What is the difference between Electrolysis vs IPL Hair Removal? If you are in search for permanent hair removal services, you may have come across these two methods.
Differences in treatment areas.
Electrolysis can be used on any hair colour, type, and area, including close to the eyes. For example, back in the day, women used it as a method for permanently shaping brows. Today, electrolysis is used primarily for random white chin hairs, the upper lip, and other small areas.
IPL Hair Removal is a popular choice for larger areas such as legs, arms, back, chest, full face, or bikini. However, hair colour plays an important role when setting expectations for IPL treatment outcomes.
What about treatment costs?
Treatment costs differ between these two treatments. IPL treatments are charged per service. In contrast, electrolysis treatments are often charged as a sitting fee.
Longevity
With electrolysis, once a hair bulb is treated, it’s gone! You only need one treatment per hair bulb. Electrolysis injects energy directly into the hair bulb via a needle or electrical charge. As a result, it can boast permanent removal. On the down side, electrolysis is a slow progression because you are working on small areas at a time. Therefore, it is not ideal for legs or other large areas.
LASER and IPL Hair Removal are ideal for intimate areas.
IPL Hair Removal requires multiple sessions to achieve similar results. This is due to the different hair growth stages at any given time. With IPL, the root bulb has to be big enough and have enough melanin to yield results. IPL or LASER hair removal can offer a permanent 98% reduction rate.
Which is best for you?
Now that you know a little more about electrolysis vs IPL hair removal, you can make an informed decision when selecting a treatment course. Dérmica offers IPL Hair Removal as a treatment for permanent hair removal/reduction.
Results vary and can last between 1 – 5 years before a touch-up is required. Although IPL / LASER hair removal are considered methods of “permanent hair removal”, these treatments often require touch-ups. The typical span is 1 to 5 years.
One of the main reasons for this vast range is the varying degrees of hair growth throughout the body. Some areas grow long/ thick hair, whereas other areas may grow short/ fine hair.
When narrowing down how long your IPL / LASER hair removal results will last, we begin by classifying the treatment areas into one of two major categories:
CLASS 1 – Includes: lip, chin, underarms, chest, back, and bikini.
CLASS 2 – Includes: scalp, hairline, arms, legs, hands, and feet.
These 2 categories have pre-indicators we use when making our assumptions for results. For example, hair texture, intensity of the growth, and hormonal influences that affect growth.
Touch-up Requirements
CLASS 1 | Lip | Chin | Underarms | Chest | Back | Pubic Region
Results last 1-3 years before touch-up is required. The growth in these areas is largely driven by hormones and continues to progress through our adult years. For this reason, you may require touch-ups sooner than other areas of the body.
CLASS 2 | Scalp | Hairline | Arms| Legs | Hands & Feet
Results last 3-5 years before touch-up is required. Because these areas are not as affected by hormones in our adult years, they typically require fewer touch-up sessions and, the results last longer.
Although results vary depending on your hair and skin type, proper aftercare and scheduling are vital.
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.
“Ask Dérmica” is a blog dedicated to answer your questions. Ask us anything regarding skincare, for example, treatments, products, home care, myths, facts…ANYTHING! We look forward to your questions and will try our best to respond as soon as possible. Some questions may be published anonymously.
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Typically in our late 20’s – mid 30’s our skin cells slow down and become “lazy”. They no longer regenerate at the same speed in which it used to in our earlier years.
This laziness creates a backlog of dead cells on the surface of the skin and paves the way for the appearance of fine lines, dehydration, premature wrinkles, and dullness. Sun damage endured over the years now begins to reach the surface in the form of brown spots (hyperpigmentation), broken capillaries, and excessive ruddiness.
Skincare tips: Start It Sooner Than Later.
The first step in the anti-aging journey is prevention. It is never too early to start caring for your skin and preparing for what the years will bring. We recommend younger clients begin with a healthy homecare regimen which includes proper cleansing and hydration day and night.
A fresh cleanse in the morning and daily moisturizer with a minimum 20 SPF, and a hydrating eye gel to keep your eye area looking vibrant.
At the end of the day we suggest a double cleanse to first clear the skin of daily environmental buildup/makeup, and then wash the bare skin itself. This routine will keep your skin balanced and protected throughout the day and night.
For younger clients beginning a professional skin treatment schedule, Phototherapy will deliver immediate results. Photofacials aid in the clearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and tightening of pores and texture. With a refresher treatment every 6 months your skin will defy age!
At this stage in the aging process resurfacing and exfoliation are vital in keeping your cells active, and clear of nutrient blocking dead cells.
Changes and Damage to Our Skin.
The changes and damage to our skin do not happen overnight, and everyday time slowly claims its youth. Therefore, once the skin reaches a more advanced stage in aging, reversing the effects of time is a process that also takes time and commitment.
Understanding your skin care products and the interactions of the ingredients with your skin is important when selecting your products. What may have worked a few years ago may not be ideal for your skin now.
Ensure that your products are age appropriate, targeted to treat your areas of concern, and most importantly protect your skin from further damage with minimum SPF20.
PROFESSIONAL SKINCARE AT HOME
Professional treatments should go hand in hand with clinical grade skincare products to help maximize results. This is why we offer 15% OFF all Glo Skin Beauty products in-store with any skincare treatment.
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How can I get rid of ingrown hairs and bumps on my face and scalp?
Let’ start by understanding the cause of these bumps on the scalp…
Razor bumps are often caused by close shaving and barbering techniques. The shaved areas of the skin endure micro-trauma over the protrusion of the hair follicle. The damage is often due to dull blades, excessive pressure, repeated passes, and/or shaving against the grain.
Our skin’s natural response to trauma is to repair and rebuild the damaged tissue, causing a blockage over the opening of the follicle. This blockage prevents the hair strand from breaking through to the surface of the skin. The hair strand will continue to grow and coil back into the skin causing it to swell.
What treatment is recommended for getting rid of these bumps?
Our preferred method to treat scalp folliculitis is with salicylic acid peels or ‘Acne Treatment”. Known for its exfoliating and anti-inflammatory benefits, Salicylic Acid is an effective solution for this and other skin conditions.
What to expect during your treatment…
Salicylic acid is applied to the area for 2-8 minutes and can be layered to intensify the treatment. The acid penetrates deep into follicles where it loosens and softens the oils and buildup. This allows for the hair to become dislodged as the skin begins to shed the excess layers above the follicle opening.
The treatment takes 30-45 minutes and may require manual extraction of the trapped hair. The chemical peel process is repeated 3-4 weeks apart until desired results are achieved, on average 4-6 sessions are required for maximum results.
What should I be doing at home?
Products containing Salicylic Acid are great for at-home treatment. Regular use of these products will continue the treatment process and boost results.
TIPS
Proper home care is key for maximizing results and preventing future breakouts. Here are some tips to follow:
Keep the area dry and clean.
Avoid wearing headgear for extended periods.
Do not shave down to the skin with razors.
Use electric trimmers with a guard to avoid close shave.
Exfoliate skin regularly.
Avoid picking at live skin.
While the visibly bumpy appearance on the skin is the most common concern, other far more concerning issues can arise from these bumps on the scalp. These skin flare-ups can cause scarring, permanent hair loss, bacterial and fungal infections. In severe cases, your skincare specialist may suggest a visit with your doctor for testing or diagnosis before commencing treatment.
Our role is to help improve the general health of your skin through professional care, products, and care recommendations. Call to book your complimentary phone consult with one of our skincare specialists!
Yes, IPL Hair Removal does work. However, results may vary amongst individuals. While some individuals may reach desired results sooner than others, we recommend 8-12 sessions for maximum results.
Ensuring your IPL Hair Removal treatments work.
Below are some tips from our experts:
👉Make the commitment.
The length of your treatment course can last anywhere from 1 to 2 years. Your body naturally tries to repair the hair follicles damaged by the light energy. As a result, we must increase the intensity of energy with every new treatment, until we reach our desired goal.
A fresh shave the morning of your appointment will maximize results. All forms of hair removal that pull the hair from the follicle, for example, waxing, must be avoided during treatment course.
👉Attend scheduled appointments.
We recommend facial areas be booked 4-6 weeks apart, and body parts spaced 6-8 weeks apart. Waiting too long between treatments may result in retrograde energy settings.
👉Follow after-care instructions.
Following post care instructions will extend the safety of your treatment at home. Knowing youraftercare instructionswill help you book your appointment accordingly.
