skin elasticity and tightens the surrounding tissue. As a result, the pores appear smaller and less noticeable.
How many treatments are needed?
The number of sessions needed depends on a few factors such as your present skin condition and pore severity. Other factors include skin type and age, with younger clients responding faster due to higher collagen production.
Typically, clients begin to see results after a few sessions, with optimal improvements in pore size and skin clarity appearing after 3–4 treatments, spread 3-4 weeks apart.
Do photofacials hurt?
Photofacials are non-invasive. They are relatively painless, especially for individuals with light to medium skin tones. Individuals with medium to dark brown skin are eligible for the treatment but may experience a light pinching sensation. This sensation is normal. It occurs because darker skin tones contain more melanin which absorbs more of the IPL’s broad-spectrum light. It is this excess absorption that can lead to increased heat buildup in the skin, causing discomfort.
Photofacials require minimal downtime. For those seeking a refined, radiant complexion without invasive treatments, photofacials offer a luxurious and effective path to clearer and tighter skin
