IPL and LASER are different permanent hair removal procedures that have a similar purpose and achieve similar results.
They achieve their results by emitting a specific range of light energy towards a specific target in the skin.
IPL and Laser are both safe and effective treatment methods for treating skin conditions and permanently reducing unwanted hair. It is important to remember that results vary with both methods, there are specific guidelines to follow pre/post treatment, and number of sessions can range from 4-12.
LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation)
Lasers operate by emitting a single wave of steady or pulsed laser light into their target. Depending on the manufacturer of the laser equipment, some lasers are not suitable for all skin tones or skin conditions. As a result, the technician is required to use different attachments or machines for treatment.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
IPL technologies project flashes of light energy onto the surface of the skin. The handheld device is placed directly on the skin and flashed at set intervals. The device emits a broad band of light energy into the skin, which is then quickly absorbed by the target. The diameter covered by the spot size varies and is ideal for larger areas.
At Dérmica, we offer IPL treatments for skin care and hair removal solutions. Our chosen technology is safe and customizable thanks to its ‘DPC’ technology. DPC stands for Dynamic Pulse Control. The DPC technology means that we can determine the “aggressiveness” of the treatment based on the duration of the pulse- shorter pulses are more aggressive, delivering the light beam in a shorter period of time, while longer pulses are less aggressive as they have a longer period to deliver the light beam. The different range of pulse durations results in a major increase in the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
In a professional setting where the service is delivered by a trained technician there should not be any concern regarding eye damage when having IPL hair removal or any other method of phototherapy. That is not to say there is never reason for concern. However, any contraindications can be determined during your consultation. For example, reasons for concern could include the use of medications that cause sensitivity in the eyes, or recent eye surgery or trauma.
Otherwise, the precautions taken when preparing the client for the treatment are enough to prevent any harmful side effects to the eyes.
How do you prevent eye damage during laser/ IPL hair removal?
Precautions involve the use of goggles. Goggles are made from different materials depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation for the type of phototherapy and the intensity of the treatment. Eyewear protection can range from translucent lenses to fully enclosed goggles. Anything that has been deemed harmful to the vision is filtered out by the appropriate eyewear.
Potential Side Effects to the Eyes
IPL/ laser hair removal is safe for the eyes. Minor side effects include pressure from enclosed goggles during the procedure. Some light may still be visible even with protective eyewear. After the treatment there may be a bit of haziness that lasts a few minutes. This is usually due to the pressure of the goggles and having your eyes closed for so long.
Located in Edmonton, Dérmica offers short and long term solutions for bikini hair removal. Regardless of which method you choose, you can be sure that your technician will be efficient and effective.
Waxing- Short term hair removal
Generally, waxing involves the use of warm wax, typically honey or pine resin-based and cloth strips. The esthetician first preps the area by disinfecting and applying a protective barrier to the skin. Afterwards, the warm wax is then applied using a wooden spatula and covered with a cloth strip. The strip is then quickly pulled off parallel to the skin and voilà your skin is left smooth and hair free!
Results are visible for about 2 weeks, with 4-6 weeks before you are ready for your next visit. After care for waxing includes: avoiding heat, sun exposure, strong/fragranced, lotions, and washes for 24 hours and frequent skin exfoliation.
IPL- Long term hair removal
On the other hand, if you are searching for a permanent solution, opt for IPL hair removal treatments.
If you choose to have your treatment performed by the experts at Dérmica, here’s what you can expect:
Our tech begins by disinfecting your skin, she provides you with your protective eyewear, then off she goes zapping away.
Some lasers, like ours, are equipped with cooling systems, making your service a breeze. The cooling system makes your treatment significantly less painful (if at all), and 100% less messy than other lasers.
For the following 48 hours you will be required to avoid direct heat, perspiration, sun exposure, strong/fragranced soaps, lotions and washes.
French bikini hair removal offers more options for shaping and further removal. Most of the hair is removed from the front leaving a small patch of hair. This includes removal from underside, and excludes the backside.
Brazilian
Contrary to popular belief, the traditional method of Brazilian bikini hair removal does NOT leave you free of all hair below the waist. The traditional method leaves only a small strip down the centre.
So for you thong sporting ladies, a Brazilian bikini wax will give you the same flexibility with shape and coverage that the French bikini wax offers, but also clears any unwanted strays from the backside leaving you confident from any angle.
Hollywood
Who needs hair down there anyway? If this is your motto then opt for Hollywood bikini hair removal and liberate yourself from pubescent hair growth. This method will clear all existing hair from front to bunny tail leaving you G-string ready all around.
Does IPL laser hair removal have long term side effects?
The long term side effects of IPL Hair Removal may include lightening of the hair tone in the area being treated. In addition, you may also see thinning of the hair growth in that area if and when it starts to come back. Overall, there aren’t really any negative side effects if the treatment course goes well.
However, if there was damage or trauma to the skin during the treatments, then scarring could be a long term side effect.
What is the down side to IPL treatments?
Treatments can be costly when compared to other methods of hair removal, such as waxing. While these treatments may be a higher price point than other methods, they yield permanent results. So, in the long run, if waxing is regularly being used as method of hair removal it eventually balances out.
Another downside could be the time allotted to the treatment for larger areas, for example legs, chest, or back. It can be a lengthy session depending on the individual and how much surface area is being covered.
Finally, having to avoid the sun could be a downside for some people. You cannot have a previous tan or sun exposure during any of your sessions. It is recommended to wait a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the treatment. Plus, afterwards you are to avoid sun exposure as well. So that’s another couple of weeks that your skin needs to stay away from direct and extended sun exposure.
While the benefits of IPL hair removal are obvious, what are the risks? The 3 most common risks are burning the skin, the scarring that can result from burning, and pain felt during treatment.
Burns
Incorrect Settings
The biggest risk is of burning the skin. In order to reduce the risk if burning, we measure your skin tone and your hair tone individually. That allows for a customized service so the energy going into the skin is able to differentiate well between the skin tone and the hair that its targeting. And thats how we reduce the risk of burning, because burns are usually a cause of the energy settings being incorrect.
Medications
There is also the potential of burning due to certain medications. We reduce this risk with an initial prescreening when you book online or over the phone. We follow that with a thorough consultation in person at your appointment. In that consultation we find out if there are medications taken orally or topically. We also look for certain products that may be used topically that were purchased over the counter or prescribed through a dermatologist or physician.
Supplements
There are certain supplements that can make you photosensitive resulting in burns. Be extra vigilant as the label may not be very large on the bottle. We learn about any supplement intake through our consultation process. If we flag any supplements, for example, Vitamin B6, that will increase the risk of burns, we postpone treatment for two weeks.
Scarring
The risk of scarring is diminished when we reduce the risk of burns.
Pain
As far as the risk of pain, the hand piece of our equipment has a built in cooling tip to keep your skin nice and cold at a -8° celsius so that any pain sensation you may feel is minimized.
Also, we are equipped to treat a large spectrum of skin types. We also know tips and tricks to greatly minimize pain in darker skin tones.
To better understand what IPL Hair Removal is, let’s start of by defining “IPL”. IPL stands for Intense Pulse Light. Furthermore, DPC stands for Dynamic Pulse Control. These 2 acronyms go hand in hand when explaining our chosen technology to deliver these treatments. 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.
The DPC technology means that we can determine the “aggressiveness” of the treatment based on the duration of the pulse. In other words, shorter pulses are more aggressive, delivering the light beam in a shorter period of time, while longer pulses are less aggressive as they have a longer period to deliver the light beam.
Above all, the different range of pulse durations results in a major increase in the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
How does light-based technology work?
Light-based technology works through Selective Photothermolysis. This is the selective thermal damage of pigmented structures. It selects tissue to be destroyed by selecting tissue with significantly greater optical absorption than the surrounding tissue.
In layman’s terms, the light beam is attracted to darker pigments, thereby being able to distinguish the hair from the skin.
Because these advanced treatments involve the application of heat, not everyone is eligible for IPL Hair Removal treatments. Factors such as your rating on the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Classification Scale and your previous experience with sunburn may make you ineligible for this procedure.
Ensure that wherever you go for this procedure provides you with a thorough consultation!!!
Is IPL different than LASER hair removal?
Yes, they are different permanent hair removal procedures that have a similar purpose and achieve similar results. While laser uses an actual laser, IPL Hair Removal uses pulse light.
