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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Understanding the IPL hair removal phases will help you set realistic expectations and follow a consistent treatment schedule for optimal results.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what’s happening beneath the surface after an IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal session, buckle up—your follicles are on a journey! Here’s a breakdown of the four key phases that occur over a 10-week period.
Phase 1: Week 1– Initial Breakdown
During the first session, IPL targets hairs in the active growth (anagen) phase. By week two, these treated follicles begin to degrade. This is the first visible sign that the treatment is working, as the light energy disrupts the hair’s ability to grow.
Phase 2: Weeks 2–4 – Stunted or Degraded Growth
In this stage, the treated hairs either stop growing or fall out. The follicles have either fully degraded or are no longer producing viable hair. This phase is crucial in the IPL hair removal stages, as it marks the beginning of noticeable hair reduction.
Phase 3: Weeks 5–7 – New Growth Cycle Emerges
Hair follicles that were inactive during the initial treatment begin transitioning into the active phase. In other words, the inactive follicles that weren’t affected earlier are now waking up and starting a new growth cycle. It’s like a fresh batch of hair popping up—perfect timing for your next IPL session to zap them away. This phase ensures that IPL continues to target all follicles over time.
Phase 4: Weeks 8–10 – Shedding and Preparation
By this point, previously treated hairs have shed naturally. The skin appears smoother, and the next cycle of hair growth is emerging—ideal timing for the next IPL session. It’s a rinse-and-repeat process that gets more effective with each session.
Consistency is key!
Stick to your treatment schedule and let each phase do its magic. Understanding the IPL hair removal phases ensures you get the most out of your treatment plan. If you’re considering IPL hair removal in Edmonton, Alberta, we are located on Whyte Avenue and offer professional services tailored to your skin and hair type.
Our spa offers medical esthetics treatments and traditional esthetics services in Edmonton, Alberta.
Advanced skin treatments
Chemical peels
Chemical peels are medical esthetics skin treatments. They accelerate the cell turnover rate by chemically penetrating beneath the surface of the skin to dissolve away dead skin cells.
They are customized depending on the current condition of the skin and desired results. As a result, they treat a variety of conditions, for example, pigmentation, acne, fine lines, dry skin, and more.
The first thing to remember when booking your peel is the recommended downtime of 2-7 days depending on the depth of the peel. Please review the criteria before booking your peel.
Photofacials
Photofacials use Intense Pulse Light (IPL) technology to diminish brown spots, redness, broken capillaries, fine lines and other textural damage.
Over time, skin accumulates damage resulting in age spots and other pigmented lesions. Our skin loses elasticity which creates fine lines. IPL treatments are ideal for treating pigmented and textural damage that come from aging.
We recommend 4-6 treatments when treating the above skin concerns.
Types of Photofacial IPL treatments
While all photofacials emit light energy into the skin, the difference between them lies in their specific targets.
ALISA blasts collagen cells to boost collagen production. It target fine lines, skin smoothing, textured scarring, and large pores. Promotes skin rejuvenation.
ACLARA dissolves blemishes by destroying excess melanin cells. Recommended for removal of dark spots, pigmented scarring, and sun damage.
ALIVIA cauterizes superficial vessels and dissolves them back into the skin while flushing out the excess. It is used to treat vascular lesions.
Vascular lesions are due to conditions such as Rosacea, couperose skin, sensitized skin, or simply genetics. Subsequently, if left untreated these conditions can worsen, or mutate the skin’s texture.
Our advanced pedicure or “pedícare” menu includes specific treatments for ingrown nails, nail fungus, and diabetic feet.
Ingrown Nails
Ingrown toenails can cause discomfort and lead to infection when left untreated. Pressure is relieved by clearing debris and carefully trimming the ingrown portion of your nail.
This process can take anywhere from one hour to an hour and a half depending on how severe it is or if the use of topical anaesthetic is necessary.
Anti-Fungal Treatment
Fungal growth on your nails can lead to discomfort, deformities, and discolouration. Infected nails are treated to help prevent transmission and further complications.
Your nail care treatment plan will require follow-up service and use of the anti-fungal solution and home care instructions provided with your service.
Diabetic Pedicure
Our Diabetic Pedicure is a specialized foot care service tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with diabetes.
Booking this treatment begins with a telephone consultation to determine your eligibility for the treatment. Your consultation is free and can be booked online.
Advanced hair removal treatments
Our medical esthetics menu includes IPL Hair removal as a way to permanently remove or reduce facial and body hair. This treatment will deliver permanent results on any area of face and body, including male facial hair! Razor burn, ingrown hairs, and embarrassing stubble will be a thing of the past after your IPL Hair Removal treatment.
Located in Edmonton, we offer spa treatments tailored for couples. A favourite treatment for couples is the Relaxation Massage, more specifically, the Relaxation Body Treatment.
This treatment starts off with a dry brush to exfoliate the skin. The Swedish Massage incorporated into this relaxing service helps to soothe and loosen the superficial layers of the muscles. Service is complete with a steamed towel press.
Your hands, arms, shoulders, neck, and legs are then treated to a hot towel press. This promotes blood flow.
Other popular couples spa services
Other spa treatments couples can enjoy together include facials and pedicures. Whether you’re thinking a pedicure date with your boo, or a good ‘ol catch up with your friend, our couples spa experience offers a private and peaceful ambiance for two.
Boozy Spa
Dérmica is licensed through the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission. In other words, we are trained to serve you alcohol responsibly. We have a selection of popular cocktails. Furthermore, we have wine by the bottle for wine lovers, and beer for beer drinkers. Feeling peckish? Food items are available for preorder.
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Diabetes foot care is important to upkeep in order to avoid or reduce symptoms. The biggest concern for diabetic feet is the possibility of neuropathy. Neuropathy is a nerve problem that causes pain, numbing, tingling, swelling, and weakness. It can worsen overtime leading to a loss of sensation.
Neuropathy in combination with poor circulation can make the feet a lot more prone to infections and ulcers. This is because the person is not fully aware of what is going on with their feet without doing a visual check. For example, a blister from improper fitting shoes can go unnoticed a lot longer than most people due to a lack of sensation on their hands and feet. If the person is left untreated or they don’t manage their diabetes, it can progress and get worse which can lead to amputations.
Poor circulation
Another concern with diabetic feet is poor circulation. When the skin is not getting proper nourishment and circulation it can become swollen. In turn, this can cause poor skin health overtime.
Poor circulation can also cause excessive dryness because you are not getting proper hydration and circulation to that area. Cold feet and hands are commonly felt by individuals that have poor circulation. Having poor circulation can also interfere with the skin’s natural healing time and process. When the skin is not being nourished properly it is not able to restore itself and fight off infections properly.
Recommended Products
Aside from regular professional treatments, there are certain products that you can use to reduce some diabetes foot symptoms. One of the products we recommend and is available at most spas is the DD cream mousse by Footlogix.
This product will help to soften the skin and minimize cracks. It also has anti-fungal and deodorizing properties to it which can all be an issue with diabetic feet because of the poor circulation and possibly lack of care as diabetics can be more susceptible to fungi. This oroducts is a great way to help to reduce the risk of getting fungal infections and also treating fungal infections in combination with proper foot care.
Our advanced pedicure menu includes diabetic pedicure treatments in Edmonton, Alberta.
Diabetes and Professional Foot Care
If you are diabetic, it is recommended that you maintain a regular foot care schedule.
Our Diabetic Pedicure is a specialized foot care service tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with diabetes. This gentle treatment focuses on maintaining foot health and preventing complications. Correspondingly, it is performed by trained professionals.
Furthermore, we use diabetic-safe techniques to address common concerns like dry skin, nail care, and minor calluses, ensuring comfort and safety at every step. Perfect for enhancing foot wellness and providing peace of mind.
Booking your diabetic pedicure
Firstly, booking this treatment begins with a telephone or email consultation to determine your eligibility for the treatment. Your consultation is free and can be booked online.
Foot conditions related to diabetes include thickening of the nail, excessive dryness and callous-building, and poor blood circulation.
Foot Care at Home
Keeping a balance
Ensure that your feet are properly dried after your daily shower or bath. This is especially important between the toes. While complete dryness after bathing is crucial, it is also important to keep your feet moisturized with lotions, salves or balms to keep callouses away.
Tips for safety
Keep your nails trimmed with no sharp edges to avoid cuts. Wearing comfortable, breathable shoes indoors will help to avoid injuries in the area. Without reservation, indoor sandals should be worn to protect feet from surface bacteria at minimum.
What’s more is how important it is to do regular checks at home to identify any cuts, abrasions, scratches, or possible signs of infection.
Weekly maintenance
Equally important is preventing the build-up of callous. Use a loofa or an exfoliating mitt to keep the feet free of excess callous.
As long as you take the extra time to keep proper foot care at home, you can widen the gap between professional pedicures.
Book your diabetic pedicure consultation in Edmonton.
